Fr. Nate's Letter - June 30, 2024

What a grace to have with us this weekend at our Saturday evening Mass all those from our vicariate, and so many others, coming to celebrate and thank God for his presence in the Holy Eucharist! Many, many thanks to all who helped host and plan this event, to Bishop Bartosic for leading us, and to all who worked behind the scenes. To all who are joining us from near and far, on behalf of Fr. Simon, our pastor, who hopefully is now enjoying his sabbatical, a very warm welcome! Our prayer, of course, is that the Lord blesses all the efforts of the Eucharistic Revival, locally and in the Church at large, that it might bear great fruit and rekindle a deeper love and appreciation for the Lord in the Holy Eucharist. 

As we celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, so often we say God Bless America! And it’s certainly a time to step back and realize God certainly has. Recently driving back from a short day trip for an event in Iowa, seeing the green fields and the rolling hills, I couldn’t help but be taken by the beauty of our nation’s land. God HAS blest America in so many ways, so many that we can’t even begin to count, and sadly so many ways that we also take for granted, not realizing the precious gifts and freedom that we enjoy. 

If we were to ask random persons walking down the street what freedom is, we would receive a wide range of responses, many along the lines of “the ability to do whatever I want.” But if that’s your understanding, what happens when what I want isn’t what you want? The understanding of freedom being nothing more than the ability to do what we want is actually a form of slavery. St. Pope John Paul II had a great way of reminding us that freedom is not just the ability to do what I want, but rather the ability to do what I ought. 

On July 4th we are reminded that “many boots have tramped in battle and many cloaks have been rolled in blood” so that we as a nation have the ability to do what we ought. A prayer of gratitude should certainly be on our lips this week and every week, remembering all the men and women who have bravely given their lives to defend this freedom, and also a prayer for courage and guidance. 

The Lord himself reminded his disciples that to whom much is given, much is expected. The task before us now is to be faithful to the ways of God who has endowed us so generously. As one of the prayers for the Mass of the day says so well, “we recall the day when our country claimed its place among the family of nations; for what has been achieved we give you thanks, for the work that still remains we ask your help…” 

We wish you a Happy Independence Day!

On another note, something that I thought was certainly special about Queen of All Saints from the very first day I arrived, was that the doors of the basilica were unlocked during the day and you could come in at any time and pray in beautiful and inspiring surroundings. When I came to visit I could go into the basilica knowing that it was always open and welcoming to me. From my experience it’s not often you encounter that today, and it’s always edifying to see so many people coming in to pray at various times throughout the day, paying a short visit to the Lord. 

Sadly though, not everyone comes here for a short prayer. A small number sometimes are here to spend extended time, not as intentionally disruptive, but nevertheless as a serious distraction to those who wish to engage in prayer, and also as potential mischief-makers. Since we are in the summer months with less people around campus, prior to Fr. Simon’s departure for his sabbatical it was decided that it is prudent to lock the basilica to deter inappropriate activity. So, beginning on Monday, July 1, the basilica will be locked for the day following the morning Masses. It’s something we will revisit after the summer months when activity picks up again. We’ll hope the shortened open times are only temporary. 

Wishing you all God’s blessings this week! 
Keeping you in prayer! And say one for me!

- Fr. Nate