I’m not sure if it was the silence. Perhaps, it was simply the stillness. It was a Holy Spirit moment for sure. There is a memory that stands out for me particularly this week. It was an event that affected me and would ultimately change me. If the word holy can be taken to mean different or set-apart, then this week certainly is Holy. All the liturgies, especially those of the Sacred Triduum are different. From the Washing of Feet to the Veneration of the Cross, they unfold unlike “ordinary” liturgical celebrations, though I would argue that no liturgical celebration is ever “ordinary.” Bread and wine transformed; God made present is anything but “ordinary.” It was a Good Friday Service that so affected me many years ago. That affect still remains with me – every year. On one particular Good Friday, when I was much younger and well before I was ordained, I was in attendance at my parish. I was seated on the end or near the end of the pew, because on this day I had a clear vision of the sanctuary. There was no big person blocking my view. There were three priests that lived at the parish at the time and all three priests were present. Mass, of course, would usually begin with singing or announcements – not that day. In fact, it would not even be a Mass celebrated, but simply a “service.” The three priests processed down the aisle in utter silence. And there was silence. In that moment no babies were crying and there were no children ornery. I could actually hear the vestments as the priests walked by and felt a breeze as they did so. Eyes were fixed upon the silent priests clothed in red. Then it happened. All three prostrated themselves in the sanctuary – before the tabernacle; before the altar; before the crucifix on the wall; before all the people gathered – in utter silence. It was an act of submission and obedience and humility. To me at that time so long ago, this act of prostration seemed rather long. The silence was deafening during this pregnant pause and as the priests lay there a thought entered my mind. Perhaps, it was more of a feeling. I wanted to lie there with them. I wonder if Dennis ever had this feeling. I’ll have to ask him. Or maybe you can too. Dennis Morales is a young man and an active member of Saint Aloysius Parish. He might be seen working in the sacristy or serving as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. As we now enter this most “different” week of our Church Year, it is with much pride and great pleasure that I can announce that Dennis has been officially accepted as a seminarian at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary to begin study for priesthood for the Archdiocese. Way to go, Dennis!! I’m so proud of you and happy for you as is Fr. Wesly! I’m rather certain that my pride and happiness will be shared by all of our parishioners at Saint Al’s and our friends at Saint Gabe’s as well! I look forward to celebrating with you and supporting you as you begin a most wonderful journey as, I’m sure, do all of our parishioners and friends at both parishes. Know that you are in our prayers! I also very much look forward to that day when – God willing – you too, humbly lie prostrate in the sanctuary before the altar in an utter and profound silence as one of His priests! Congratulations!
Peace!
Fr. Wilson