This past weekend I traveled with His Eminence, Edwin Cardinal O'Brien (Grand Master of the Order) to Olomouc, Czech Republic where he Invested the Archbishop of Olomouc as the Grand Prior (the cleric - usually a bishop/archbishop who is in charge of the spiritual good of the members in his territory), 4 men as Knights, one woman as a Dame, and one priest, into the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher.
It was the very first one for this brand new Magistral Delegation - and my first Investiture as well.
We arrived Friday evening in Vienna and from there made the 3-hour car ride into the Czech Republic and the city of Olomouc. We arrived at the Archbishop's Palace - certainly from former days - were shown to our rooms, and had a very nice, light supper with the Archbishop.
Grand Stairway leading up to our rooms
One of the doors into the Archbishop's Palace
After a nice night in a "small" bed - but a WONDERFUL feather comforter, we had a nice, typical European breakfast - bread and coffee, cheese and meat, radishes and other vegetables - and then (after Mass in the archbishop's chapel) went walking around the town with the Archbishop. Here's a whole slew of photos from our walk. I'll caption as I can to say what the photos are...
The Archbishop's Chapel
The inside of the Jesuit Church
St. Michael's Church
This is actually a UNESCO site:
the largest monument to the Holy Trinity
Church of St. Maurice
The Organ casing in the Church of St. Maurice
Outside of the Church of St. Maurice
As we walked along, we met some members of the Order - also out for a morning stroll around the town
Then we caught first glimpse of the Cathedral of St. Wenceslaus.
Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Cathedral of St. Wenceslaus
That afternoon we officially Invested Archbishop Jan Grubner as the Grand Prior for the Magistral Delegation here in Olomouc. Some photos of the Investiture...
The following day was the Investiture at the Cathedral of St. Wenceslaus in Olomouc. Much to my surprise, I ended up acting as the M.C. for the event and the Mass - certainly the local Cathedral rector directed much of the liturgical "traffic" - but I handled things with Cardinal O'Brien. The Cathedral was COLD! I kept thinking of the many people at home who think the church is too cols (or too hot) - well, they should have been here - you just come prepared... The music was beautiful - orchestra and a beautiful choir. The Investiture and Mass was televised on Czech Catholic TV for all to see. Here are some photos following the event (since I, of course, was busy).
Then, walking back to the Archbishop's Palace for a wonderful reception and to pack up for the trip home, I couldn't help but snap this candid photo of the Cardinal and Archbishop walking along...
It was a long weekend, but a great first experience of an Investiture.
Last week (it's been busy and I haven't had a chance to write) the Grand Magisterium of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher met here in Rome. This body has the task of assisting the Grand Master (Cardinal O'Brien) in the government and administration of the Order. They arrange the programs and activities of the Order and coordinate the national organizations. They meet bi-annually here in Rome. Here are some photos from our meeting.
I've never been at a meeting with people from so many different countries. The top photo includes the Grand Master (center - with a bottle in front of him), Archbishop Fouad Twal - the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. The bottom photo is some of the members. You can see that there are microphones and headphones - there was a cool booth to my right with several people doing simultaneous translations into Italian, English and French (that I know of - there could have been others). The discussion was all about matters of importance to the governance and work of the Order. Much like in a parish, the Grand Magisterium advises and recommends to the Grand Master who decides the direction of the Order.
BTW - did you know that the Patriarchate of the Holy Land includes the countries of Israel, Palestine and Jordan?
Of course, being one of only two Military Orders associated and approved by the Holy See (the other being the Knights of Malta), and being made up of Catholic men and women, we began each day with Mass in our Headquarters, the Palazzo della Rovere on the Via della Conciliazione - the street leading up to St. Peter's Basilica. Here are some photos of the area set up for Mass...
The "job" of the Order is to protect the rights and the people of the Christian people of Holy Land. A huge portion of the Order's financial support provides for schools which educate the youth - not only Catholic, but also Jewish and Muslim. It is a way to help build peace from the ground up - if these students can learn from one another that they are all people (not monsters or terrorists), then we can build a solid foundation on which to build a true and lasting peace in the Holy Land.
