The Trellis

Canonizations!

Wow! Two e-mails within the week. It's only because I have a bit of time, and today was such an amazing, Grace-filled day.
After going to a sacred music concert last evening, where we heard variations on the Ave Maria and Magnificat, and were invited to the reception following, shmoozing it up with the Italian musicians, today was quite possibly the icing on the cake.
Granted, we had to wake up before the break of dawn, to be at San Pietro by 7:30, but surprisingly I had a relatively easy time of it. I'm sure my body will be hating me for it tomorrow though.

Anyway, today was the closing mass of the Synod, the closing mass of the Year of the Eucharist, and, the canonization of five new saints! One of the saints was from Chile, so there were about 5,000 Chilenos present, dancing, and singing their praises for this model saint of poverty and charity! In addition there were two saints from the slavic countries; Ukraine, and my homeland Poland, and two from Italy--one being a Capuchin friar from the 1700s. (I like to call the Capuchins, Capuchinos)

Papa Benedetto gave a beautiful homily imploring us to keep the Eucharist as our center because it is THE source and summit of our strength. He reiterated the necessity and grace of it, which we can receive through adoration and frequent reception of the Eucharist. He called us to charity by emulating Christ in the "breaking of bread", and by following the example of the saints, especially those canonized today. He also asked for our prayers, for himself that he may lead us with humility, and for all of the synodal fathers, as they continue to implement the proclamations of the Synod in their pastoral work.

All around it was a very rewarding day. I wish you all could have been there with me, to experience the richness and joy of the Faith. I pray that in some way you will be able to through this full, albeit brief account.

Pacem Sempre!

posted by Mish @ 11:48