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June 11, 2021In the Gospel reading from Tuesday of this past week, we learn that in our part of the world, we are to bring God’s light to all. Where darkness exists in lives, in the lives of family members and friends, within our parishes, our communities and in our world, today more than ever we are to be God’s light. In this light, we bring forth the Lord’s hope, His love, His goodness. We are called and anointed to this mission as we believe in the power of God and His Spirit to enlighten the world through us no matter who we are, no matter our age, no matter our limitations, we have this opportunity at this time, at this moment – the World around you needs YOU!
Reflect on a summary of the following story told by Fr. Conrad Stachowiak, retired priest from the Diocese of Buffalo, who like myself, has ministered to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for many years:
“A teacher of a group of young deaf children, took her class to their church where many of the stained glass windows depicted the saints. One of the young boys (around the age of 5) asked her – ‘who are the people in the windows?’ She replied, ‘they are the saints.’ She did not say much but taught a little more about saints being our friends from heaven, etc. When the class came back from their church visit, she asked the children, ‘Who are the saints?’ The same boy who asked the question about the windows raised his hand and said, ‘a saint is a person who lets the light shine through!’”
One of God’s “little ones” enlightened us about a true definition of what is a saint and the fact that we are all called to be holy and to be the light to others. We can do so through performing little, simple acts of kindness or proclaim His light to our world in these times of uncertainty, instability, and difficulty by boldly being a witness through notable, life-giving actions. We can begin this witness of light this weekend as we celebrate BasilicFEST 2021. Come to our outdoor Mass celebration at 3:00 pm in Franchot Park on Sunday, June 13th. Mass will be followed by a procession of the Blessed Sacrament through our streets connecting the park to our beautiful Basilica. As all can hear our laughter, our interactions, our music filling the air, we can be seen as a light of Christ to our Community, to the World around us (see details on page 4).
Together, let us unveil our city, our house on a small hill in Olean surrounded by the Enchanted Mountains, as a beacon of light to those around us. Let us come to celebrate the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels’ parish family. Let us bring forth our love for the Lord and each other! This weekend, during our 50th BasilicaFEST, as we develop our linked parish community as a Center of God’s Goodness, let us be a pathway of hope, a sacred ground for worship and a place for healing, and a beautiful way to encounter the Light of Christ!
