Weekly pastor’s post (October 13 – 19, 2024)

by | Oct 15, 2024 | Pastor's post

A representation of the coat of arms of Mundelein seminary.</p>
<p>The phoenix tops the crest emblazoned on the shield.Lilies convey purity, innocence, and fertility. As such, they symbolize the Virgin Mary, conduit of the Divine, for whom the university is named. Beneath the Lilies lies the Torteau Roundel. One of the oldest charges in heraldry, the presence of the red circle in this context represents the Zucchetto, the cap that denotes the presbyteral rank of Cardinal, recalling the University’s founder, George Cardinal Mundelein. The parallel wavy lines near the base of the seal symbolize water, source and sustenance of all life, assurance of eternal life in the immersive sacrament of Baptism, and another reference to the water essential to the university’s identity: Lake Michigan, the site of the original institution, and St. Mary’s Lake, its current home.

This week sees me off to the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein Illinois – I fly out on Monday for my annual retreat as required by the Code of Canon Law (CIC 276 §2) and archdiocesan policy (Many Gifts, One Spirit: Priestly Ministry, PM 88). It is a great gift that the Church requires of Her clergy  & religious that they make time away from normal ministry & life! Though it would likely be burdensome to most to require this of all Catholics, I heartily recommend it to everyone: we all could benefit from time away from day-to-day busy-ness, burdens, and work – instead sitting with the Lord in prayer & quiet, allowing ourselves to simply be.

The Eucharist, exposed in a monstrance set on an altar, with two 5-candle candelabras flanking it on each side

Meanwhile, life at the parish family continues onward and I want to draw your attention to something particularly special within our communities: a Eucharistic Miracles exhibit at Saint Anne parish this coming weekend. You can get the details of the times & dates in our bulletin, but I want to highlight the fact that a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis will be present for veneration and a blessing. Father Ed, thanks to the bishop of Assisi (with whom he is friends), has been entrusted with the custody and care of this relic. This is an extraordinary (and rare!) gift and one that Father Ed is eager to share with our communities. Come and pray before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, in union with each other and the saints & angels (including Blessed Carlo Acuti, himself devoted to the Eucharist)!

Finally, I hope you’ll follow along with the series of posts I’ll be writing on liturgical changes in our parish family. I recently posted a prologue of sorts – while it is a bit rambling (sorry!), my hope is to offer not only theological & legal groundwork but to frame our reflection on liturgical celebrations in light of why we do what we do (spoiler: it’s all about Jesus ;-)). Moreover, I’ve included LOTS of links to further reading for those who enjoy that as much as I do! And for those who want to jump into the changes at communion, I recommend starting with my pastor’s insert (see link below).

Finally, please say a prayer for me while I am on retreat (and then, joining my classmates for our 15-year anniversary reunion!). Rest assured of my prayers for you.

A photo of the campus chapel at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary from across the lake. The chapel steeple is silhouetted against the sky, with the boathouse visible beneath, trees on either side, and the lake below

A photo of the campus chapel at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary
(taken by yours truly in 2008!)


A black and white photograph of a newpaper article of the miracle of Fatima

October 13 – ‘How many miracles do you need to believe?’ – this is a question my father often posed in conversations about faith when I was living at home. His assertion (with which I agree!) is that the answer is simple: one. If we encounter even one miracle – something that can only be explained and understood as an act of God – that is enough. For him, this was the miracle of the sun at Fatima, whose anniversary we celebrate today. This moment, witnessed by tens of thousands of believers and unbelievers alike, was indeed the catalyst of faith for many of them and many more who heard their testimony. Read about it at The World is Quiet Here (the blog site of my friend, Thom Ryng).

A painting by Peter Paul Rubens of Saint Teresa of Ávila, robed in her religious habit kneeling before the resurrected Jesus, Himself only covered by a red cloth, interceding for the souls in purgatory who watch around them

October 15 – Nun, reformer, author, mystic, Doctor of the Church – today we celebrate Saint Teresa of Jesus (also called Teresa of Avila), a saint who is not easily categorized! She joined the Carmelites fairly young (22) and was the recipient of a variety of manifestations of Christ. She is perhaps most known for her visions & ecstacies and her writings, especially Interior Castle. Read more about her at the Carmelite website.

A 14th century image of Saint Pelagia talking with her courtiers (prior to her conversion), with Bishop Nonnus kneeling a short distance apart praying for her.

October 17 – The memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch never fails to elicit from me a brief double-take: this is not the founder the Jesuits but a much early Ignatius! A bishop and martyr, the Church has selected a letter of his to the Roman for the second reading in the Office of Readings. In it, he makes an impassioned plea that they not stand in his way, allowing him to die for Christ in the martyrdom that was before him. May we likewise be willing and eager to offer our lives to the Lord! Read about him at Word on Fire.

A woodcut image of Saint Luke, sitting on a cloud holding the scriptures he authored in his hands while an ox - the symbolic image of his writing - sits in front of him gazing upwards

October 18 – Today is the feast of Saint Luke, the writer of the Gospel of Luke. In the course of planning for our school Mass scheduled for today, Father Ed shared that there is a tradition attached to Saint Luke – the ‘white Mass’. Saint Luke – referred to by Saint Paul in Colossians as ‘the beloved physician’, is the patron saint of medical professionals, for whom this Mass is celebrated. The name ‘white Mass’ comes from the color traditionally worn by doctors and nurses. The Catholic Medical Association has a brief write-up about this Mass, which we will celebrate with our school today!

A holy card of the North American Martyrs (Saints John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and companions kneeling & standing together on the clouds in heaven with the angels watching overhead

October 19 – Saints John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues, and their companions – also known as the North American Martyrs or Canadian Martyrs – is celebrated as a memorial today. Of their missionary efforts, it is particularly telling that despite being released after imprisonment and torture, these men nonetheless returned to share the Gospel! Read about them and their extraordinary witness to the faith at the Jesuits website.



Priests celebrating their anniversaries this week

A color line art picture of people gathered around an altar as incense rises above them to heaven before the three Persons of the Trinity, Mary & Joseph, and all the saints & angels.
  • Rev. Peter Phong Van Nguyen, S.D.D. (October 14, 1995)

Remembering our deceased priests

    • Fr. Ailbe Heelan (October 14, 1918)
    • Fr. Constantine Brzoska (October 16, 1938)
    • Fr. Joseph P. Erny (October 16. 1990)
    • Fr. Michael Flohr (October 16, 1906)
    • Fr. William Treacy (October 16, 2022)
    • Fr. Andrew Bullwinkel (October 19, 1997)
    • Fr. William P. Lane (October 19, 2013)
A black and white line art drawing of Christ the judge enthroned within an arch with angels seated on pillars to His right and left with stars behind him.

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