The Corpus Christi Procession, the Christian Vocation, the Rally for Religious Liberty

6/11/2012

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clergy called to the world, as witnesses of Christ the Servant.

I always celebrate the Feast as my ordination anniversary, rather than the calendar date. I knew then, and have grown to understand more deeply with each passing year, how significant it was that the Lord who called mealso allowed me to root my service as a member of the Clergy in the rich and deep meaning of this marvelous Feast. The mystery it recalls to our hearts and minds - and the invitation to intimacy with the Lord which it extends - has informed my response to the Vocation of Deacon.

On Friday, June 8, 2012 I will gather with hundreds of deeply concerned citizens in the Virginia Beach Town Center for the "Stand up for Religious Liberty Rally". I will emcee and share some remarks concerning the danges presented by the unconstitutional Health and Human Srvices mandate which threatens the Church in her saving and healing mission. Throughout the United States, thousands will gather in major cities for similar rallies. I see my participation connected to my diaconal ministry.

We Catholics defend religious freedom as a fundamental human right for all men and women. Every single man and woman has a right to hear the Truth and thereby be set free. The Church must be free, in every Nation, to proclaim in both word and deed the fullness of that truth which is found in Jesus Christ who iis fully revealed in Church.

We have received the Bread of Heaven. Let us become what we consume. On the Feast of Corpus Christi as we March through the Streets of the world lifting Jesus Christ enthroned let us say "Yes" to the invitation to become "living monstrances". Let the consuming fire of God's love purify us so that we can be used to reveal His presence to the whole world waiting to be born anew.

- - -

Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Corpus Christi, Monstrance, Body and Blood, Eucharist, Eucharistic Procession, Pope benedict XVI, Rally for Religious Freedom, Deacons, priests, monstrance, Deacon Keith Fournier

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1 - 3 of 3 Comments

Deanna Burns
11 months ago
Today I was driving around town, and I saw a woman on a harley in a long dress and head scarf. I took a double take and initially thought it might be a nun on a motorcycle. I initially chuckled, thinking how cute, and inspiring at the same time. When I arrived home, my mind was stuck on the thought of a nun on a harley.. then several nuns on harleys..then catholic clergy on harly davidsons, on parade. A type of parade from one end to the country much like the "Power Tour". I know when his holiness comes to the united states there is much procession and attention, but this time I heard very little of it. But the thundering sounds of holy men and women of God can be heard... and what if the tour were from city to city, town to town.. with the message of Jesus Christ.. and re-educating people and informing them of a history lost in American Culture, in event-style.. much like a fair- like atmosphere much like the power tour. What if people did "parade" on our interstate system, and everywhere else..in traditional clergy clothing.. in procession.. with a message? It definately would make news of its own. There are no laws against it. It sounds rediculous to some, or even over the top.. however think of how many people could be reached.
David Carlon
11 months ago
There is only one vocation! One pursuit worthy of our life! To be a practicing Catholic Christian... To muse on the Lord and His glory throughout the night watch, to wake with His name on our lips and in our heart, and to love and forgive unconditionally with a pure heart, the wicked and the good. Difficult? Damn right it is... but possible with God's grace. How sweet the consolations of living in the presence of the Lord! Abba mi Abba dulce.
Hex
11 months ago
Wow, this article is great in history, specially our church. How unfortunate things have become for other leaders of Christian denominations (non-Catholic) to be fooled and assume that our tradition is not inspired by the Holy Spirit, but of man himself. they always claim to that Catholicism's lacking in truth, but "truth is all Christian denomination teach the truth; we all teach according to the Bible" (the four Gospels, Epistles, etc.). The only way to suppress the truth is by immorality and sin (Rom 1; 18 and 21) so we need to stop attacking one another and become one in mind (Phil 2; 1-4).
I do understand most Catholics can fall into idolatry with the images and figures of saints, but we need to break them out of that state and stop some of our fellow brothers/ sisters from doing so and teach them the true meaning of what is the role of a saint(s). Because of the lack of knowledge of the true meaning of knowing how to be a Catholic, lots of our brothers/ sisters are turning away from Catholicism, claiming that in their religion they were oppressed and enslaved to things the are no longer bound to in another Christian denomination. So we need to step up our calling and do what is correct and not allow our brothers/ sisters to become a prisoner of the religion; we can do this by teaching them how to have a relationship with God, not follow our tradition and focus on the motions in mass. Most of us know our tradition, but few know how to have a true relationship with our God.

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