Message from Father Ian Duffy - Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
It was an eerie sensation when I drove into the Parish Office this morning and found the parking lot completely empty. That is something I had never seen before. It can lead one to a bit of a sense of desolation and abandonment. However, as sons and daughters of God, and members of the Mysitcal Body of Christ, we are always a people of hope! We are not alone, even when we’re social distancing and self-isolating. Please know that in these difficult times I am with you in spirit, and am praying for all of you each day. Mass is being offered in the Basilica every day for the intentions of our parishioners, and there is always an intention for an end to the Covid 19 pandemic. It is a part of our Catholic Faith that even if the priest is the only one physically present at Mass, that we are all still present in the great Communion of the Saints.
I had been my hope to be able to broadcast our Sunday Mass to you all on our website and facebook page. Sadly, the person who does the taping is unwell so I will not be able to broadcast this Sunday’s Mass. It will still be offered, however, for all of you and your intentions. Together with our Holy Father, Pope Francis, I encourage all of you to take the time to pray the Mass readings, which can be found online, or in a misalette if you have one, and make a Spiritual Communion at home as I offer Mass for you in the Basilica.
Here is a beautiful Act of Spiritual Communion that you could use in your prayer time at home:
An Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
May God bless you all, and may Our Blessed Lady continue to intercede for us.
I remain faithfully yours in Christ,
Fr. Ian