Beloved Family:
What is one to say, in the face of such devastation? Earlier this week, Hurricane Melissa made landfall, beginning with Jamaica. Recalling the impact of Katrina, which took place within the first two years of my arriving in Wooster, we can only imagine the needs which will come to our attention in the coming days and months. We commend all the victims of this disaster, including commending the souls of those who have died to the mercy of God.
Indeed, that is what the month of November is all about: stepping up our prayer for those who have died, even as we are called— challenged— to keep before our awareness the limit of our days on this earth, our true homeland and destiny designed by God to be Eternal life with Him. How we live matters! Saint Augustine has said it so well: “He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent.”
No one who has driven local streets or walked neighborhoods during these days can have possibly missed the plenteous “decorations” in yards, including a lot of variations on the skeleton. While I am not a fan of such displays, it does call to mind a feature of religious paintings in past periods. One example is depictions of Saint Jerome. Here is what one source offers:
In portrayals of St. Jerome and other saints, the skull symbolizes our mortality. Memento mori —the memory of death—is something we as Christians should always have in our minds, though not for the sake of meaningless morbidity.
Instead, the recollection of death reminds us to stay detached from worldly things and to be always prepared to die, since we will die eventually, and sometimes unexpectedly. When our own death does come, may the Lord find us ready! (The Catholic Company website)
The Book of the Dead will be on display throughout November, on the south side of the church, adjacent to the bank of votive candles. Many names are already inscribed, and you are welcome to add names of recently deceased or, perhaps, the name of someone who died who you believe has not had the benefit of prayers over the years. May I commend to you the list of names included in the bulletin this weekend. Clip it and place it in our “prayer corner” or spot where you typically undertake your daily meditation.
Next Saturday, Bishop Martin Amos will once again celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation here at St. Mary. Along with the young men and young ladies from our parish who are receiving the sacrament, some candidates from St. Agnes will be joining us. May we fervently pray that the power of the Holy Spirit will propel these young people forward in their relationship with the Father and in service as soldiers of Christ.
I began this article acknowledging tragedy. I conclude it with an illustration of hope in the midst of tragedy. Twelve-year-old Sophia Forchas, who was shot and nearly killed in August at her school's Mass at Annunciation Parish, Minneapolis, was released from the hospital on Thursday, October 23. In a statement posted to the family’s GoFundMe page, Sophia’s parents, Tom and Amy Forchas, wrote: “Today marks one of the most extraordinary days of our lives! Our beloved daughter, Sophia, is coming home!!” …We thank you from the depths of our hearts. We will never forget your world-class care that sustained her. Your commitment carried us through.”
May such testimony inspire us anew to be agents of hope in a wounded world.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
