Dear Friend of the Passionists,
Next week marks two very important feasts in the Passionist Congregation. Monday, September 14, is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Tuesday, September 15, is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a significant feast for the universal Church and one which is beloved by all Passionists, particularly by those of us who are privileged to be members of Holy Cross Province. Among the various feasts that remember the Passion and Death of Jesus, this feast is unique because it does not focus on the suffering Jesus endured in his Passion and Death. Rather, it is a celebration of God’s great love for us revealed through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus, in freely giving up his life on the cross, wins eternal life for us.
Then, the very next day, we celebrate the Feast of Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows. This poignant feast highlights seven very difficult events that happen in Mary’s life. Traditionally, they are called the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Let me just remind you of two of those dreadful Sorrows. One recalls Mary, watching in agony as her beloved Son is rejected, mocked, beaten, battered and crucified. How devastating it must have been for Mary to witness Jesus endure such violence. It’s no wonder that this terrible experience is described as a sword piercing Mary’s heart.
Many of us can identify with Mary as she suffered through these terrible human sorrows. In recalling her sorrows, we realize how deeply Our Blessed Mother understands the sorrows that touch our own lives. We are encouraged to share our most painful moments with her, confident of her compassion and love.
On these two wonderful feasts, we Passionists will be offering special prayers and Masses for all who want to join us in our prayers. Please send me your intentions or the names of loved ones, especially those suffering in sorrow, that you wish us to include in our prayers.
I am thankful to have the opportunity to share in these feasts with you. Please know that you are in my prayers and the prayers of my Passionist brothers and I ask that we remain in yours.
Yours in Christ's love,
