Dear Friends,
Although we have resumed Ordinary Time in our Liturgical Calendar, we still continue to celebrate some of the most important mysteries of the Holy Catholic Church. Right after the Solemnity of Pentecost, we celebrate today the Solemnity of The Most Holy Spirit. This will be followed next Sunday by The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ on 11 June.
Of all the mysteries of the church, the most important and the most fundamental is that of the Most Holy Trinity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC, 234) says something profound about the Trinity:
The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the "hierarchy of the truths of faith." The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men "and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin."
May we rejoice in the central mystery of the church. Perhaps you will join me in praying the prayer used by St. Joannicius, a Byzantine theologian, ascetic and a saint devoted to the Holy Trinity: "My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my shelter is the Holy Spirit. O Holy Trinity, Glory to You."
As I mentioned earlier, next Sunday we will celebrate another great Solemnity: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This is also the beginning of the 2nd year of the National Eucharistic Revival, which focuses on reviving the meaning of the Eucharist within the parishes.
To begin this great year of revival, we will provide an opportunity for every one of us going to different Masses to experience a few moments of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Hence, we will have Adoration before and after every Mass next weekend. I invite you to be silent in the church when you come in and when you exit, so as to maintain an atmosphere of great reverence and prayer.
To mark this occasion, the Diocese of Orlando is hosting a Eucharistic Pilgrimage with the theme: The Gift of Sacred Mystery, on Saturday, 10 June from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. This event will feature presentations by Bishop Filipe Estévez, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of St. Augustine; Father Jorge Torres, the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life & Vocations of the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishop; and a host of others who will bring us to know how to be a Eucharistic people. The celebration of Mass will conclude with a Eucharistic Procession with prayer, song, and blessing at altars of repose created by the cultural communities of the Diocese of Orlando.
This week our children will have Vacation Bible School from Monday through Friday, 5 – 9 June, from 9 to 12 noon. We are journeying to ancient Babylon and learning about Daniel and his friends. The children will experience stories of courage and faithfulness. Each day they will hear that no matter what, God is with them. We are grateful to the many volunteers who make our program possible by donating their time, talent, and treasure.
Last Sunday we were privileged to see the Price family receive the Family of the Month award sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. We take this opportunity to thank both Kate and Chris for their absolute commitment to our parish. We enjoyed having Ben, John Patrick, and now Charlie as members of parish. Thank you, Price family. May God continue to bless you!
Have a Blessed