Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Happy “Becoming Saints Month!” We’re excited to have a whole month dedicated to the saints, which raises a few questions: “Who are the Saints?” and “What is holiness?” In the Catholic tradition there are canonized saints, officially recognized for their lives of exemplary virtue. But in reality “the saints” refers to all the faithful in Christ, both in heaven and those of us journeying on earth towards heaven. Through our baptism, we have been made holy and set apart, together in the Communion of Saints. What does it mean to pursue sainthood? It doesn’t mean perfection or lofty piety, but rather a humble “yes” to God’s will for our life. It means allowing God’s love to transform us, and to shine through us to everyone we meet. Each one of us is on a journey to Heaven, and God is calling us all to be “numbered among the saints.”

This month we’ll look to befriend the saints in heaven in a new way and allow their example to inspire and encourage us! Perhaps we can look to St. Francis of Assisi or St. Augustine, who left behind sinful lives to follow Jesus. Or St. Therese of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” who sought to end her life with “empty hands” before God, trusting entirely on his Justice and Mercy. We encourage you all to participate in our Prayer Campaign, both for those you would like to come to know the Lord’s love more fully, and for our deceased brothers & sisters. Feel free to visit the ‘Ofrenda,’ dedicated to our deceased loved ones in the Newman Lounge. We also encourage you to live our your Christian call as a “missionary disciple,” and consider inviting a friend to “Bring a Friend to Mass” next Sunday!

This Sunday is a special celebration of the Church, the Communion of Saints, through the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. The Church is depicted in the first reading as a river of living water: “Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live.” In the second reading St. Paul tells the Corinthians that they themselves are “the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” And we can pray for the same spirit and zeal of Jesus in the Gospel, rooted in the loving relationship he has with the Father.

God bless you all,

Patrick Travers
Newman Director