Beloved Family:
Last Monday, the Church observed the memorial of Saint John Vianney, who lived in the late 18th-early 19th centuries. This remarkable witness of the Lord is patron saint of parish priests. His story is a testimony to the power of God at work in “earthen vessels,” to use a Pauline reference. An apparently simple man of average intelligence, Saint John Vianney had something unmistakable and intensely compelling: an intense love for Christ and total dedication to the apostolate—or ministry—to which he was called in Ars, France.
Obviously, some aspects of priestly life have shifted dramatically since then. Tasks that would have been non-existent in that day and age now occupy a significant degree of energy and attention for a typical pastor (and parochial vicar, for that matter). At the same time, fundamental activities that are uniquely priestly remain the same. As providence would have it, that particular day was particularly priestly. Specifically, before the lunch hour arrived, I had: celebrated morning Mass, joined in the blessing of FOCUS missionary Sydney Ebin ahead of her departure for work in the “other Worcester,” anointed someone before surgery and prayed last rites over a gentleman at the inpatient hospice unit.
I truly felt the momentum of the Holy Spirit and the intercession of Saint John propelling me forward. What a blessed life is mine, by the grace of God and no merit of mine! And to share it with my brother clerics makes it all the more a gift.
Toward the end of this coming week—as highlighted in the graphic on the front cover of this issue of the bulletin, we will observe the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Two Masses, one morning and one evening, will be offered at Saint Mary.
