ARTICLE FROM OUR PARISH BULLETIN – MAY 5, 2024
Today’s Gospel emphasizes the love that exists between the Father and the Son is the same love that must characterize the relationships of Jesus’ followers. At a time when our Church and faith communities are facing changes that may frighten us or make us uneasy and anxious, I remind all of this critical message. This love is so foundational for Christians that we are commanded to love one another. St. John implores us to think about our next response. Give the gift of your full attention, it’s about love. Those who do not know love, do not know God. We might ask ourselves who are we failing to love today? How might God’s love be shown through us simply by extending a hand, greeting a stranger, being more kind or patient to a spouse or family member, sitting with someone who is ill or in mourning. When we come to Mass and share in the Eucharist, the spiritual food for our journey, we strive to follow Jesus’ example to love one another, to love neighbor and God. We don’t have to be perfect, but strive to be faithful and do our best.
One way we might show love and care for another these days is to practice good listening. Do we really listen? When in conversation with others or at meetings, do we avoid looking and giving our full attention? Full disclosure here, I pray for the grace to work harder at this myself!!
So now for some good news for our faith communities! – Many of you may have met Father Vittorio Brucella, a Claretian Priest living in their house here in Oak Park. Father Vittorio has helped at some of our Masses and has been instrumental in serving the spiritual needs of our migrants who we have been assisting. My hope was that the Order would keep Father Vittorio in the area so he might continue to assist us as well as two other neighboring parishes where he has been able to say Spanish Masses. Below is a communication he recently sent and asked me to share.
Peace to you!
It is with great joy that I have learned that I will be able to continue my ministry for the next three years alongside Father Carl Morello in the parishes of Oak Park.
As you know, I am Italian and a missionary priest belonging to the religious Congregation of the Claretian Missionaries.
In the Spirit of Easter, I write to you, the Catholic Christian community in Oak Park, offering and asking for Peace, the gift of the Risen Lord, as we continue our daily journey.
I am currently in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, but I will be heading back to Oak Park at the end of May. In the meantime, I share my Joy with each of you.
You are known for your human warmth with which, as a Community, you are welcoming many immigrants. Thank you for this testimony. In reality, it is precisely in this ability to recognize Jesus in the smallest, lonely and suffering ones that we will also be able to glimpse our future work.
Please send me your blessing from Oak Park so that the Lord may grant me the strength he alone grants to the humble to build the Kingdom.
Yours in the Lord,
Fr. Vittorio Bruscella, CMF
The Holy Spirt continues to act in the church today and surprise us in many ways!
Today, as we honor our Blessed Mother Mary, our spiritual mother, with May Crowning celebrations at our Masses, let us ask her to help keep our eyes and hearts open to love others as her Son, Jesus, has modeled for us.
Have a great week ahead.
With you a Christian. For you a priest.
Fr. Carl Morello
Pastor
St. Catherine of Siena – St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
