Corpus Christi - June 7

It has been a few weeks since I wrote something for the bulletin. I am generally not a spontaneous sort of writer; I need to have some long-term plan or goal in mind. This is one of the reasons why I have not written anything recently, I am attempting to figure out the next series that will be undertaken. Keep in mind, the series on heretics started in July of 2023. They say that when Robert Babington Macauley finished his sweeping history of England from the Roman times up to the 17th century, which he wrote between 1849 and 1861, he felt as if he had lost an old friend and would spend hours just walking in his garden in the evenings after that, unsure of what to do next. In my own poor way, I can understand what that was like. After spending time over a number of years reading, studying and writing to finally reach some sort of end, it does feel strange. Now with that being put down on paper, I am currently narrowing down the options for the next series. I will hopefully have it decided within the next few weeks.

On to current business. As we have announced in the bulletin over the last few weeks, we are preparing for our annual Corpus Christi procession which will happen next Sunday, June 7, at Holy Family after the 11 a.m. Mass. It would be good to see more of you there as we gather together as a family of Faith. We all know how many problems there are in our world and in our own families. The only solace and solution that will ever be found that is lasting - is found in Christ. We need to make a greater effort to ensure that we are taking all the available opportunities to live our Faith and to join together in solidarity in the public practice of that Faith. Eucharistic processions are one of the oldest, continually practiced public devotions in existence. Our forefathers were never embarrassed or too busy to find the time for this public exercise of their Faith and they were aware how necessary it was for them, their families and their countries. In our own day and age the need is no less, so let us make as great an effort as possible to take part in the procession. Especially since this is the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. In accord with that, the celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi ends on the Feast of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus which always falls on a Friday. This year it falls on June 12, our bishops have proposed that we as a nation once again confirm our trust and reliance on the Sacred Heart of Jesus by publicly consecrating our nation and ourselves to the Sacred Heart, much like we did to the Blessed Virgin Mary a few years back. We will be making that possible at our parishes as well, so please keep an eye on the bulletin next weekend for more information on that.

Let us always remember: the only way things change for the better, the only way the evil in this world can be defeated, the only way for us to not only survive the trials and tribulations we face but to be victorious over them – is by drawing closer to Christ, His presence in the Holy Eucharist and to deepen our bond with His most Sacred Heart.

Our souls and the soul of our nation depend on it.

God love you, Fr. Anthony