Yesterday Pope Francis was laid to his rest within the Basilica of St. Mary Major. He is the seventh Pope to be buried there. Pope Francis had a special love and devotion to that Basilica because of his love for our Blessed Lady. Now we enter into the nine days of mourning known as Novendiales.
 
The nine days of mourning are rooted in the ancient Roman and Christian world. The ancients believed on the ninth day the soul of the deceased finally entered into the spirit world. The early Christians took that pagan idea and made it nine days of prayers and Masses. For centuries the Novendiales has been used for the popes. After the 9 days, our emphasis changes from praying for the dead pope to the Holy Spirit to guide the cardinals in selecting a new pope. So, keep praying.
 

It was heart-warming to see so many of our parishioners attend Holy Week Services and Masses this year.
 
Today is the eighth day of Easter, celebrated as one long day. Now we are in the Easter Season, which lasts for 50 days, all the way to Pentecost the 50th day on June 8th.
 
After celebrating Holy Week and Easter Sunday, today, the Second Sunday of Easter, we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. On May 23, 2000, Pope St. John Paul II made it known that this Sunday, a day when the Gospel readings concern Christ's merciful institution of the Sacrament of Reconciliation will also be known as "Divine Mercy Sunday." This devotion is based on the 1930 writings of St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, canonized in AD 2000. The point of the devotion is mercy -- begging God’s mercy, trusting in His mercy, and showing mercy to those around us.
 
Today at 3:00PM, we will pray a Holy Hour of Mercy, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. We will pray the Divine Mercy chaplet, and Novena, concluding with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Bring the children.
 
Just a reminder of your Easter Duty: Every Catholic is obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year and the sacrament of Penance, if needed. It is an obligation that must be fulfilled by Trinity Sunday, June 15th.
 
I would like to thank all those who made the ceremonies of Holy Week so beautiful and most importantly, prayerful:
 
Special and personal thanks to Fr. Clarke
 
Those who were responsible for the beautiful liturgies: our Ushers, the Altar Servers, our Lectors, Ministers of Communion, and in a special way, Mark LaRosa and our Choir, our guest cantors and musicians. The music was inspiring and uplifting to God. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful     Sacred Music program. Our choir worked particularly hard this year. The music used for God’s glory was challenging but so beautiful. Thank you to all who contribute to the music program.
 
Also, a very grateful and enthusiastic Thank You for all who contributed to our very important Easter collection. The Easter collection, like the Christmas collection, is vital for the works of the Parish. If you haven’t contributed to the Easter collection, there is still time to show your gratitude to God for all He has given you and your family. Thank you also who contributed to the Flower and Music collections. The reason why our church looks so beautiful and filled with such quality sacred music is because of your support. God will bless your generosity.
 
We can never forget how crucial the Resurrection is to our lives and let our hearts be filled with a renewed faith, joy, and gratitude for the gift of God’s love.