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Dear Parishioners:
During the last few weeks, I have been talking about the saints of the Catholic Church. On Monday, we celebrated the beautiful feast day of All Saints. On that day, we gave God thanks for the known and the unknown saints who live in the glory of God. As I mentioned many times, I have about six favorite saints but this weekend I would just like to tell you about my patron saints. As you know my first name is Owen: the Gaelic (Irish) – Eoghan, the Latin - Eugenius, so you can see my saint is Eugene. Saint Eugene lived in Rome during a very turbulent time in the 600s. He was consecrated Pope during the time of the Muslim invasion of Northern Africa. He was a holy man, a peacemaker and known to be both merciful and charitable.
Saint Nicholas Owen was a Jesuit brother from the early 1600s during the time of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He is best known for providing hiding places in castles and manor houses where priests could hide from the authorities who had banned the Catholic faith and would execute priests caught celebrating Mass for the Faithful. St. Nicholas Owen was a strong ingenious and confident man who loved being a Catholic and protected bishops, priests and laity who gathered to celebrate the Holy Mass.
St. Brandon also called Brendan - Gaelic (Irish) name is Brénaind. He was born in Kerry in 484. He founded monasteries in Ireland and Scotland and as an Abbot used his leadership role with skill and diplomacy. He is famous for travelling in a small boat and is believed to have travelled as far as Newfoundland, the Canary Islands, and the Azores. He was a well-educated man who encouraged people to read, write and have an inquiring mind about their local surroundings and the world around them.
I was thrilled by the great attendance at the Mass of Light last Tuesday evening. It was beautiful to see our parishioners come and light a little candle in front of the altar in memory of loved ones. In the dim light of the church, the multiple candle lights brightened the sanctuary area. These beautiful lights also shine glowingly in the Kingdom of Heaven where God gently calls them towards his radiant light and together with great joy, they encourage us to continue our pilgrim journey on earth. We are blessed to be guided by the word of God and to be nurtured by the sacraments. We have the loving example of Mary, our Blessed Mother with the saints who point us even with our human failings towards the eternal glory of God.
I was delighted to host a Pre-Cana gathering on Saturday, the 6th. Six couples who are preparing for the sacrament of marriage who came together to talk about expectations, hopes and challenges. It is such a joy to see young people who want to celebrate a sacramental marriage and understand the need of God’s abiding love in their marriage and as future Catholic parents. We keep our young couples preparing for marriage in prayers during these exciting days for them.
I look forward to our Men’s Cornerstone Retreat next Friday evening through Saturday evening. As I had mentioned last weekend, I hope that many men in our parish will avail themselves at this time to reflect upon God’s love for men. It is particularly beautiful to see Catholic men bonding together and making friendships based on faith, and the ability to be the best of husbands and the best of fathers to their children. A big thanks to our Cornerstone Leadership Team who has been working hard these past weeks to prepare for this weekend.
Fr. Owen