Dear Parishioners,

Next Saturday, May 28, I will celebrate my 28^th anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood.  It is hard to believe that the years have passed and seemingly so quickly. There are so many happy memories to recall during these years, and so many people that I have encountered.  Many of those wonderful memories have been at the Cathedral Basilica Parish.  My deep gratitude to you all for welcoming me, and providing me with so many memories.

Fra Angelico, the famous Dominican artist, is buried in the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome. On his tomb, the following phrase, a hallmark of the saintly painter’s life, is inscribed: Chi fa cose di Cristo, con Cristo deve stare sempre, which is translated,  “He who does the things of Christ must remain with Christ always.”  I recall these words because, in the celebration of Mass, no one is “doing the things of Christ” more than we priests.  It follows that we must “remain with Christ always”, particularly through prayer and adoration where he is present, body and blood, soul and divinity, in the Sacrament of the Altar. These words are inspiring and also very challenging to me.

I also call them to mind as the Archbishop will ordain two men, Deacon Donald Morris and Deacon Eugene Schaeffer, to the Order of Priesthood on the 28^th of May.  The Ordination will be a joyful moment for the Archdiocese of St. Louis and all are welcome to attend.  

Two sides of Christian living are reflected in today’s readings. The Gospel radiates a calmness and peace and reassurance that we all need so much. The First Reading, however, reflects the areas of difference and conflict that are bound to arise when even Christians come face to face with new problems and new questions for the articulation of their faith. Such conflicts, when properly handled, are necessary, even desirable, if we are to have a deeper understanding of the real meaning of our faith in a changing world. 

Monsignor Henry Breier

The faithful of the Archdiocese will give witness to the special gift of the Holy Spirit on Saturday, May 28, when Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski ordains two men to the priesthood at a special Mass here at the Cathedral Basilica. A reception of “First Blessings” will be held at Rosati Kain following the ordination. Please see your bulletins for further information.

Memorial Day Weekend we will have a special reception following the 8 am, 10 am and 12 Noon Mass to honor and show gratitude to the men and women who served in the Armed Forces as we call to me those who have given their life in service to our country.

On Monday, May 30, the Cathedral Basilica will gather for Mass at 8:00 am in recognition of Memorial Day.  This will be the only Mass celebrated here at the Cathedral on Memorial Day.

On Sunday, June 19, Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski will lead the annual Corpus Christi Procession from the front steps of the Cathedral immediately following the 12 noon Mass.  All are invited to join this prayerful procession of the Holy Eucharist.