The Bishop’s Note
Blessed Solemnity of our patroness, St. Gertrude the Great! Yesterday was a glorious and happy feast day for all of us, as well as a day of anniversaries. It has been 21 years since the dedication of the new church building, 13 years since Fr. Lehtoranta was ordained, and 19 years since my ordination. Just stop and imagine how many graces gained, Masses said, sins absolved, Soldiers of Christ confirmed, marriages performed, souls regenerated in the waters of baptism over these 21 years. God has made His home right here under our roof, and His delight is to be with you, the children of men. Even His Angels dwell here unseen, both day and night. I can think of no better place to be. While you reflect on these graces, Fr. Lehtoranta and I would be very appreciative if you were to say even a little Hail Mary for us and for our sanctification as priests.
Today is not only the feast of the wonder worker, St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, but also of the patronal feast of our little chapel in Milwaukee, St. Hugh of Lincoln. The church seats only about 100 if you squeezed them in, but they have grown. When I first started going there as a new priest I think there were only about 40 souls, and there was talk at one time or another about whether or not we would be able to keep the chapel going. Since then we have more than doubled our number of parishioners, and although they only get weekend Masses they are able to have all of the major ceremonies of the liturgical year. It is truly edifying how such a small number of souls can make it all work so well. What Bishop Dolan wrote on the front of their bulletin is so very true: “Never have so few done so much so well for so long!” Happy feast day to the faithful of St. Hugh of Lincoln!
Fr. Arnoldo Villegas has kindly invited me to administer the sacrament of Confirmation this upcoming weekend in two of his chapels, Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Tijuana, and San Pedro y Pablo in Mexicali both are just south of the border in Baja California. Fr. Arnoldo visited us several years ago when Bishop Dolan was still alive and we have been in contact ever since then.
Bishop Nkamuke is visiting St. Gertrude’s until sometime in December. Since he arrived on Wednesday the Fathers and I haven’t seen much of him, though I hear Fr. McMahon, who sneaked in to take him out to eat, was one of the lucky few who has seen him. If you look carefully you might catch a glimpse of His Excellency quickly passing in or out! At some point, Bishop Nkamuke wants to tell us about some of his missionary work. That will be very interesting!
Fr. Brueggemann is in Seattle helping Fr. Ercoli and Fr. Romero this week. Seminarian José Santos Casas is still spending time at the monastery with Fr. Contreras. Please pray for José. He has been suffering from a blood clot in his leg and now gets around in a wheelchair. On top of this, he is waiting to hear whether or not he has cancer. I know you have been praying for him, but can you keep them up for a bit longer? I am sure our young seminarian will appreciate the gesture!
Next Sunday is the Last Sunday after Pentecost. Only two weeks until the start of Advent and a new liturgical year! Have you thought of how you will spend this holy season? Say to the Mother of Good Counsel, “Mother, what am I to do?” She will help you.
– Bishop McGuire