Dear friends,
The church all over the world is mourning the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who died on 31 December 2022. As a community, we prayed for the repose of his soul at all the Masses on 1 January 2023. Thank you for continuing to pray for him. His funeral, held on 5 January 2023, was most solemn and sober. His last words, as recorded by his personal nurse, were “Lord, I love you!” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI served as pope from 19 April 2005 until his resignation on 28 February 2013. He insisted that we should not see Christianity as a list of don’ts but as a series of yeses that confirm and lead to true joy and an ever-deeper relationship with Jesus. Benedict had the indomitable courage to think and speak of the eternal truths. He lived his vocation as the vicar of Jesus on earth with profound conviction and credibility. Following his exemplary model, let us strive to enter into a deeper relationship with Jesus so that when our time comes we, too, can say, “I shall stand before him fearless as he will be my advocate and paraclete.” May his legacy of faith, love, trust, commitment, and compassion endure far into the future of our Church.
I once again strongly encourage you to learn about the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). The best and easiest way to do so is to follow the podcast The Catechism in a Year by Fr. Mike Schmitz. Fr. Mike breaks the Catechism into easily digestible sections for each day of the year. Just as we did with The Bible in a Year, all who participate will greatly benefit from making this important commitment to learn about God’s love for us and how we might dwell in that love. You can also go to our website, www.stjohnviera.org, to access and follow this podcast.
Following a special Mass on Saturday, 7 January, we at long last were able to enthrone Saint Brother Andre Bessette in his beautiful place in the covered drop-off area. Thanks to all who were able to attend. Brother Andre was a brother of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and he was canonized on 17 October 2010 – not coincidentally – by Pope Benedict XVI. His devotion to St. Joseph was the hallmark of his life. One of his accomplishments was helping to start the construction of one of the largest churches in the world dedicated to St. Joseph located in Mount Royal, Montreal. Known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal,” Brother Andre is to all of us a friend, a brother, and a saint.
Brother Andre now stands ready to welcome all who come to our church, just as throughout his life he welcomed the students and parents of Notre Dame school in Montreal. Our new access road has been named after him: “Brother Andre Dr.” Thanks to our gracious parishioners who donated two beautiful benches and a trash can for the covered drop-off area, allowing us to offer a place to sit and pray to this gentle, spiritual giant. May Brother Andre watch over all who enter the portals of our church.
This year, we will be going on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe from 15-20 May 2023. Another 11-day pilgrimage to Greece and Ephesus is planned for 11–21 October 2023. Please contact the office for more details.
This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. As we commemorate this symbol of all nations of the earth—represented by the three wise men coming together to adore the Lord—let our prayer be: Dear Jesus, as you led the Wise Men to you by the light of a star, please draw us ever closer to you by the light of faith. Help us to desire you as ardently as they did. Give us the grace to overcome all the obstacles that keep us far from you. May we, like them, have something to give you when we appear before you. Amen.
On Monday, 9 January, we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. After Mass this day, the Christmas Season officially comes to an end, and the Christmas decorations can finally be put away. Congratulations to those who continued to enjoy the spirit of Christmas.
Beginning Tuesday, 10 January, the Ordinary Time of the liturgical year returns and continues through the day before Ash Wednesday. We won’t experience Ordinary Time again until after the Eastertide.
Have a blessed week!
With love,
Fr. John