Pilgrims of Mercy

Pope Francis said,. “I will have the joy of opening the Holy Door on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On that day, the Holy Door will become a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instills hope.”

He went on to say, “I have chosen the date of 8 December because of its rich meaning in the recent history of the Church. In fact, I will open the Holy Door on the fiftieth anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council. The Church feels a great need to keep this event alive. With the Council, the Church entered a new phase of her history. The Council Fathers strongly perceived, as a true breath of the Holy Spirit, a need to talk about God to men and women of their time in a more accessible way. The walls which for too long had made the Church a kind of fortress were torn down and the time had come to proclaim the Gospel in a new way. It was a new phase of the same evangelization that had existed from the beginning. It was a fresh undertaking for all Christians to bear witness to their faith with greater enthusiasm and conviction. The Church sensed a responsibility to be a living sign of the Father’s love in the world”

In coordination with the universal Church, Archbishop Lucas designated and opened Doors of Mercy a St. Cecilia Cathedral in December. Archbishop Lucas invited pilgrims to participate in this Year of Mercy in a special way today on Pentecost.

This morning 77 parishioners from St. Columbkille parish participated in a pilgrimage to St. Cecilia Cathedral to be a part of this. A pilgrimage is a journey on foot to a holy place. The practice of pilgrimage dates from the earliest civilizations and is common to many cultures including Judeo-Christian. Abraham and Sarah and their household walked to the place of God’s promise. The Jews left the slavery of Egypt and wandered forty years before entering the promised land. Jesus and his family traveled every year to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover. Throughout the centuries Christians have continued the practice of a holy journey. Many brave and hardy pilgrims trekked to the Holy Land at the risk of life and limb. Others traveled the road to Canterbury or followed the Camino to Santiago de Compostela and the “end of the earth.” These trips were not undertaken lightly. A sizable number of pilgrims set out never to return home.

Most modern pilgrimages aren't as dangerous, but true pilgrims still undertake them with great seriousness. This was a simple journey taking only part of a day, but the spiritual gifts it offers cannot be gained without intentionally turning away from sin and towards the Father whose mercy overflows for his children. Passing through the holy door is a truly worthy goal in this Jubilee year. We are invited to know what pilgrims have always known – “The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned,” (Ps 34:22).

Everyone from St. Columbkille received a blessed medal. Besides being a worthy remembrance of Pentecost, for those from St. Columbkille there is the reminder that in Gaelic "Columbkille" means "Dove of the Church." So we remember St. Columbkille, Pentecost, and the Year of Mercy with this reminder.

Reconciliation was available in front

 of the Cathedral during this event.

Pilgrims were sprinkled with Holy Water

 as they approached the doors.

After passing through the Doors of Mercy, we were directed down the main aisle and invited to place grains of incense in the brazier.

 We prayerfully prepared for Mass with Archbishop Lucas. In process we prayed not only for ourselves, but for everyone in our St. Columbkille family.

Incense is often used in Mass, partially as a reminder that just as incense rises, so too do our prayers rise to heaven.

In his homily, Archbishop Lucas reminded us that the disciples had gathered in the upper room "frightened and confused. There they did what most of us do when we're frighten and confused -- which is nothing, though they did pray." Then filled with the Holy Spirit they enthusiastically went into the world."

Archbishop Lucas also reminded us that "The Holy Spirit dwells in you. and the reason the Holy Spirit dwells in you is because He hopes to work through you."

Pentecost & Confirmation

As we celebrate Pentecost today, we can't help but be reminded of our Confirmation students. Just one week ago today they received the same Spirit given to the apostles at Pentecost.

This is the sacrament of Martyrdom and Evangelization as we offer ourselves to God and commit to sharing our faith by how we live our lives.

You can hear Archbishop Lucas' homily from Confirmation right here.

Send us Your Spirit

"In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit Itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings." -- Romans 8:26

God invites us to ask, seek and knock -- and He will answer.

It seems, though, that often when I ask for something, I aim too low. I forget that God is big, powerful and infinite. His mercy and graces are like oceans, and  I go to Him equipped with a spoon.

Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is at work everywhere inspiring and helping us, especially through the church and her sacraments, Scriptures, saints and teachings. Through these gifts, the Holy Spirit teaches us to pray.

A wise priest recently said that when He prays for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, he asks for a "double portion," following the example of the Old Testament prophet Elisha in 2 Kings 2:9:

"When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Request whatever I might do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit."

Another wise person prayed that God would send two guardian angels to protect someone in harm's way. I'm amazed when people are inspired to pray in such ways, asking the Lord for things I would never think to ask for, and having full confidence that their Father will hear and answer them.

It shows their connection to the Holy Spirit, who helps them pray and intercedes for them, sometimes in ways we cannot fathom.

Please, Lord, as we celebrate Your Ascension into Heaven and await Pentecost, we ask You to send us Your Spirit. Give us a double portion of the Holy Spirit, especially for those about to be confirmed, for Father Damian as he prepares for his new assignment at St. Frances Cabrini, for our new pastor Fr. Dave Reeson and all our priests, deacons and parishioners.

Come, Holy Spirit, come!



Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.

Snuggle Parties

Thank you to Alissa Olson, a kindergarten teacher at St. Columbkille School, for introducing my family to the “snuggle party.”

Last fall her class – which included my son, David – earned a party, so she asked what kind of party they should have. They decided to watch a movie and bring a favorite pillow or stuffed animal to snuggle with. And the teacher, or someone in the class, coined the celebration a snuggle party.

David excitedly told me about the party, and we determined we could have one of our own. Other family members found our two-person party, though, and wanted to join in. And ever since, snuggles parties have become a regular family tradition.

