Beloved Family:
Oh, the music I heard in Nashville! I have had two occasions, in the course of my life, to visit the city of Nashville. The first came within two years of my arrival in Wooster—the occasion of a wedding on the campus of Vanderbilt University. The second was provided just this past week—the celebration of First Profession for Sr. Rachel Therese Dugan Wood, a daughter of the parish who has embraced consecrated life with the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia.
Now, Nashville is widely known as a city of music, and there is certainly a smorgasbord of music on offer most, if not all, days of the week along its main thoroughfares. That said, I fear that a relatively scant percentage of visitors to the city have the opportunity to hear what those of us gathered on Monday morning at the Cathedral of the Incarnation had the privilege to witness. Imagine hearing 300 religious sisters, along with others assembled in the congregation, lifting up hearts and voices in sheer praise and thanksgiving to God for the seven young women offering to Him the total gift of their lives in vowed consecration. For me, it was as though the veil separating heaven and earth was drawn back a little further, granting us a glimpse into the heavenly realm.
Wooster was quite well-represented for the event. Whether or not you were physically in attendance, I can assure you that this whole faith community of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception is the beneficiary of powerful prayers among these women. The joy of the Mass undeniably spilled out into the rest of the celebration—a reception held at the motherhouse of the congregation. Families of the newly-professed, along with a superabundance of Dominican sisters, and friends familiar and new, all gathered in the halls and parlors of the building.
This was no adults-only event; babies and toddlers, among them nieces and nephews of Sr. Rachel Therese, were passed around like a tray of sweet delights. Each set of arms received them with the anticipation of new parents. Despite the numbers crowded in, instead of feeling oppressed, one had the sense of being a guest in the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus.
Speaking of gatherings: next Sunday, we will hold a parish picnic, beginning with 10:30 am Mass at Freedlander Park (please note: there will be NO 10 am Mass at church that day). It has been a number of years since we have held this particular event, and I truly hope it leads to renewal in fellowship AND an expansion of connections between people. Time and again, I am amazed to learn how many people have not had the opportunity to know many other people, even though we share the liturgical experience on a constant basis.
For many, the new school year begins this week. I would like to congratulate our new school Principal, Mrs. Tiffanie Gaffnie, along with her leadership team, for the stellar efforts they have made during the summer months. It may seem last minute, but I want families to know that it is not too late to consider choosing Saint Mary School for their sons and daughters. Mrs. Gaffnie would be thrilled to be able to meet with you and give the opportunity to tour the building and hear about what we are “building,”
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