As the meetings concluded, there was a grand banquet in our Headquarters. I wanted to post: "Just having a few friends over for dinner..." but never go to it...
It's hard to believe that is has been exactly one month since I landed at Rome's Fiumicino Airport to begin this new adventure and new ministry in and for the Church. As I was praying before Mass this morning, several thoughts come to mind...
It has been a transition not without a few tears. It has been very difficult to leave family, friends, brother priests, parish and parishioners. However modern technology has made that easier - I can easily see and talk to my mom on a regular basis - which makes it seem as if we are actually visiting together. It's a great help!
It is strange not being a pastor in a parish. I have been the main celebrant at Mass once in the past month and preached twice. That's quite different from 3-4 Masses on a Sunday at St. Francis Xavier (and it makes me pray all the more for Fr. Richards, especially, and all my brother priests who, in order to provide the faithful with the opportunity to attend Mass, celebrate several - even many - Masses in one day).
As Fr. Andres told me when I met him at the Nunciature in Rwanda last November, it is important that every day I place my "job" in its proper context - remembering that what I do is for the upbuilding of the Church - especially in the Holy Land (the Patriarchate of Jerusalem). If I don't keep that perspective, my life could easily become just a job - and I would lose my priestly identity. So daily prayer is even more vital than ever.
I am remembering what my spiritual director told me before I left: that I was to be sure to use this time as a kind of sabbatical - taking time for rest and prayer. I've been doing that. Extra prayer is easy - as I can, at any moment, walk 20 feet to the chapel in our apartment and spend some time with the Lord in the Eucharist. And I've been enjoying a break. Yes, I've work to do, but the workload is light compared to the extreme and constant demands of parish life and administration. (One nice this is that there are no evening meetings - except for dinner.) I know and am fully aware that once school starts in October, I'll be plenty busy - so I'm enjoying the time now.
I have marveled at the fraternity that we American priests share IMMEDIATELY. Just last evening the Cardinal was reflecting on this fact. Here in Rome there seems to be very little fraternity amongst the clergy. But we American priests seek out that fraternity and offer that kind and brotherly welcome immediately (and I have experienced that from every American priest I have met over the past month). Some have reflected that this is because of our own unique "American experience" - coming from different ethnic backgrounds, different perspectives, different cultures..." The priestly fraternity I have found here has been a great comfort and consolation.
I marvel at the Universal Church - gathered around the Holy Father. I have been VERY blessed to have arrived just prior to Holy Week - which meant the many services presided over by the Holy Father, Pope Francis. I have been privileged to attend many events with the Holy Father in just one month: an Episcopal ordination; Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square; the Chrism Mass; Good Friday Liturgy of the Lord's Passion; several general audiences; the funeral for a Cardinal (where the Holy Father presided over the Rites of Commendation); the Vigil for the Feast of Divine Mercy (which the Holy Father attended); Mass in St. Peter's square for Divine Mercy Sunday - I've been so blessed.
All of this has also helped me to grow in my filial devotion to our Holy Father. To see him close up - to watch the tenderness and devotion with which he reverences the altar; touches an image of the Blessed Mother; holds up the Sacred Host and Precious Chalice... So many little ways that we can see his true love and devotion to Christ, Our Lady, and the Church.
I see the Universal Church present - people from every country, from every continent, speaking every language - yet all united in one Faith. It is a great reminder of the universal nature of Christ's mission.
These are just some of my thoughts and reflections on this past month. All is well. I am happy. I continue to be firmly convinced that this is God's plan for me right now - to be here engaged in this new type of ministry and service.
I thank all of you who have been following me on this journey. I thank you for your prayers and words and cards and emails of support. It has all been very been helpful to me.
This next week begins some new experiences as I attend my first meeting of the Grand Magisterium (basically the governing board for the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem) and travel with the Cardinal to my first Investiture in the Archdiocese of Olomouc in the Czech Republic. If I don't have the opportunity to write before that trip, I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and share my weekend experience.
God bless you all. Know that I pray for you - and ask that you continue to pray for me.
