Dear Parishioners:
As I sit at my desk to write this column on Monday morning, after the Patriots' disappointing loss, all the news seems to be about the election. Polls and predictions are plentiful, and every expert has an opinion about the likely outcome. The loud talking heads dominate the airwaves as partisan apparatchiks try to advance their candidates. Add to that the plethora of political advertisements, and it's hard to escape the election. I've decided to tune it out until I vote on Tuesday morning.
Instead, I plan to pray for our country and all political candidates. Of course, we should also pray that the rancor and division that seems to dominate our politics might subside after the election. We hope and pray our nation will be a peaceful place where all elected officials seek unity and serve the common good of all. There is a Prayer for After An Election in the bulletin. Please use it as you pray for our nation.
Monsignor Albert A. Kenney, Diocesan Administrator of Providence.
Last Friday, the College of Consultors of the Diocese of Providence met as required by the Code of Canon Law and elected a diocesan administrator, Monsignor Albert A. Kenney, who has been serving as the Vicar-General of the Diocese. We offer our congratulations and promise of prayers.
Canon Law required the Diocese to elect an administrator after Archbishop Henning's installation as Archbishop of Boston, officially leaving Providence without a bishop. Monsignor Kenney remains as the Diocesan Administrator until the Holy Father names a new Bishop of Providence, and he takes possession of the Diocese. A diocesan administrator governs with many of the same powers as the diocesan bishop but with certain limitations. The administrator's primary duty is to ensure the continued smooth operation of our Diocese and its many good works and ministries. Let us pray for our Diocese as we await the Holy Father's appointment of our next Bishop of Providence.
Monday, November 11, is Veterans Day. It makes sense, as November is a month of remembrance. A month that starts with All Saints Day. On the first day of the month, we remember all those in heaven and contemplate how to emulate them. The next day is All Souls Day, as we remember all souls in Purgatory. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day. It marked the Armistice that ended the First World War on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. It was renamed Veterans Day after the Second World War and the Korean War.
Saint Martin of Tours
November 11 was St. Martin's feast day long before it became Armistice Day. Many people prayed for St. Martin's intercession to end the war, and they saw the hand of God in signing the Armistice on this special day. Traditionally, in Western Europe, November 11 served as a day to sign peace treaties in honor of Saint Martin.
St. Martin was a fourth-century Christian Roman soldier. He served for many years in a cavalry unit in France. One day, he told his commander: "I have served you as a soldier; now let me serve Christ." He remained a soldier for a few years more but ultimately got his wish. St. Martin, who started service as a soldier, became an outstanding priest and bishop.
Remember this Catholic connection on Veteran's Day and the rest of the month. Thank our veterans, but also pray for them. I will pray that they learn to be like this soldier and bishop of the 4th Century. I pray that we all grow in the desire to live entirely for God like St. Martin. Join us in thanking and praying for all Veterans on the holiday at the 8:30 am Mass. Afterward, attend the Veterans Day Parade at 10:00 am on First Avenue. Many veterans march in the parade, including OLM Usher, John Romano. He served as a Navy Fighter Pilot in the Second World War, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War! At 101 years of age, he deserves our thanks and gratitude. Thank you, veterans!
During this All Souls month, there is a beautiful tradition of visiting cemeteries and praying for our beloved dead. They rest in sacred ground where they are to be remembered and reverenced. Cemeteries are places where the faithful await the return of Christ and the resurrection of their bodies. With hope of the resurrection, let us commend the dead to the mercy of God. Be well. Do good. God Bless. Happy Veterans Day and St. Martin's Day! Go Pats!???