It is with a certain sadness of heart that I write this column. Farewell is a better word than goodbye. Among believers in heaven, we say “see you later.” Hopefully we will meet more often on this side of the grave.
It has been a wonderful 12 years that I have lived among the community of St. Agatha. A priest could not find a better staff: the clergy, Fr. Bill, Frs. Tom S., Tom P., Deacons Dan and Kevin, a very devoted lay staff including our cook and cleaning ladies. All have been more than solicitous of me.
I expect to be moving into Regina Cleri the end of February. I have checked it out with my fellow priests and decided to say farewell the first Sunday of February, the 5th. We will have a reception in the Gathering Space immediately after the 11:30 Mass. I have made it very clear that I appreciate peoples’ tendency to be very generous at St. Agatha. However, I do not want to benefit from it on this occasion. Instead, I would like to contribute any donation to the Grand Annual and have it credited to the donor. All cards I will keep and rummage through them at Regina Cleri when I get settled.
All the residents there have their own private phones so we are not “out of touch.” Once settled, I would be happy to see you if your time allows. Again please join me on February 5th after the 11:30 for a sad but joyous farewell.
View the videos below then check out Kathleen's videos of our Centennial Mass and Feast on our Centennial Page HERE
Cardinal O'Malley requested each parish in the archdiocese to distribute information on two deeply troubling bills coming before the Massachusetts State Legislature. For information please click the image below.
O Heavenly Father, who raised Agatha to the dignity of Sainthood,
we implore Your Divine Majesty by her intercession to give us health
of mind, body and soul. Free us from all those things which hold us
bound to this earth, and let our spirit, like hers, rise to your heavenly courts. Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You, forever. Amen.
Pope Francis’s Prayer to Mary during Coronavirus Pandemic
O Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of Your People, know what we need, and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.
Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
(Adapted from Vatican News.)