Pray for those without Priests

I cannot imagine living in circumstances where I could not physically have recourse to Christ's loving presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Let us pray for those who ardently desire to encounter Christ in the Eucharist and yet for various reasons and circumstances are unable to take part in the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. So often we take this precious encounter with our Lord and Redeemer for granted. Let the testimony of those who are not as privileged as we are draw us to a deeper realization of the importance of Christ's Eucharistic presence in our lives.

"Think of the places where people look eagerly for a priest and where, for many years now, they have felt the lack and continue to desire his presence! It may be that at times they gather in an abandoned church, place on the altar the stole they have preserved, and recite all the prayers of the eucharistic liturgy. Then, at the moment when the transubstantiation should occur, there is a profound silence, broken occasionally by the sound of weeping. So ardently do they long to hear the words which only a priest’s lips can effectively pronounce! So deeply do they yearn for the Lord’s Supper in which they can share only through a priest’s ministry!"
(Holy Thursday 1979)

World Youth Day Mass in Latin?

This past week I've been taking my time reading through Sacramentum Caritatis. I had scanned it when it first came out, however due to my studies, I hadn't had time to read it thoroughly and carefully.

Today I came across the following in paragraph 62.:

"None of the above observations [see paragraph 61.] should cast doubt upon the importance of such large-scale liturgies. I am thinking here particularly of celebrations at international gatherings, which nowadays are held with greater frequency. The most should be made of these occasions. In order to express more clearly the unity and universality of the Church, I wish to endorse the proposal made by the Synod of Bishops, in harmony with the directives of the Second Vatican Council, that, with the exception of the readings, the homily and the prayer of the faithful, such liturgies could be celebrated in Latin. Similarly, the better-known prayers of the Church's tradition should be recited in Latin and, if possible, selections of Gregorian chant should be song."

Based on this paragraph, I'd recommend any young people planning to go to World Youth Day to sign up for Latin for the fall or spring semester this coming year! It's not too late to learn some basic Latin. Priests accompanying pilgrimage groups may also want to brush up on their Latin as well.

First Communion

First Communion today. . . awe, my darlings were so cute and well behaved. . . however, the adults in the congregation didn't do the best job on showing the children how to act in Church. Sometimes I think that there should be a mandatory Mass etiquette and catechesis of the Mass session for every parishoner, no matter how young or old.

I'm Done

I wrote my last exam yesterday, so I guess that means I'm done. I don't think it has really sunk in. I guess technically, I'm not a student anymore. . . although, I don't think I'll ever stop being a student. Learning is a lifetime project. This coming week will be very busy with starting a new job, spending time with my friend who is entering the Poor Clares on Thursday, graduation ceremonies on Friday and Saturday, and a philosophy discussion group on Sunday. . .

On another note, I went to my parents' goddaughter's (my godsister?) First Communion earlier today and the sincerity and joy of the children receiving Jesus for the first time in the Blessed Sacrament literally brought tears to my eyes. They're faith is just so incredibly precious. Do any of you remember your First Communion? I remember being perfectly still during Mass because I knew I had to be on my best behaviour and I remember going forward to receive the Blessed Sacrament and the thoughts going through my head at that time, but I can't actually remember the very moment I made my First Communion.

Prayer Request

I have been preparing several children who are "behind schedule" on receiving the sacraments to make their First Confession and receive their First Communion. The First Communion will be the first Sunday in May, however the children will be making their First Confessions tomorrow morning.

Could you please say a little prayer for them?

I don't know that they are fully prepared for this sacrament, but then again, are any of us ever fully prepared? I have done what I could and taught them what I think they need to know however now I must entrust them to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the love and mercy of Christ.

I ask especially for prayers that as they make their First Confession the seeds would be planted for an ongoing sacramental life and a continual returning to God's love and mercy in and through this sacrament throughout the course of their lives.