Catholic Fire

Today is Holy Thursday , or Maundy Thursday, which solemnly celebrates the institution of the Eucharist as the true body and blood of Jesus Christ and the institution of the sacrament of the priesthood. During the Last Supper, Jesus offers himself as the Passover sacrifice, the sacrificial lamb, and teaches that every ordained priest is to follow the same sacrifice in the exact same way. Christ also bids farewell to his followers and prophesies that one of them will betray him and hand him over to the Roman soldiers. Around the world, Bishops and priests come together at their local Cathedrals on Holy Thursday morning to celebrate the institution of the priesthood. During the Mass, the bishop blesses the Oil of Chrism that will be used for Baptism, Confirmation, and Anointing of the sick or dying. At this Mass, the bishop washes the feet of twelve priests to symbolize Christ’s washing of his twelve Apostles, our first bishops and priests. Later that night, after sund...

Mother's Day, which is celebrated the second Sunday in May, is remembered by most Catholic parishes. In some parishes, women receive flowers. At my former parish, following the weekend Masses, our pro-life group sold beautiful long-stemmed roses for a few dollars and donated the money to an organization which provided counseling and assistance to pregnant mothers. We rarely had any left. When we did, they were placed in front of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God and our Mother. Sometimes the Sunday homily will include a discussion of Our Blessed Virgin Mary, the model for mothers to emulate. The parish may also recite special prayers for mothers and mothers will receive a blessing from the priest. At home, family members may pray a blessing for mothers and grandmothers around the family table. Here is one you can use: God of love, listen to this prayer. God of holy people of Sarah, Ruth, and Rebeekah, God of holy Elizabeth, mother of John, of holy Mary, Mothe...