We typically have them after a long day, when we need to unwind and relax. We hold them in the basement of our house, where my husband and I have our bedroom. It’s dark, cool and relaxing there.

Four, five or six of us will squeeze onto a queen-size bed. Usually there’s some fighting as we get adjusted, each person trying to grab a spot to lie down for the movie on DVD or via Internet. Even the dog joins us, because she loves to snuggle as much as anyone. And usually she’s the worst offender of taking more than her fair share of space.

Sometimes even our older kids will stop down for a while. They might have to grab some laundry in the basement or have something to tell me. But they’ll linger for a few minutes to watch a few scenes and grab some of our snacks.

Snuggle parties are my kind of parties: low on preparation, effort and energy, but high on quality time close to loved ones. They’re a break from a day full of activity, a way for us to relax together, tightly squeezed onto a bed with favorite pillows, blankets and maybe a stuffed animal. (There isn’t much room left for toys.)

I’ve been thinking about the notion of snuggle parties during the afterglow of Pentecost. Just as our minds and bodies need peace, solace and relaxation, so do our souls.

And the Holy Spirit seems to be just what we need, the chicken soup (or snuggle party) for our souls.

At Masses on Pentecost we sang or recited the sequence “Veni, Sancte Spiritus,” including these lines:

“You, of comforters the best;

You, the soul’s most welcome guest;

Sweet refreshment here below;

In our labor, rest most sweet;

Grateful coolness in the heat;

Solace in the midst of woe . . .”

That certainly describes what my soul needs.

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.

Mary's Last Words

Mary is present in scripture from the Annunciation to Pentecost. Some of the times she is mentioned include the Visitation, the Nativity, Finding Jesus in the Temple, the Wedding Feast at Cana, the Foot of the Cross, and burying Jesus.We get the Magnificat as her response to what God has done for her. But the very last time she speaks in scripture is in today's Gospel when she said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”

Remember that, "Do whatever He tells you."
 

Happy Birthday Church!

As we celebrate Pentecost today, there is an option in Mass of a blessing. It goes like this:

May God, the Father of lights, who was pleased to enlighten the disciples' minds by the outpouring of the Spirit, the Paraclete, grant you gladness by his blessing and make you always abound with the gifts of the same Spirit

Amen

May the wondrous flame that appeared above the disciples, powerfully cleanse your hearts from every evil and pervade them with its purifying light.

Amen.

And may God, who has been pleased to unite many tongues in the profession of one faith, give you perseverance in that same faith and, by believing, may you journey from hope to clear vision.

Amen.

Confirmation Class

A week ago there was a session for Confirmation Candidates and their parents. It began in the church sanctuary where Fr. Damian discussed six of the sacraments. (The other sacrament, Confirmation, will be the subject of the next session.)



Then everyone moved to the Social Level as Tom Murray led a session including singing.

There we moved into the heart of the evening,

which was the dsicussion among families.

As the primary educators of their children, this

offerred an opportunity for families to discuss faith.

We look forward to Confirmation on Pentecost

Pope Benedict on Pentecost

Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI gave on Pentecost before praying the midday Regina Caeli in St. Peter's Square. (Zenit.org)
* * *
Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The Church throughout the world relives to today the Solemnity of Pentecost, the mystery of her own birth, of her own "baptism" in the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 1:5), which took place in Jerusalem, 50 days after Easter, precisely on the Jewish feast of Pentecost. The risen Jesus told his disciples: "Remain in the city until you are given power from on high" (Luke 24:49). This happened in a perceptible way in the Cenacle, while they were gathered together with Mary, the Virgin Mother, in prayer. As we read in the Acts of the Apostles, suddenly that place was invaded by a strong driving wind, and tongues like fire came to rest on the heads of all those present. The Apostles went out then and began to proclaim in different languages that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, dead and risen (cf. Acts 2:1-4). The Holy Spirit, who with the Father and the Son created the universe, guided the history of the people of Israel and spoke through the prophets, who in the fullness of time cooperated in our redemption, who at Pentecost descended upon the nascent Church and made it missionary, sending it to proclaim to all peoples the victory of divine love over sin and death.

The Holy Spirit is the soul of the Church. Without him to what would it be reduced? It would certainly be a great historical movement, a complex and solid social institution, perhaps a kind of humanitarian agency. And in truth this is how it is considered by those who look upon it from outside the perspective of faith. In reality, however, in its true nature and also in its most authentic historical presence, the Church is unceasingly formed and guided by the Spirit of the Lord. It is a living body, whose vitality is precisely the invisible divine Spirit.

Dear friends, this year Pentecost falls on the last day of the month of May on which the beautiful Marian Feast of the Visitation is usually celebrated. This fact invites us to let ourselves be inspired and taught by the Virgin Mary, who was a protagonist in both events. In Nazareth she received the annunciation of her singular maternity and, immediately after she conceived Jesus by the working of the Holy Spirit, was moved by the same Spirit of love to go to help her elderly relative Elizabeth, who was in the sixth month of a similarly miraculous pregnancy. The young Mary, who carried Jesus in her womb and, forgetting herself, goes to help her neighbor, is a stupendous icon of the Church in the perennial youth of the Spirit, of the missionary Church of the Incarnate Word, called to bring [this Word] to the world and to testify to him especially in the service of charity. We invoke the intercession of Mary Most Holy, that the Church in our time may be powerfully strengthened by the Holy Spirit. The comforting presence of the Holy Spirit is felt in a special way by the ecclesial communities that suffer persecution for Christ's name, because, participating in his sufferings, they receive the Holy Spirit in the abundance of glory (cf. 1 Peter 4:13-14).