Father’s Column – November 3, 2019

Posted on November 3, 2019 View all news

Laudetur Jesus Christus! Gelobt sei Jesus Christus!
Sia lodato Gesù Cristo! Praised be Jesus Christ! 

Just a reminder for those who will be joining us in our parish consecration to the Blessed Virgin, the consecration begins today if you are following the book that I recommended “Consecration to Mary” printed by Angelus Press. If you are using another book, it may be a 33-day preparation, which will begin on Tuesday. We will have a second session following Mass at Sacred Heart on November 23 to discuss the first three weeks. The consecration will take place at the 9:30 a.m. Mass at Old St. Mary’s and the 11:00 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart. We will update the list of our families in the lockets around Our Lady’s neck at that time, entrusting all of us to her motherly care.

In this time of confusion and disarray, going to Our Lady is all the more critical. It would seem that as the apostles hid before the resurrection of the Lord, they would have gone to Our Lady for comfort and gathered around her. It was only her, during those darkest days of man’s history, that kept the Faith burning in the world. Far from falling into despair, she remained steadfast in the hope of the Lord’s promises. That even as she went through her own passion, she knew the great fruits and things that God had in store. So we must go to Our Lady, so that she can comfort us, strengthen us, and send us back to her son so that we can do what we ought.

I remind everyone of their obligation to pray for the Holy Father. It does not matter if one loves or dislikes him, the obligation to pray for him remains with Catholics. His words and what he allows to go on around him is confusing, especially in the light of the recent Synod on the Amazon. Many are filled with confusion and anger. Remember, even as the Holy Father often reminds us as well, the devil is always looking to tempt and distract. How much more are the devil’s temptations on those in positions of authority? How much more does the devil relish in tempting even the person of the pope? We can’t be spiritual gluttons and only pray for those we like and agree with. All the more, we need to pray for those we do not like and do not agree with. We do not know how the Lord’s grace works or the moment at which it will produce abundant fruits.

St. Catherine Laboure, the saint who received the Miraculous Medal, asked Our Lady what the stars on the medal meant. She said they represent the graces that God desires to send to us, but that men do not pray. If we desire peace and faithfulness in the Church, then we must pray for it and sacrifice for it. God is calling us to greater confidence and trust in Him, and this begins first and foremost in our prayer.

I wish you all a blessed week ahead!