Dear Parishioners,
This Sunday happens to be the feast of St. Paul of the Cross, our patron. Happy feast day. Saint Paul would be proud of all of you.
I find myself re-reading the letters of St. Paul of the Cross, letters he wrote over 250 years ago. I enjoy, in particular, the letters he wrote to the rector of one of the Passionist seminaries, Father Fulgentius Pastorelli. Father Pastorelli was having a hard time running the seminary (most rectors find it to be a difficult job), and Paul was constantly looking out for him. Here is one of the letters he wrote on November 25, 1747:
“Dearly beloved Father Rector, How are you doing?? On the cross, for sure? But the cross is covered with immense joys of peace and serenity in the Holy Spirit. But you have not given me any news about your dear self, and I desire that. I have received a letter from Father Vice Rector, which refers to the case we know of. You have all the power, so examine the facts closely, and, if you think it well to take possession of the hospice for our Retreat, do so. But send Father Vice Rector and do not exert yourself more than is absolutely necessary. Have him write the letters, and out of love for God, take care of yourself. Take your usual restoratives in the morning and follow your regimen. Do not grieve over the decision regarding your person. The Congregation is facing a heavy necessity; what else could have been done? At times my burden seems unbearable and at other times it seems lighter than a feather. God will help us. We wish you a brave spirit.”
Paul doesn’t address just the “business” of the seminary. He wants to know how his priest is doing on a personal level. And his advice isn’t what to do about the issue with the seminarian. The advice is for the priest to take care of himself.
Pastorelli wrote back to Paul with a more personal update. Paul responded with this on December 2, 1747:
“Patience! Ah, dear Father Rector! I do not know how to express how much I love you in the Lord. Stay in your inner kingdom, drink at the font of life, and become well inebriated. Then your heart will break forth with the good word to set all on fire. As for the vice rector, how is that little chap doing? Greet him fondly for me and let him hear his burden gladly and remain in holy inner solitude.”
In our Gospel today James and John ask Jesus to sit on his right and left. I imagine James and John were having a difficult time, like Pastorelli. If things were fine and they were satisfied, why would they make a request? Jesus takes the time to talk to the sons of Zebedee, along with the other apostles who were upset. He cares for them and wants them to succeed.
If you were to write a letter to Jesus right now, what would you say? What would he say back to you? How about our patron? I know Saint Paul would want to hear how you’re doing personally. I know he would encourage you to persevere and take care of yourself. I know he would pray for you too from heaven, for he sees you and cares about you.
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All are invited to our Family Mass this Sunday at 10:30am in the Holy Family Chapel. Thank you to the musicians and all those involved in organizing the liturgy.
This weekend members of our Respect Life Group will be handing out Baby Bottles for our annual drive for the Women’s Center. Bottles will be collected the weekend of November 2-3.
This Tuesday, October 22nd at 7:30pm is our next Word on the Street. We will be at the Harp and Fiddle Restaurant in Park Ridge. Father Matt Foley—current pastor of St. Gall in Chicago (and previously at Mary, Seat of Wisdom, among his other assignments)—and I will give the presentation and respond to questions. All are welcome.
There will be a Parent Confirmation Meeting this Tuesday, October 22nd at 7pm in the Holy Family Chapel.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. James Wallace
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