Encouraging the Culture of Encounter with Jesus Christ, His Church, and All People
 
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Happy Pentecost!
 
As I write this I am in Assisi, Italy on retreat with Bishop Perez and twenty-five other priests of the Diocese of Cleveland.  The hometown of St. Francis is a beautiful and blessed place.  It is as if the whole town is the retreat house.  The landscape is wonderful and the people charming.  Think rustic old town country and then add one thousand years.  Thankfully there are modern amenities and of course the food is awesome!  The prayer and rest have helped me to welcome more the Holy Spirit into my heart.  On this Pentecost please continue praying for us as we pray for our parishes and ask through the intercession of St. Francis that we all be more open to the Spirit as he was.  This little man from a little town ended up changing the world because he was open to God’s grace.  May we follow his example of humility and love that God’s peace may reign. 
 
This week I invite us all to reflect on our own reception of the sacrament of Confirmation.  To be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit in this sacrament is a privileged moment of sanctifying grace when we are changed on our deepest level and conformed even more to Christ.  I ask you what I often ask about baptism - do you know the date of your confirmation?  Do you celebrate the anniversary?  If not, look up the old certificate and thank God for the wonderful gift of Confirmation.  Can you think of times of prayer that were insightful due to the gifts of knowledge and understanding?  What about times when you encouraged another spiritually due to the gifts of wisdom and counsel?  The times where the gift of courage strengthened you to defend Christ and His Church? The times you welcomed the gift of piety moving you to prayer?  The times you embraced true humility acknowledging God for Who He is and allowing the awe of Him envelop your heart?  These are the gifts of Confirmation that enrich our Catholic lives.  May we cooperate with them even more so they take root in us even more deeply.
 
God bless you all!   See you next weekend!
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr