Ezekiel 37

     Ezekiel 37 refers to the passage from the Hebrew Scriptures that describes the vision given to the prophet of a field of dry bones and the invitation of the Lord to call them to life as a mighty army of God.  It is one of my favorites, and a great story.  It is one of the options for the readings for the Vigil of Pentecost.

     Ezekiel 37 also refers to a Catholic Charismatic Prayer Community that meets at Mt. St. Peter Church in New Kensigton, Pennsylvania.  They were given that name and the challenge to bring to life the "dry bones" of faith found in their river valley.  They have been at the task with great success for the last forty years, and yesterday I joined them in a celebration of that anniversary.  Celebrating on the great feast of Pentecost was truly fitting.  We celebrated Eucharist at 3:00 pm and continued with a wonderful dinner for all.  I was honored to be the presider and the homilist.

     Ezekiel 37's story is interesting and filled with the workings of God.  From the Spring of 1971 until today, the words of their pastor in the beginning, Monsignor Nicola Fusco continue to ring true.  He would tell the parishioners at Sunday morning Mass: "There is something wonderful going on in the Marble Hall on Monday nights ... those people really know how to pray ... try to come."  Marble Hall is the parish hall beneath the church.  This line from Ezekiel 37 says it all: "My dwelling place shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

     I am grateful for the generous hospitality of the Steering Committee, the priests of Mt. St. Peter Church, Monsignor Michael J. Begolly, the pastor, and Father Doug Dorula, the Parochial Vicar, and Father John Izral who joined us.  Sister Ann Infanger, SC, moderator of the Prayer Groups of the Diocese was also present.  The Lord truly blessed the day and all who shared in the festivities.

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     I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the great feast of Saint Anthony of Padua celebrated today.  Anthony is much beloved by a multitude of people (in fact, our numbers at Mass this morning were greater than usual).  I will be attending the festivities at Ascension Parish in Jeannette this evening.  Ascension is a parish of Italian background, and while many love Anthony, the Italians have taken him as their own.  In addition to Mass tonight, we will share a great dinner in their best tradition.  Looking forward to it.