Dear Friends in Christ,
I think I have finally recovered from our Marian Pilgrimage. In reflecting upon the trip it was truly a grace-filled time. Some have asked: What was my favorite destination on the itinerary? It is difficult to answer, but I can tell you something special about each place:
– Fatima, Portugal: There is an incredible pure simplicity about this town. I continue to reflect in wonder how the Blessed Mother chose this particular rural and agricultural place to send a message to the world.
– Santiago, Spain: The northern part of Spain is incredibly beautiful with mountains, plains and constantly changing scenery. Given that our Cathedral of the Diocese of Orlando is in the patronage of St. James, we should all have a special connection to this holy place where pilgrims have journeyed for centuries.
– Lourdes, France: When we were in Lourdes, there seemed to be complete perfection in the weather, the schedule and the environment. As a place of healing, I felt especially renewed spiritually from my days there.
Thank you again for your prayers. Some have asked when we are going to plan another pilgrimage. A journey such as this is one that comes from prayer and discernment so I am not rushing into any decisions about the future!
Please pray for the children of our parish who are celebrating their First Reconciliation next Friday and Saturday. I am grateful to our Faith Formation Staff, Catechists and of course, their parents for helping them in preparation. We must never forget that parents are the primary educators of their children! The children receive First Reconciliation in the Fall and then will continue in preparation for First Eucharist in the Spring. I know some of them get anxious about going to confession for the first time, but I am sure it will be a Spirit-filled experience for them.
Below is an article regarding the Year of Mercy. As proclaimed by Pope Francis, this will be an opportunity for Catholics universally to concentrate on the gift of God’s mercy… how we receive it from Him and also how we are witnesses to mercy in our lives. Often when we hear about MERCY we think automatically of confession, but this is only one aspect of it. We can also embrace the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in our everyday lives. More to come in future bulletins about the Year of Mercy….
When you come before the Lord this week, please whisper my name to the Almighty. Know that I will also pray for you, your loved ones and your intentions. We may not see each other each day but may we meet each day in our prayers.
In Christ,
Very Rev. Stephen D. Parkes, V.F.
Pastor
