May showers us with many faith-filled, moving moments

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

May is one of my favorite months of the year. Perhaps it is that May is one of the months specially dedicated to our Blessed Mother, to whom I and many others have a special devotion. This is a time, too, when the Easter season is in full swing, and the readings from the Acts of the Apostles about the early Church are so inspiring. The Holy Spirit is seen acting so clearly in these readings, even in the midst of such great challenges. We know the Holy Spirit has not left us in our day, and I often wonder how the Holy Spirit is working right now in our Church and world, even as we face challenges of our own. No doubt, He is here with us, but do we look for Him and expect Him to act in our lives, too?     

This month, we will conclude our listening sessions for the worldwide Synod that Pope Francis called. We have had about 40 different listening sessions in our diocese and many have contributed their prayerful observations on line or via letter. We pray that the Holy Spirit will lead this process and make clear His will for us, too, as He guides us all on our way back to our heavenly Father.   

This month, I am also enjoying that daylight is earlier in the morning and stays longer into the evenings. I still take my daily morning walk which gives me some exercise, but also allows me to plan the day and pray the  rosary.Walking around Metuchen most mornings, it is nice to see different homes with statues of the Blessed Mother or St. Francis on their lawns, along with some homes with Divine Mercy images in their windows. It always lifts my spirits and turns my mind more fervently to the Lord rosary. I always ask our Blessed Mother to assist me in my efforts of shepherding our local flock. In many ways, those images speak volumes more about what is believed in that house than the different placards with messages that some homes have.     

Most weekday evenings during this month, I am confirming our young adults at one of our 90 parishes. These Masses are very moving, as our young brothers and sisters receive the Holy Spirit through this special sacrament. How our young need the Holy Spirit as they make their way through the challenges they face in growing up today! As I watch my nieces and nephews and our youth here, I often think that I had fewer challenges as a young child and young adult. Our faith gives them a good base and center on which to focus their lives and they also know that they are never alone, as our Lord is with them always to accompany them throughout their lives and lift them up in any challenge they face. What a great gift parents are able to share with their children, a gift that will last them a lifetime and lead them to heaven! Confirmations are a blessing for me as the young adults, their families and friends fill our churches for Mass and it reminds us all of the ongoing, direct presence of God so intimately in our lives.    

Our priests and parish catechetical leaders are busy these days with First Communions, which are also such a joy. I always enjoy seeing our youngsters in their beautiful dresses and suits for their important day. The family gatherings after these Masses are always heartwarming, too.

Mother’s Day is another great May celebration as we gather to thank our mothers or remember in prayer those who have passed away. These moments of prayer and gatherings of family and friends are so important for us and give us blessed memories, too.   

In our diocese May 14, we ordained 15 permanent deacons, all of whom are Latino, and we had their formation done in Spanish for them. Their service to our parishes, particularly to our growing Latino community, is sorely needed and will be appreciated. What a blessing these deacons will be to our pastors, associates and faithful. I thank God for their generosity in responding to God’s call.     

We also have a visit of the relics of St. Bernadette to the diocese on May 17-20 and I will have Mass at our Cathedral on the evening of May 19 for the occasion. There are so many miracles that have taken place at Lourdes, and I pray that the relics of St. Bernadette sent from the Shrine in Southern France, will bring graces to us and those in need.    

I hope you are enjoying this month, too, and as our weather warms up, I pray that our Blessed Mother whom we honor in a special way throughout this month, will shower upon us all the warmth of the love of her Son! Mary is another blessing of May, and many of our parishes and schools honor her this month with special displays and devotions. I look forward to praying with our school children at Immaculate Conception in Annandale, May 26, for a May procession.     

Know of my prayers for you and my gratitude and love for you. Please pray for me too.      

 

Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA

Bishop of Metuchen