Solemnity of Ss Peter and Paul
Click above to read about the upcoming pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Prairies. August 15.
✠ The Bishop’s Corner ✠
Last week was quite the week, even by Gertrudian standards. On Sunday we solemnized the great feast of Corpus Christi. It was another day of adoration, of Masses before the Blessed Sacrament Exposed, as we thanked Our Lord for abiding with us all days in the Sacrament of His Love. But the highlight of the day was surely the Procession. God gave us delightful weather, cool and dry, but especially dry. A good attendance accompanied Our Eucharistic King, with music and incense and lights. There were even a few little ones to cast rose petals before Him. The sun even came out to give homage to our true Son, shining in the monstrance. Thanks be to God.
But a late Easter means that the greats feasts all fall at once, one after another. Monday was St. John the Baptist. What would we do for his bonfire? The heavy rains came at three, and stayed. Well, we prayed, even boldly asking the Infant for more sun. So it was done, and bright rays filled the church for the Gospel of the Solemn Mass. We quickly prepared our picnic barbecue afterwards, but there was plenty of time, as also plenty of food. We needn’t have worried. There was even a pleasant breeze in the cloister, as we ate and visited, waiting for dusk and the blessing of the fire. I was wondering about the wood, which had been thoroughly doused only hours before, but it caught flame and burned brightly for its blessing.
St. Anthony’s devotees came throughout Tuesday, and in the evening priests and people had their final adoration of the Octave. The next morning, Frs. Lehtoranta and McKenna joined me in departing for the Seminary in Florida, and Fr. Sons’ ordination on Thursday. Fr. Lehtoranta bravely drove a vanload to Brooksville. Wednesday afternoon it was time for the rehearsal. Fr. McKenna served as subdeacon.
It was a glorious ceremony, with seven priests in attendance, and three bishops. The Sisters’ choir sang beautifully. The ordinand originates from Louisiana. His family, as well as Fr. Francis Miller were present. It is always thrilling to hear the triumphant notes of the “Tu es Sacerdos in Aeternum.”
I made a hurried departure after the First Mass on Friday morning. It is always good to see one’s brother priests, however so briefly. Fr. DaSilva, a young Brazilian priest who has joined us, is here for a visit through tomorrow.
The Precious Blood falls tomorrow, and is solemnized next Sunday. Tuesday’s devotions fall on the Visitation, and of course First Thursday is Independence Day. Another busy, blessed week, but nothing like the one just passed.
God bless you,
–Bp. Dolan