Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The past couple of weeks have offered moments of great contrast between tragedy and joy.
On Saturday, October 7, the Palestinian military group, Hamas, fiercely attacked Israel, killing many Israelis and taking many innocent civilians hostage. Israel responded by declaring war on Hamas, and the conflict has turned into an all-out military conflict, resulting in a sudden and horrific humanitarian crisis.
We grieve over the death and destruction that these ongoing conflicts have inflicted on the place Jesus called “home.” The Holy Land has been the stage upon which religious and cultural hatred has been played out over the course of decades, if not centuries. The need for revenge has never been far from the minds of those who struggle for their very existence. Thus, the fighting never seems to end and peaceful coexistence seems virtually impossible.
But we pray, nonetheless, for peace just as the ancient Psalmist did:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!”
Ps. 122: 6-7
Here is an additional prayer from the jesuitresource.org website.
Peace in the Middle East God of mercy and compassion, of grace and reconciliation, pour your power upon all your children in the Middle East: Jews, Muslims and Christians, Palestinians and Israelis. Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope, oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation, that violent encounters may be replaced by loving embraces, and peace and justice could be experienced by all. - Reverend Said
On a more joyful note, it was a pleasure to participate in the ceremonies welcoming our new Coadjutor Archbishop, Christopher J. Coyne, who will become archbishop next April when Archbishop Blair reaches the age of 75.
On Sunday afternoon, October 8, I attended a Solemn Vespers at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Bloomfield for permanent deacons and religious men and women, at which Archbishop Coyne preached. Our own Gabriel Löfvall directed a choir which sang during the Vespers. Then on Monday, October 9, the archbishop was formally welcomed as coadjutor in a beautiful and joyous Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral. At the start of the Mass, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, read the Apostolic Mandate of appointment. Afterwards, Archbishop Coyne was welcomed by members of the Archdiocesan staff, including Faith Vos Winkel (shown shaking hands with the Archbishop), and Pamela Johnson, who now serves as Administrative Assistant to the Vicar General (fifth in line).
Please continue to send your photos for our Parish Christmas Tree. Many parishioners have told me how much they love the idea! Email your digital file to [email protected] and please include the names of the individuals in the photo.
Blessings on your week ahead!
Fr. Tim Shreenan, O.F.M.Pastor
Win Two Tickets to See Andrea Bocelli in Concert! A raffle drawing will be held on Sunday, November 12, for two tickets to the Andrea Bocelli concert in the XL Center on Saturday, December 9, at 7:30 PM. The prize also includes dinner for two at Salute on Trumbull Street and free parking. Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door of the church after weekend Masses, in the parish office, or on our website. Proceeds benefit St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church.
Clare Gallery’s new exhibit!
Clare Gallery’s final 20th Anniversary exhibition, Color and Identity: A Visual Conversation, reveals national artist Stanwyck Cromwell’s ongoing artistic journey. Cromwell is originally from Guyana.
Join us for these events:
An artist reception: Sunday, October 22, 1-3 pm.
A panel discussion: Sunday, November 19, 1-2 pm.
