Pentecost by Fray Juan Bautista Maíno (1620-1625)
Dear Parishioners:
This weekend, the Church celebrates Pentecost, one of the most important feast days of the year that concludes the Easter season and celebrates the beginning of the Church. In a certain sense, it is the birthday of the Church. Its name is derived from the Greek word "pentecoste," meaning 50th. Pentecost always occurs 50 days after the death and resurrection of Jesus and ten days after his Ascension into heaven.
Pentecost is the celebration of the person of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together in the Upper Room. A "strong, driving" wind filled the room where they were gathered, and tongues of fire rested on their heads, allowing them to speak different languages and understand each other. The Holy Spirit gave the apostles the gifts and fruits necessary to fulfill the great commission - to go out and preach the Gospel to all nations.
St. Peter Preaching at Pentecost
It was right after Pentecost that Saint Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, preached his first sermon to Jews and other non-believers, in which he opened the scriptures of the Old Testament, showing how the prophet Joel prophesied events and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He also told the people that the Jesus they crucified was the Lord and was raised from the dead, which "cut them to the heart." When they asked what they should do, Saint Peter exhorted them to repent of their sins and to be baptized. According to the account in the Acts of the Apostles, about 3,000 people were baptized following Peter's sermon.
For this reason, Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church - Saint Peter, the first Pope, preaches for the first time and converts thousands of new believers. For the first time, the apostles and believers were united by a common language and a common zeal and purpose to go and preach the Gospel.
Saint Pope John Paul II said: "The Church of Christ is always, so to speak, in a situation of Pentecost: she is always gathered in the Upper Room in prayer, and at the same time, driven by the powerful wind of the Spirit, she is always on the streets preaching." The mission began on that first Pentecost and continues for us today as we take up prayer and preach the Gospel to the world.
This weekend we also celebrate Memorial Day, the traditional beginning of the summer season. It is marked by parades and picnics across the country. However, it is a day to acknowledge those who nobly gave of themselves, even unto death, for a purpose they believed was greater than themselves. Since the days just following the end of the Civil War, Americans have gathered in late May to honor those who died in military service to their country. In the spirit of the day, we can also recall, honor, and pray for all we know who have lived lives of service and sacrifice for the good of others.
President Abraham Lincoln said: "Honor to the Soldier, and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause. Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field, and serves, as best he can, the same cause—honor to him, less only than to him, who braves, for the common good, the storms of heaven and the storms of battle."
On Memorial Day, join us for Mass at 8:30 am as we remember in prayer those who died serving our country. Also, after your cookout, come to May Devotions at 7:00 pm, our final night of devotions this month. Fr. James Mary Sullivan, OP, an outstanding Dominican Friar and preacher, is leading devotions. Fr. Sullivan will also hear Confessions before Devotions beginning at 6:00 pm.
Fr. Sullivan will reflect on "Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary: The Memorare on Memorial Day." A fitting topic as Monday is the Feast Day of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, a feast established in 2018 by Pope Francis to be celebrated every year on the Monday following Pentecost.
This week the OLM 8th Grade makes their Graduation Retreat. They also celebrate their final OLM School First Friday Mass, Graduation Mass next Sunday, and will graduate next Monday! Pray for the Class of 2023! Father Mahoney is away this week on a well-deserved vacation! Be well. Do good. God Bless. Happy Pentecost! Happy Memorial Day! Go Sox! Go Celtics!