OK - been quiet this week. I did finally find a photo from last Saturday's funeral - you can see it here - copyright stamp right over top it... Hope I don't get in trouble for this...
That was pretty close, no?
And here are some from Divine Mercy Sunday. Of me (look in the back right)...
And Cardinal O'Brien...
Other than that, it's just been a fairly normal week - except that I went to drill for the first time. It was a good couple of days up in the north of the country - near Venice (but not into Venice). Beautiful with the mountains just in the background - still with snow on their peaks. Didn't take any photos however - OPSEC you know...
All is well. Starting to recognize people - and they me. Went for a run this morning down along the river - passed a seminarian along the way that recognized me - then passed Fr. Matthew Rolling (who was a deacon with me at St. Andrew a few years ago) also out on his morning run. While talking for a moment, we decided to get together for dinner tomorrow evening. Tonight we celebrate the Cardinal's birthday (which was yesterday - but he doesn't want anyone to know) with some of the priests up at the NAC.
Next week are several firsts: my first Grand Magisterium meeting at the Office - and next weekend my first Investiture trip - to the Czech Republic.
In many ways, this is THE weekend for this Jubilee Year of Mercy - and today is THE celebration: Divine Mercy Sunday. There have been a lot of events going on here in Rome during this special weekend. BTW - many have noted that it coincides with the 11th anniversary of the Death of Pope John Paul II - and the dates are the same as they were the year of his death.
The BBC story at the time of John Paul's death...
But now, the great celebration of Divine Mercy, so loved by Pope Saint John Paul II, is firmly enshrined in the hearts of many, many people... I believe including the heart of Pope Francis, who proclaimed this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy.
Here in Rome the celebrations began on Friday evening with an Evening of Mercy - most particularly at the Church of Spiritu Santo in Sassia - not far from our offices for the Holy Sepulcher. So, I headed over there to see what was going on. The place was PACKED! Priests were in every corner of the church hearing confessions in many different languages (the signs on the confessionals let people know who spoke what language), and high above the main altar was the Blessed Sacrament exposed for adoration. As we walked in we were each handed a small prayer book "Lectio Divina" - offering several different Scripture passages for personal and private reflection and meditation in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Not wanting to miss out on this weekend of mercy, I took the opportunity to go to confession myself. In fact, it was a good exercise for me - to be the one waiting in line with everyone else (I was not dressed as a priest or I would certainly have been called upon to assist with Confessions - which I would have been happy to do - but... I wasn't prepared).
Saturday was a great Vigil celebration all day long. The several "Jubilee Churches" here in Rome had a full day of catechesis and prayer leading up to a vigil prayer service in St. Peter's Square beginning at 4:30pm. People gave testimonies, there was music and song and prayer. Then, at 6pm, the Holy Father came out and joined the prayer vigil - and we prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
And here is a video of at least part of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy as we sang it... sorry, you can hear me singing as well... forgot to stop while I was filming.
Then today was the Divine Mercy Mass for the 2nd Sunday of Easter - celebrated by the Pope. I've come to understand why it is so infrequent that ALL priest cannot concelebrate with the Pope (I know I mentioned this yesterday) - it's a logistical nightmare. Imagine that many priests, that many people, all the priests needing to receive the Precious Blood as well as the Sacred Host (which a priest must do in order to validly celebrate Mass). It's just a mess. But today, being such a special day, was an exception. Cardinal O'Brien decided the other day that he wanted to be part of this special day - really what I think is THE day of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. So, we got me a ticket to concelebrate Mass this morning.
I had to report, once again, to the Bracchio Constantino (behind the Bronze Door) at 9am - after AGAIN going through the security screenings. Again, I have NO PROBLEM with all this security. The Swiss Guard and Italian and Vatican police are doing an EXCELLENT job keeping people safe - in light of all the terrorist activity going on - and knowing that the Holy Father and large religious gatherings are certainly targets. I'm happy they are being so cautious with security for everyone.
