Easter III
Dear Faithful,
I wish to extend my gratitude to all of you who have helped in any way this last week. Your charity has edified me greatly.
As you know, there is much going on these days. We have just buried our beloved pastor and now we await with joy the priestly ordination of our four seminarians on Wednesday, May 11th, at 10:00 AM.
Now you must be wondering what we will do for the future. Bishop Dolan left his plans in writing in case anything should happen to him. Furthermore, he made known his wishes verbally to Bishop Rodrigo da Silva. I am thus informing you that his wish was to have me consecrated a bishop, thus ensuring that the international apostolate of St. Gertrude the Great should continue. He also expressed his wish that this consecration take place as soon as possible.
My episcopal consecration is scheduled to take place at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 18th, by the Most Rev. Rodrigo da Silva.
Please pray for me and all the clergy at St. Gertrude the Great as we go forward to care for the needs of souls both near and far.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Charles J. McGuire
From the Pastor’s Desk
In this great flurry of activity here at St. Gertrude’s, I must say that Fathers Lehtoranta, McKenna and I are most grateful for all the support and assistance you have given as of late. Any attempt at naming you each individually would be almost impossible. As Fr. McKenna said in his beautiful eulogy for Bishop Dolan, “God numbers all the stars and calls each by name,” so God sees even the smallest thing you have done and will reward it immensely.
This past Wednesday was a sad day as we laid our dear Bishop’s body to rest. The Good God always knows how to take even our saddest days and bring joy and consolation out of them.
The ceremonies went so smoothly that Bishop Dolan would’ve been very proud of those who served or sang in them! The singing was heavenly—especially the “Lacrimosa” from Mozart’s Requiem. Bishop Pivarunas commented how well organized everything was and how edifying were the ceremonies.
Have you ever seen so many bishops, priests and religious at one time?! This might have been the most encouraging part of the day. One young man said it was like a family reunion—but for priests. That it was! In fact, that is what the Catholic Church is…a family, in a certain sense. God as our Father, Mary as our mother, and you and I as brothers in Our Lord. We are a motley bunch, but still family.
Let’s not forget the ordinations this Wednesday, May 11th. Our ordinands are making their entrance into the priesthood under some of the most trying circumstances, but are remaining focused and strong. Still, do remember them in your prayers. This is such an exciting moment—four new priests of God who will care for your needs!
May St. Joseph give you courage and peace of heart.
In Christ,
Fr. McGuire