Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome & Memorial Shrine for the Deceased
Fr. Francis Di Spigno, OFM,
Pastor
I was off last week and spent time with my mom. She kept reminding me that I had not been home since April. My mom has a great memory for dates, so I didn’t even question. It was good to be away, but it was wonderful to spend some time with my mom and with my family.
Because I was away, I didn’t include a letter in last week’s bulletin. I would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to the Memorial Shrine in the Southeast corner of the church. Monday, November 3rd, we celebrated a
Memorial Mass for all of our parishioners who died over the past year. It is always a moving celebration, especially when family members and/or friends bring a picture of their loved one forward as their names are read aloud. While every Mass remembers the mystery of eternal life gained for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we cannot help but also recall the pain that lies within us when we experience the death of someone we love. The pain, at times, runs deep and touches our soul. We celebrate this annual Memorial Mass so we can also remember that Jesus’ resurrection offers us new life.
“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise them up the last day.” Jn 6:40
If you were not able to attend the Memorial Mass on
Monday, or if you would like to place a picture of a loved one who died beyond this past year, please feel free to add your picture to the Shrine. Please include your name and phone number on the back of the picture frame so we can be sure it is returned to you. The Shrine will be in the church until the last week of November. You will be able to pick up your pictures in the sacristy beginning the weekend of November 29/30 when we begin the Advent Season.
This Sunday we are celebrating the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. The church’s official title is the
Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran. It is the oldest and highest-ranking church in Rome as houses the cathedra, the seat of the Bishop of Rome, and is the Cathedral Church of the Eternal City. It was dedicated by Pope Sylvester I in 324 AD on land donated by the Laterani family. Because it is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, it is considered the central church of the worldwide Catholic Church.
The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica reminds us of our Church's rich history. It also points to the importance of sacred spaces in our spiritual life. In today’s Gospel from John, we hear of Jesus turning over the money carts in the Temple. Some have said that the scripture has only portrayed Jesus becoming angry five times. Four of those occasions he showed anger towards those who mistreated others and lacked compassion. The fifth, is within today’s Gospel story when he accused them of turning His “Father’s house into a marketplace.” At the end of today’s Gospel passage, Jesus foreshadowed his own resurrection when he said, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up," indicating the transition of the sanctity of The Temple to the sanctity of his person, the Christ. As people who are Baptized into Christ, we too take on that sanctity of The Christ, and become holy, or as I like to say, Good, Holy, and Blessed.
As we celebrate the Dedication of Lateran Basilica and also remember our loved ones who have gone before us, perhaps this is a good opportunity to reflect on our own spiritual journey and the promise that is our and for all those who believe.
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