As we were waiting to be escorted to our seats near the Papal Altar on the steps of St. Peter's Square, I was taking the chance to observe all the beautiful art and sculptures within this ancient hallway of the Vatican. The sculptures of saints and angels, the beautiful plaster (I assume) florets on the ceiling, the marble floor - it's all so beautiful. And why? All for the glory of God - not of a man (even if he is the Pope) - it's all about God - about raising our minds and hearts to Him as one moved through this hallway either toward a meeting with the Pope or toward the Basilica (or Square) for Mass.
Then we were escorted to our places - and I ended up in just about the same seat I had for Palm Sunday - 3 rows behind the Cardinals & Bishops - just slightly to the side of the Papal Altar. We were instructed NO PHOTOS during the Mass - so I only took a few (as discretely as possible - but every other priest around me was snapping photos - so I joined in).
Mass went as usual. I've quickly grown accustomed to the Roman practice for these Masses. Lots of Latin (which, despite the use of the vernacular, continues to unite us - and is why Vatican II wanted every Catholic to know certain parts of the Mass in Latin). We sang the official song for the Jubilee (Misericordes Sicut Pater) and then the chanted entrance antiphon. I believe it is such a good use of the traditional Latin chants and antiphons - united with a song as part of the entrance procession.
During the Universal Prayers, I was distracted as the ushers and Masters of Ceremonies began passing out patens to all the priests - as it turns out - we would all be holding a paten with hosts to be consecrated during the Eucharistic Prayer and, I assume, distributing Holy Communion to the faithful. That is, in fact, what happened. We held the sacred vessel and, during the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) we were led down into the assembly in the Square to distribute the Body and Blood of the Lord to the faithful - the Eucharist - an expression of God's Divine Mercy toward us in giving us His Body and Blood as food and drink. In fact, I love the collect for today: that we may know in what font we have been baptized, by whose spirit we have been renewed, by whose body and blood we have been fed.
I learned from yesterday - "only on the tongue." I descended into the midst of one of the sections of St. Peter's Square to distribute Holy Communion - and people come at you from every direction. It immediately reminded me of when I assisted in distributing Holy Communion in Kibeho last November - hungry people coming to the Lord to be fed and nourished and strengthened to be faithful to Him in this life - so as to be united with Him in the next.
When Communion was completed, we were led back through the Bronze Door - into St. Peter's Basilica - where the remaining consecrated hosts were gathered into large bowls (remember the ones from Good Friday?) to be reserved in the Tabernacle. The priests were then led to a station where a priest and deacon stood holding a paten with consecrated hosts and a chalice of the Precious Blood - so that we could ourselves communicate. We each did, then returned to our places (or as close to our original spot as we could manage).
Mass concluded and the Holy Father made a few remarks - then the Regina Caeli. Again, I observed the tenderness and love of the Holy Father as he stood before the image of our Blessed Mother and lovingly reached out to touch it - and make the sign of the Cross. I've seen these tender gestures several times from our Holy Father. One of them is at the beginning of each Mass as he approaches the altar and kisses it - it's no quick 'peck" - but a prolonged and loving kiss - which to me speaks of the love and devotion of Pope Francis for the Sacrifice of the Eucharist which takes place on that altar - the place where the True Presence of Christ (and His Sacrifice) are revealed and made present to us. I took these photos after the Mass was over...
As Mass concluded and the Holy Father removed his chasuble and prepared to get into the Popemobile to go down amongst the people, he did as he usually does - and first came to greet the Cardinals concelebrating. I didn't get any good photos of the Pope with Cardinal O'Brien - but did get some others...
The Holy Father greeting Cardinal O'Brien
Then the Holy Father did something unusual - he looked at all of us priests there, waved, and then came forward to greet the priests - who become just like everyone else when the Pope is near - they lose all decorum and politeness and push and shove to get close. Well, if you know me, you know that I am not as pushy as some others might be - so while I got close, and extended my hand - I didn't get close enough to greet him, kiss his ring, or shake his hand. Perhaps another time...
Following Mass, as we returned to the Bracchio Constantino to return our vestments, the Swiss Guard came past. They are much more than just for show - they're serious. Here's a few photos and a quick video I took as they went past.
