A Day to Remember

Yesterday was such a powerful day in the life of Central Catholic, that I have to share it with you. Our all-school Mass was enhanced not only by beautiful music, but also by a very moving slide show of various images of Mary and Jesus, a perfect visual reinforcement of our motto, "All to Jesus through Mary", and the words I spoke during the reflection. But it did not end there; we extended the Mass with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel for the rest of the school day. Religion classes, and students from study halls came to spend time before Jesus in our chapel. It was very moving to see them so peaceful, quiet and reverent. I kept thinking how much this was in tune with Jesus' admonistion to the Apostles when he told them not to shoo the little children away, but to let them come to him, and with St. Marcellin's mission (and that of Central Catholic), "to make Jesus known and loved." The written reflections of the freshmen were profound and moving testimonies to the power of the Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament: "It made me feel good. I had a chance to really be open with God. I spent the time wisely talking to God. I need him a lot; he is showing me that he is there for me. He is helping me with evil. He is becoming my help." Most expressed an experience of peace, a relief from stress, a pause "that refreshes" and want to do it again. Most likely we will during Lent.
Advent is passing quickly, and we need to set aside time to spend in quiet with Jesus. Today's saint, Juan Diego, walked 15 miles daily to attend Mass, so important was the Eucharist to him.
Because of his faith and humility he was chosen to announce the presence of Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, to the bishop, and to the us. Mary asked for a chapel, now a huge church, where people could come and find her Son, as our students did in our chapel. A sacred place is important, as well as a sacred time. Let us take five, ten, fifteen minutes from our busy schedules to find refreshement and new energy to carry out those tasks with joy, rather than as burdens. May the example and experience of our own children, as well as that of St. Juan Diego lead us into the way of peace.
Bro. Rene