Dear Friends,
May has arrived. One of my hopes is for sunny, warm days to enjoy the beauty of nature as it continues to bloom.
This weekend, we celebrated two First Holy Communion Masses for our children. They were so beautifully dressed and excited about this most important and special day in their young spiritual lives. I offer profound thanks to Mrs. Laura Jusko, Mrs. Kate Chetta, Mrs. Theresa Healy, our teachers, and catechists for their loving care for and assistance in preparing the children for their encounter with Jesus in the most Holy Eucharist. My gratitude to all the parents, guardians, and family members who have helped the children along the way to this moment and who will continue to assist them in their spiritual journey going forward.
May is the month of ordinations to the transitional diaconate (May 13, at the Seminary) and to the priesthood (May 20, at the Cathedral Basilica). You will remember Rev. Mr. Anthony Albanese who spent a year here as part of his formation during his Seminary studies. He will be ordained a priest this year and celebrate his First Mass of Thanksgiving at SS Simon and Jude Church, West Chester. I hope he will be able to come back and offer Mass here before going to his first assignment. Keep all these men, all our seminarians, and all our priests in your good prayers.
Our Legion of Mary is planning a day trip to the Dominican Nuns in Summit, NJ. At their convent, they have a copy of the Shroud of Turin dating back to the 1600’s. This replica is treasured and venerated because it was placed on the actual Holy Shroud. “When it was removed it was found that the Wound in the Side, as it is seen on the Holy Shroud had become damp as though with Blood and this effusion had stained the copy. In 1987 scientists … affirmed that the stain is that of human blood and of the same blood type as on the Holy Shroud.” Research has been able to re-establish the authenticity of this copy of the Shroud. What a remarkable hidden treasure and so nearby.
Next weekend, we celebrate Mother’s Day! There will be a special blessing given for all Mothers at each of the Masses. Also, a special gift will be given to all Mothers when leaving church. At the 10:30 Mass we will have our annual May crowning of Mary in our Sanctuary with the assistance of our youth group and First Communicants. Holy Cross will celebrate their annual May Crowning on Wednesday, May 17.
The solemn feast of the Ascension of our Lord follows on Thursday, May 18. It is a holyday of obligation. Our Mass schedule is: 6:30, 9 AM, 12:05 & 7 PM. May will be flying by very fast.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