Last evening (and I'll post about that later - with all the Divine Mercy stuff) Cardinal O'Brien had arranged the time for Mass this morning - but when I got home I discovered a note: "CHANGE!" Instead of having Mass here in our chapel, we were going to St. Peter's for the funeral of Cardinal Georges Marie Cottier - the theologian of the Papal Household under Pope St. John Paul II. He said to be ready at 7:50am, in cassock and surplis, while he would concelebrate with the other Cardinals. [I've quickly learned that this is the norm - it is actually pretty rare that all priests concelebrate - it's just too big of a task to provide space and both Species to all the concelebrants - a logistical nightmare.]
So, 7:50am we headed out. Still not quite sure where we are always going or which door we'll be using, I followed slightly behind as we walked to St. Peter's - through the front door of the Basilica, down toward the Papal Altar, then left toward the sacristy. OK, I've been here before - I know how this works. We arrived at the sacristy and all the vestments were prepared for the Cardinals. His Eminence vested, and I threw on my surplis.
At that point Msgr. Cihak happened past (the classmate and friend of Fr. LaVoie - who works here in Rome and is also one of the MC's here at the Vatican - I met him on Good Friday). We exchanged hello's and he asked if I could help him... "Put on your surplis, I'll take you to your seat, and you can assist with the distribution of Holy Communion." Certainly! No problem! Anything I can do to help.
So we went out to the Altar of the Chair [I hope you've noticed the links within articles - trying to give you background and context to things I might mention but gloss over]. There Msgr. Cihak seated me in the front row so that, when it was time for Holy Communion, he could easily bring me (and three others) to the sanctuary to receive the Most Holy Eucharist for distribution to the faithful. Cardinal Sodano presided at the funeral. Beautifully executed liturgically (I would expect nothing less).
When communion time came Msgr. came down, led us around the left side of the altar (where we received stoles) back behind the main altar and there we received the Holy Eucharist to distribute to the people. We were led to our places. As I was distributing communion the usher leaned over to me and said, "Father, if possible, only in the mouth." I had been distributing communion as I would at home in the States. Certainly. That is an easy switch. From there, only on the tongue. No problem. I'm sure that in a large church like that, with tourists everywhere, it is much safer (for the security of the Lord's Body and Blood) to give only on the tongue - so someone doesn't go home with some "souvenir" - not realizing what it really is.
So, as I finish, Msgr. then leads me to the Swiss Guard (someday I'll have to write just about them - they must stand for hours practicing not moving... but that's another post). I gave communion to the Swiss guard, then to the choir, then went back behind the altar again to return the Blessed Sacrament to the tabernacle, and back to my seat. We arrived just as the Prayer after Communion was concluding... and there was a LONG pause. Cardinal Sodano stepped away from the presiders chair and disappeared amongst the other cardinals. Long pause...
Suddenly, from my left, approached the Holy Fatherin a cope to preside at the concluding rites of the funeral. [I'm CERTAIN there is going to be a good picture of the Pope with me just behind him in the photo - when I find it I'll post it - or at least a link to it - but it will take at least a day or two for them to get the photos online... keep checking back.] I was only about 10 feet from Pope Francis as he processed past, dressed in a red cope with a very simple, wooden crozier. He led all the concluding rites (the prayer, incensing of the casket, and commendation). Then the procession of all the concelebrating priests, bishops and cardinals headed back to the sacristy - with the Holy Father, of course, concluding the procession.
As the Holy Father was leading the concluding prayers, I know I was thinking, "the tourists in the Basilica, if they are Catholic, certainly hear Pope Francis' voice coming over the sound system - and must be squirming to catch a glimpse - but the security was, of course, VERY tight - and no one could get anywhere near to the Altar of the Chair unless you were there to attend the funeral.
The casket was carried out, I returned to the sacristy to unvest and walked back home (I was detained in the nave because of the procession with the body, so Cardinal O'Brien had already headed back to the house). When I arrived, I said to His Eminence, "Well, that was a surprise." "Oh, the Pope? he said. "I didn't tell you about that, did I..." he said with a grin... Kept secret on purpose so I'd have this little "Saturday Surprise."
