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May 2008 Issue
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Bishop's column
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My
dear friends, It was a great privilege to attend six
of the events surrounding Pope Benedict XVI’s fi rst
apostolic journey to the United States, April 15-20.
In Washington, D.C., I attended the White House Reception
and the meeting of the United States Bishops at the
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
on April 16 and concelebrated the Mass at Nationals
Park on April 17. |
In
New York, I concelebrated the Mass for priests and religious
at St. Patrick Cathedral on April 19, as well as the Mass
at Yankee Stadium on the 20th. I was also present for the
youth rally at St. Joseph Seminary, Dunwoodie. I want to share
with you some of my observations and reflections. The warmth
and enthusiasm of the tens of thousands of people who journeyed
to Washington, D.C. and New York City to welcome the Holy
Father were a real inspiration to me. In Grand Rapids, the
Holy Father’s 4 p.m. arrival at Andrews Air Force Base on
April 15 was marked by ringing of bells at the Cathedral of
Saint Andrew and surrounding parishes.
As
I traveled to Washington, D.C. and New York and took part
in the various celebrations, I was edifi ed by the faith,
dedication and enthusiasm of the throngs of people who traveled
both near and far, lined the roadways and waited for hours
to catch a mere glimpse of him. A particularly heartwarming
moment for me took place during the welcoming ceremony at
the White House. In the midst of all the pageantry I noticed
a little boy, four or fi ve years old, dressed in a blue blazer
and tan pants; in one hand he held a small U.S. fl ag and
in the other a papal flag. As the bands played, he enthusiastically
waved the flags to the beat of the music, seemingly caught
up in the excitement of the moment after waiting for so long.
His gestures exemplified a spirit and excitement that could
be felt throughout the papal visit. The theme set for the
Holy Father’s visit was “Christ our Hope” which he continued
to defi ne throughout his visit including in his homily during
the Mass at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
He
said “Yet hope, hope for the future, is very much a part of
the American character. And the Christian virtue of hope –
the hope poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, the hope
which supernaturally purifi es and corrects our aspirations
by focusing them on the Lord and his saving plan – that hope
has also marked, and continues to mark, the life of the Catholic
community in this country.” The Holy Father’s April visit
to the U.S. was a vivid reminder of the immensity of our Catholic
family worldwide. At the same time, as I participated in,
responded to and witnessed others responses to the Holy Father’s
visit, it became clear that his presence in our country served
to draw Catholics nationwide closer to each other; and reinvigorated
collective and personal feelings of pride, unity and hope
in Christ and his church.
During
the Mass at Nationals Park, a spectacular and deeply moving
celebration of faith, the diverse cultures of the church were
evident. Yet the Mass was a celebration of one reality – the
Eucharist that unites us in Christ. As followers of Christ
Jesus, one reality is what we share as a Catholic family regardless
of social, cultural or economic status. During his homily
at the Mass in Washington, D.C., Pope Benedict further said,
“ ... conscious of its rich diversity, the Catholic community
in this country has come to appreciate ever more fully the
importance of each individual and group offering its own particular
gifts to the whole.” Headlines following Pope Benedict’s visit
to the U.S. included one from the Catholic News Service which
read “U.S. Catholics give warm welcome to a previously unfamiliar
pope.”
The
Holy Father’s fi rst visit to our country held some uncertainty.
It was diffi cult for many not to compare Pope Benedict with
John Paul II. Pope Benedict’s fi rst visit here proved him
to be a pastoral leader who is closely in touch with global
issues as well as the social and spiritual environments of
American Catholics. From the welcoming ceremony at the White
House to the fi nal farewell at John F. Kennedy International
Airport, each time Pope Benedict spoke, his words of encouragement
for the church and its people were made clearer. Among them
included:
•
encouraging people of all ages, especially the young, to be
active participants in their individual Catholic faith journeys
and in their parishes through prayer, reconciliation and by
meeting the challenges outlined in Vatican II;
•
evangelization – through his presence here, creating an “occasion
for all Catholics to reaffi rm their unity in the apostolic
faith, to offer their contemporaries a convincing account
of the hope which inspires them (cf. 1 Pet 3:15), and to be
renewed in missionary zeal for the extension of God’s kingdom”;
•
and through “loving pastoral attention,” healing the pain
and shame of the church in America brought about by clergy
sexual abuse. Pope Benedict connected strongly with young
people during his visit, addressing a crowd of 25,000 young
adults, including seminarians and women studying for religious
life, at a youth rally in Yonkers, New York on April 19.
A
number of young adults from our own diocese gathered that
evening at the Cathedral residence to view the pope’s address
via satellite and, led by Father Mark-David Janus, discuss
Pope Benedict’s visit and its impact. I returned from the
events energized and humbled by the depth of faith of American
Catholics and their commitment to our Lord’s church. As church,
we have much for which to be grateful…locally, nationally
and globally. On Saturday, June 7 at the Cathedral of Saint
Andrew, I will ordain Deacon Michael F. Cilibraise to the
priesthood. I will also ordain Michael E. Burt and Aaron R.
Ferris to the transitional diaconate.
This
is a joyful occasion for the diocese. I ask that you remember
these individuals in your prayers. The Cathedral Square project
continues to move forward. The parking ramp, while not fully
completed, has begun to be used by Catholic Central seniors.
The pastoral center is near completion with occupancy scheduled
for mid-July. I am most grateful for the ongoing support and
enthusiasm you have shown for the Cathedral Square project.
Next month we will have a more in depth update on the project.
May God bless you and your loved ones!
- Bishop Walter A. Hurley is the
11th bishop of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
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