.::Firmum Est::. - - My Heart is Steadfast

Even though I just got back from London, I wanted to share my experience in Rome over the past few days. I will share my great trip to London later. The translation of the title into English is - The Holy Mass with the Roman Curia in the Year of the Eucharist The director of our choir at the NAC is also the director of a number of choirs at San Pietro. There are many opportunities throughout the year to participate through him in the liturgies at the Vatican. Each year at the beginning of Lent, the Holy Father gathers with the Roman Curia for a retreat. They gather in the Papal Palace for six days, praying together and having meditations. Yesterday morning, Nick Dudo who is from the Diocese of Camden, and I. assisted Father Pierre in leading the Curia in the Liturgy of the Hours. The Pope was not in the chapel with us, but he did participate via television. We were given a tour of the many of the rooms of the Palace where the Popes would welcome Kings and dignitaries. It was an amazing experience. I still have not met the Holy Father, but I hope to if the Lord wills it. This morning, there was a papal liturgy for the end of the Curia’s retreat. There were many cardinals, bishops and priests. We were singing in one of the two choirs right behind the high altar. We were as close as one could get to the Sacrifice in St Peters. Cardinal Sodano offered the Mass because the Holy Father is still not making public appearances. The lead choir was the official Vatican Boy’s Choir, who were angelic. We were representing the rest of the congregation in the responses. Over my break in London, the priest with whom we were staying had amassed a great collection of books in his 28 years in that parish. I found a few that I thought I would be able to enjoy over the period of a week. The one that I enjoyed the most was “The Lamb’s Supper” by Scott Hahn. Dr. Hahn has always had a special way of writing and this book was no exception. It connected the visions of John in the Book of Revelation to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. In reading, I felt as though I already knew many of these things and had experienced them, but not completely. In connection to the Mass this morning, I was reminded that in the celebration we experience Heaven on Earth, the Lord’s Parousia or presence in the Blessed Sacrament. The entire faithful gathered around the altar of the Son to give glory to the Father- especially since we were in the parish church of the world - San Pietro - celebrating Mass with the cardinals and bishops from all corners of the globe. And I thought that my first day back would be filled with getting organized and doing laundry. My experience today was a beautiful way to begin the second semester and to continue in my Lenten Journey.
 

His Holiness is specifically requesting that we pray for him in the knowledge that his time among us is limited. Please pray an “Our Father” for him! Pope John Paul made this request about 3 weeks ago, upon praying the Angelus before the pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square. He says that only through prayer will he be given strength. Let us help the Pope whose prayers have helped so many of us. Please share this with those around you. With your cooperation, in just a few days, millions of us will have offered our prayers for John Paul II, and by the same token, offered their prayers to God. Let us never forget the power of prayer.