Dear Parishioners,

While it is not the earliest symbol for Christianity, the cross is certainly one of the oldest and most defining images of our faith. Because in the earliest days of the Christian church (in the Roman Empire) the cross was recognized as an instrument of torture and the most heinous form of capital punishment, it was not an object that inspired faith let alone hope. It was a sign of contradiction and scandal to insist that this torture stake was the vehicle of salvation. Crucifixion was reserved for the most egregious criminals who were enemies of the state. It was a form of execution that was intended to evoke fear in the citizens of the empire and to serve as an unforgettable threat to all who would challenge those in authority.

Dear Parishioners,

Last Thursday, August 15, we celebrated the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although this dogma (an official church teaching that must be believed) was not officially proclaimed by Pope Pius XII until 1950, Christians in the eastern church were commemorating this event, which they referred to as Mary’s Dormition (“falling asleep”) since at least the 6th century C. E. This early Christian teaching held that at the end of her early life, Mary “fell asleep” and was assumed, body and soul, into the full presence of God, that is, heaven. This was a privileged sign from God since it was through the totality of her person, that Mary gave birth to the Savior of the world.

Dear Parishioners,

Continuing to reflect on the cross cultural concept of sacred places as reservoirs of memory, we might also ask whether there is an actual need for such places. Are there not other ways that individuals and communities have for the purpose of preserving memories of the past? The answer is “yes.” Societies have consistently found creative ways to do this. Furthermore, we might also ask whether we as Christians even need churches, chapels, shrines or other sacred places. In an absolute sense we do not, because within the New Testament epistles, Jesus Christ is acclaimed as the true and lasting temple not made by human hands.

Dear Parishioners,

Continuing to reflect on the significance of places of worship, (as we prepare to return to our parish place of worship, i.e., the church) I believe it is essential to recognize MEMORY as an indispensable component to such places. In his insightful and comprehensive study of worship environments, Fr. Richard Vosko, Ph.D., Hon. AIA, writes: