Jesus is waiting for you!

     Happy Feast Day of the Transfiguration of the Lord!  In Latin, transfiguration signifies a change or transformation. The apostles Peter, James and John were blessed to be shown Jesus’ divinity on a high mountain, and they were transformed by this glorious encounter with the Son of God! Wouldn’t you be too? Even though we were not able to witness the original Transfiguration, as followers of Jesus we are transformed each Sunday by being present at the Sacred Mass. We experience the fullness of the divine life each time we receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.  What an immense blessing!

      I was baptized on this day in Chicago, many years ago. If you were cleansed of original sin and became a “child of God” like I did as an infant, then you and I couldn’t possibly commemorate all the extraordinary details without the cooperation of family members who have shared our unique baptismal story with us. Most likely you have some treasured photos of your baptism in family albums or even stored digitally. Do you remember the date and year?  What was the name of the church?

     I was baptized on August 6, 1961 at Saint Felicitas church. My paternal grandfather was an architect in the city and was summoned by the Lord to design this sacred place. He was also my godfather and miraculously able to witness the baptism of my four siblings as well.  I can’t even imagine the joy my grandfather must have felt in being present at the baptism of five of his grandchildren. Especially after diligently working at creating a sacred space that glorified the Lord!  Saint Felicitas church will always hold a speclal place in my heart because my beloved grandfather designed it! God planned it that way from the beginning of time!

     I am grateful that God called me to be a goddaughter! This honor comes with an incredible role and mission to share all of the history of the churches, convents, schools, seminary and rectories that my grandfather/godfather designed, with my family members- hoping to keep this unforgettable servant’s work alive in the hearts and minds of future generations. Even though Saint Felicitas closed in 2018, some of my grandfather’s sacred projects are still active churches in the greater Chicagoland area, serving as beacons of light in these often very, dark times.

     Do you remember His Eminence Albert Gregory Cardinal Meyer? Most likely his leadership in Chicago is not as memorable as Cardinal Francis George but certainly worthy of mentioning here due to the fact that he was the spiritual leader of Chicago from 1958-1965. Originally from Milwaukee and educated by the School Sisters of Notre Dame; he was later appointed a cardinal by Pope Saint John XXIII on December 14, 1959. Cardinal Meyer’s comprehension of Latin was “par excellence” which makes him (in my opinion) a great intercessor for faithful Catholics in the third largest city in the nation. If you want to see the Latin liturgy flourish in Chicago, ask Cardinal Meyer to intercede! His Episcopal Motto was ADVENIAT REGNUM TUUM (Thy kingdom come).

On the anniversary of my baptism , is there any special wisdom that I can share with the mystical body of Christ? I think so.

1.  Going to Mass on Sunday is fundamental to discipleship.

2.    Frequenting daily mass is “going the extra mile for Jesus especially on First Fridays which are dedicated to His Sacred Heart”.

3.    Make a 33-day Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Try the First Saturday devotions. Pray the daily Rosary and Angelus!

4.    Entrust yourself to Saint Joseph. Pray to the Holy Spirit!

5.    Attend weekly Eucharistic Adoration. Make frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament.

6.    Pray to Saint Michael the Archangel daily (a must for any serious prayer warrior).

7.    Have a good relationship with your guardian angel and the communion of saints! Be sanctified in your daily duties. Practice the Spiritual and Corporal works of Mercy. 

8.    Pray daily for priests. Be kind to loved ones and make friendships rooted in the love of Christ. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at the 3:00 hour.

9.    Go to Confession as often as possible- If you want an endless storehouse of graces- the fountain of youth for the soul- Mercy and Healing is abundant here. Please seek out a priest often in the Sacrament of Confession! Jesus is waiting for you! Do not be afraid!

 Thank you to all priests who offer the Sacrament of Confession during times immediately before the Sunday Mass! This is the best way to help the baptized win graces for their daily mission/apostolate of bringing family, friends. colleagues, and neighbors closer to the Lord.  I am very grateful!

I really don’t think the faithful expect every priest they encounter to be an exact replica of Saint John Vianney who spent 18-20 hours a day in the confessional (although that would be awesome).

Surprisingly, at his advanced age, Pope Francis recently heard confessions at World Youth Day in Lisbon! What a blessing!

Renewal of Baptismal Promises:

V. Do you reject Satan?
R. I do.
V. And all his works?
R. I do.
V. And all his empty promises?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
R. I do.
V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
R. Amen.

Source:

https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1653