COMMUNION WITH THE SAINTS

"We believe in the communion of all the faithful of Christ, those who are pilgrims on earth, the dead who are being purified, and the blessed in heaven, all together forming one Church; and we believe that in this communion, the merciful love of God and His saints is always [attentive] to our prayers" -Pope St. Paul VI, 1897-1978

I want to express my gratitude to all who assisted with making Bishop Joseph Williams’ visit to St. Hedwig this past weekend such a glorious occasion. The church looked beautiful, the music was splendid, the liturgy was well coordinated and served, the food was delicious and everyone who had a role served with a spirit of generosity and joy. I renew my thanks to all who contributed financially to the sanctuary renovation project at St. Hedwig over the past several years—your generosity has truly it has come to fruition!

Bishop Williams very much enjoyed meeting so many parishioners and especially sitting at dinner with several River Village residents. Stay tuned for additional photos on our website from this special ‘once in several generations’ liturgy of the solemn dedication of our altar. Special thanks to our photographer, Ann Marie Cosgrove. One of the most poignant aspects of the Mass was the placing of the relics into the altar which is a reminder that the saints are united with us in their need for redemption and their prayers for us and they united with Christ through His power at work in them. Though they have passed from this world, they are alive in Christ, the Lamb who lives to die no more.

Relics bring the reality of the Saints home to us and remind us that they were flesh and blood men and women, as we are. The 1st class relics of St. Faustina Kowalska and St. Maximilian Kolbe—newly received during the pilgrimage to Poland—will be present at all parish Masses on All Saints Day—Wednesday, November 1st. Veneration will take place following each Mass. Additionally they will be present during Mass and available for veneration after the 9:30 am Mass at Holy Cross on Sunday, November 5. Just a reminder that All Saints Day (this coming Wednesday) is a Holy Day of Obligation meaning that Catholics are expected to attend Mass to celebrate the great things God has done for us through Christ and His Saints.

While there is no obligation to attend Mass for All Souls Day (this coming Thursday), it is a very praiseworthy occasion to come to Mass and pray for our beloved dead. Each day of the Octave that begins November 1 and ends on November 8 one can earn a plenary indulgence for the souls in Purgatory by visiting a cemetery and reciting prayers for the dead. By way of reminder, according to the Code of Canon Law No. 992, “An indulgence is the remission before God of temporal punishment for sins whose guilt is already forgiven, which a properly disposed member of the Christian faithful gains under certain and defined conditions by the assistance of the Church which as minister of redemption dispenses and applies authoritatively the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.” The usual plenary indulgence conditions apply: receiving Holy Communion, going to Confession within eight days before or after, and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, all while detached from sin. Our focus on praying for the faithful departed and the souls in Purgatory will be sustained throughout the entire month of November as we conclude the Church’s Liturgical Year with the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, on November 26.

Grace and peace,

--Fr. Howe