Anniversary: Reflection

The day started by being placed in Mary’s hands. We dedicated the diocese to Mary in 2017, and we dedicated the day to her guiding hand and entrusted our care to Jesus through Mary. A few joined together to process from the Cathedral to Arcadia Creek Festival Place, praying the rosary along the way.

While at Arcadia Creek Festival Place, we were able to give witness to the joy of the faith. This area that is used for many different festivals was now being used as a place of worship: beautiful music offered to the Lord throughout the day, a talk dedicated to the gift of the Holy Spirit in our world, games played by children, confessions being heard consistently and witness of priests, deacons, religious sisters and lay faithful being seen by all passersby.

Throughout the day, many of those present encountered the homeless population who finds comfort on the grass and in the shade in and around the festival areas. They were not treated as the periphery but were invited into the celebration. Food was given, drink was given and many conversations happened
with the homeless who were there. Many of the homeless prayed with and were prayed over by the Catholics who were there. Many of the homeless joined in by dancing and singing during the music. This all came about naturally, as those Catholics who are spread through these nine counties do constantly. This is not always planned, and it is done with little fanfare; it is not to be shown as a sign or to be flaunted but is truly a way of life for so many Catholics within the diocese.

During the Eucharistic Procession, the faithful knelt as Jesus came forward; they knelt as he processed by; they stood and followed wherever he might lead. Those who were ministered to physically stood in awe and wonder. They did not gawk or act surprised but looked in amazement at what they witnessed. They understood something special was happening. The reason for the faith, the kindness, the love they had witnessed all day was walking in their midst. They stopped what they were doing; some knelt, a few shouted “Amen” and Jesus’
presence was felt even more.