Updates

     Our liturgical celebration today has us remember Irenaeus, the bishop of Lyons for twenty-five years (a long time in those days).  He was a disciple of Polycarp, a defender of the teachings of the Church against the Gnostics, a great proponent of a Christian Bible with both testaments.  He died a martyr's death in 202.  During his life he was known as a bringer of peace to the family of God.   The opening prayer for the feast says: "Father, you called Irenaeus to uphold your truth and bring peace to your Church.  By his prayers, renew us in faith and love that we may always be intent on fostering unity and peace."  In a world, and sometimes even a Church, in conflict and division, may we be like Irenaeus, promoters of unity and peace.

     In our weekly bulletin, I do a little article on the saints of the week entitled "Companions on the Journey".  They serve as great examples and are our spiritual heroes.

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     I mentioned last week of the Eucharistic Procession on Corpus Christi at our neighboring parish of Immaculate Conception.  Father John Moineau, the pastor, led us in an expression of our Catholic Faith that brought tears to the eyes.  Our Holy Father processes in Rome on Corpus Christi, other places have similar expressions of faith, but for Irwin, it was a first.

   There were upwards of 500/600 people joining in the procession through the streets of Irwin, led by Father John with the Blessed Sacrament along with three neighboring priests.  It was prayerful, reverent, moving and a joy to be a part of.  It was one of my better Corpus Christi celebrations.  I thank John and the people of IC for their hospitality and faith.

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     Last evening I joined Fathers Chet Raimer and Pete Peretti in gathering with some of the Pittsburgh priests who were on retreat at Saint Paul Seminary in Crafton.  Father Joe Mele, rector of the seminary and a classmate, invited us and other alumni of the former Saint Francis Seminary in Loretto, PA to join them for dinner and the evening session.  The retreat master is our former professor in theology, Father Christian Oravec, T.O.R.  Father Christian serves as the Minister Provincial of their Province of the Third Order Regular Franciscans in Loretto.  We had a great evening remembering and celebrating with the Pittsburgh guys.  Their gracious hospitality was appreciated.

     PS.  Our old seminary at Saint Francis is now closed and the building is a maximum security federal prison ... except for the changed locks and the barbed wire fence.  Wonder who is in my room.