Visit from our Archbishop

We were blessed with the presence of our new Archbishop, Richard Henning, for Mass and coffee.

Archbishop Henning gave a beautiful and thoughtful homily on the readings of the day, drawing on his expertise in Biblical theology to open up the story of the healing of Naaman the Syrian in connection with Jesus' message in the Gospel.  Yes, God has chosen a people for himself, not to be in opposition to other peoples, but rather to be a light to draw all people to himself.  We can be shocked by God's actions which reveal his care for those we might overlook or consider inferior.  Hopefully, this will serve as an invitation to broaden our receptivity to God's presence and action in all people and all of creation.

After Mass, Archbishop Henning joined the sisters in the Chapter room for coffee and conversation. He revealed himself as an articulate witness to the call of God in our times.  One focus of his is to recognize the signs of distress and discouragement among many priests, and to respond with understanding, encouragement and challenge.  Another focus is to recognize the emergence of serious commitment to faith among many young people today, in contrast to what is portrayed in the media, and to support and foster this growth.

Archbishop Henning shared with us his powerful and transformative experience at last year's Eucharistic Congress, which helped him give himself more fully to the call of God that led him from Providence to Boston.  We gladly promised him the support of our prayers for the priorities he identified for his ministry in the Archdiocese and his own personal needs.  May God bless our shepherd as he seeks to follow in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd.