Reparation

In today's bulletin:

From the Pastor's Desk

Sometime during the early seventies, one of our churches in the diocese was burglarized and the Tabernacle stolen. The thieves were not able to open the Tabernacle, so they threw it in the local river. It was recovered, but their actions were a sacrilege which desecrated the Blessed Sacrament. When actions such as this, which can only be described as reprehensible, happen, there must be reparation. The incident was reported, by the Bishop to Rome. Because the thieves were never apprehended, Rome imposed the penance of reparation on the priests of the parish and the Bishop. Each was to do a prescribed period of adoration in reparation for the despicable action. The priests and the Bishop were not guilty, but were asked to atone for what was done. They willingly and lovingly did so.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our existence as the followers of Jesus, of our existence as the Church, of our communion with God and one another. Many may have read of a university professor in the midwest who says that he obtained and desecrated the Eucharist. As disciples, our first visceral reaction is probably of hurt and anger. As the Body of Christ, we are all hurt by such evil. I would first suggest that we all pray for this man. We retaliate with love.

Secondly, out of love for the Lord and His presence in the Eucharist, I am asking as many parishioners as possible to join me in two hour of adoration and prayer on Monday, August 4th from 6-8pm in church. For those who cannot attend, I ask that you say a rosary on that day in reparation.

Thank you for your willingness to help atone for the sins and offenses done to the Lord and His Body.

God bless,

Fr. Shawn

I think this is an excellent response to counter the evil done by the professor. Thank you, Fr. Shawn for your wisdom and deep love of Our Lord.