Beloved Family:
As we mark the solemnity of Corpus Christi this weekend, we pray that the momentum toward deeper love of the Eucharist established within the last several years, at the time of the formal “Eucharistic Revival,” will continue to build. Once again, after the 10 am Mass (note the time change for summer!), we will take to the streets with a Eucharistic procession. Saint Mary parishioners will be joined by members of the Saint Agnes community, who will enrich our assembly in music and proclamation of the Word of God.
On Friday of this week, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As our nation observes its semiquincentennial— or Bisesquicentennial (250 years since its establishment)— later this summer, the bishops of the United States have determined to observe a formal consecration of the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. What is the significance, we may ask? My response is that while it is very appropriate to mark, with gratitude, what patriots sacrificed on behalf of establishing freedom to the citizens of a new nation, authentic freedom cannot be realized without entrusting ourselves, individually and collectively, to Christ’s love, recognizing His kingship and continually renewing our allegiance first and foremost to Christ by seeking to live more faithfully according to the Gospel (admittedly, this is a somewhat Pauline sentence:).
Here is a prayer that can be used at home:
On the Occasion of the U.S. Bishops Consecrating the United States of America
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.
From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst.
Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you.
We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation,
founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people
with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.
May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.
May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love.
O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
The Saturday vigil Mass recently has been the setting for a series of significant events. There was First Communion at the beginning of May; then two weeks ago, we observed the extended Vigil for Pentecost with additional readings as at the Easter Vigil. Next Saturday, there will be a Baptism during the Mass. The following week, June 20, we will actually celebrate a wedding at the 5 pm Mass. Yes, you read correctly! While it is not typical, the liturgical norms of the Church do allow for such an occurrence. What a joy, that a young couple from the parish would choose to share this defining occasion with the larger community.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
