Dear Friends,
What a blessing to celebrate the reopening of Weekend Masses with all of you! We have been preparing for weeks and very much appreciate the help of our staff and the many volunteers who assisted with everything from sanitizing after every Mass to preparing the parish hall for simultaneous overflow Masses. I am deeply humbled by the witness of our faith in action.
Those who joined us for worship were filled with such joy and gratitude for a return to the familiar and beautiful sanctuary. Social Distancing guidelines posed little for concern, as our church is large enough to hold approximately 300 people. I understand completely the concerns of those who choose not to attend at this time, as many remain cautious and some even fearful. I am hopeful that this situation will continue to improve so that we might all worship together again soon as a Catholic community, brothers and sisters who, by design, are a people of God called to communion. Personal and private devotion is different from communal devotion, so please don’t grow accustomed to staying home. I am praying in earnest for a time when we can be together without fear. In the meantime, please take all necessary precautions to stay healthy and safe.
With the death of George Floyd, our country is facing yet another challenging period of unrest. Outrage over the inhumane and intolerable nature of his death reminds us of the deeply rooted issue of injustice and the inescapable remnants of RACISM that continue to plague our country. Genuine, peaceful protest to voice our concerns over an injustice is, as we know, a democratic right. It is not, however, an excuse for violence, looting, and arson. Let us pray that our country will be liberated from this social evil, one that continues to pervert the consciousness of so many of its citizens. We also pray for the repose of the soul of George Floyd, along with the many others who have fallen victim to such senseless acts of hatred, and for the healing of his family as they mourn their loss.
The Solemnity we celebrate today is a clarion call to imitate the virtues of communion – the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, the defining dogma of our Catholic Faith. "The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith and of Christian life. God alone can make it known to us by revealing Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" (CCC # 261). From here stem the other mysteries of our faith.
Our Brother Knights of Columbus are celebrating the Beatification of their founder, Fr. Michael McGivney. Interestingly enough, McGivney was a Connecticut priest who served his flock during the pandemic of 1890 before himself becoming ill and dying of pneumonia. With this elevation, he will now be declared “Blessed,” one step closer to becoming a saint. The miracle credited to Father McGivney’s intercession involved an unborn child in the United States who, in 2015, was healed in utero of a life-threatening condition after prayers by his family were offered to the priest. An additional miracle attributed to Father McGivney’s intercession will be required for his canonization as a saint. His life and legacy are no doubt a reflection of our Trinitarian God. He worked tirelessly toward the improvement of the plight of immigrants, widows, and orphans.
With a group of the leading Catholic men of New Haven, he founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882 at St. Mary’s Church. Their goal was to provide spiritual support for Catholic men and financial resources for families that had suffered the loss of their breadwinner. He was inspired by the principles of Christian charity and fraternity to assist those most in need. “Father McGivney has inspired generations of Catholic men to roll up their sleeves and put their faith into action,” Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson said. I congratulate our Brother Knights who continue to follow in his footsteps, leaving no neighbor behind during times of need.
With Love,
Fr. John Britto Antony C.S.C.