The Bishop’s Note
It was most encouraging to see so many at the Rogation Day Processions this past week! We have never had this problem before, but at one point as we are making a turn the beginning of the procession catches up to the end of the procession and everything slows down for a moment. This shows that we have many more in attendance than we ever had before. Ascension Thursday turned out to be a restful day for us at church. Fr. McKenna remarked that it was very prayerful. The Solemn High Mass and Vespers with Benediction made it extra special.
Bishop Nkamuke sent me a quick message saying that he conferred Tonsure and Minor Orders on some of his seminarians. Basil Oba0ike and Tryphon Suduobogha received Tonsure. Emmanuel Mario Isiguzo and Joseph Emeka received the Orders of Porter and Lector. Congratulations to them.
The school children are getting excited about summer break. Will Young is already worried that, since the school year has flown by so fast, the summer break will be even faster! Walter Stanislowski, a future student of St. Gertrude the Great, overheard someone say that there would be three priests at the altar on the Ascension for the Solemn High Mass. His eyes lit up, he looked at me, and said in amazement, “Whaat?!” Dominic Wright now respectfully greets me with a handshake and sometimes kisses my ring. This started when he once saw Dr. Stanislowski greet me in that way. It goes to show that the children will follow our example, so we’d better make sure to give them a good one. Well, Dominic, after Mass one day during the Octave of the Ascension, told me that he would see me in eternal life in heaven one day. Oh! Dominic, how I truly hope for that! Eternal Life in heaven, with God, Our Lady, and the Saints. May we all be given the grace of final perseverance and meet again in heaven. The children are so full of enthusiasm and good examples for us, too!
Don’t forget the Confirmands’ Day of Recollection on Thursday! And certainly, do not forget the Vigil of Pentecost on Saturday, with all of its beautiful ceremonies. Confirmations take place after the Mass. May the Holy Ghost grant you peace, joy, and grace, this Pentecost!
– Bishop McGuire