Dear Parishioners,

As we continue to reflect on Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), on the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to deepen our understanding of this time-honored Catholic devotion. While devotion to the heart of Christ has strong biblical roots, especially in the Passion narrative of John’s Gospel, it emerged more explicitly in the 13th century, due in part, to the mystical writings of the Benedictine nun, St. Gertrude (1256-1302). Gertrude lived in the monastery of Helfta in Saxony and is said to have received the stigmata (the physical wounds of Christ crucified) along with a divine light that pierced her own heart. Besides St. Gertrude, there were a number of other religious women during this period who nurtured a deep spiritual affection for Jesus as the Sacred Heart.

Dear Parishioners,

Our parish nurse, Pat Pusateri, who faithfully serves all of us at St. Joan of Arc in a variety of ways that promote good health (physical and spiritual), reminded our staff that February is named National Heart Month. I was not aware of this designation previously and suspect that the identification of February with the heart is partially due to Valentine’s Day, the celebration of which most often features the symbol of a heart. (The other identifying symbol of Valentine’s Day is the plump cherub brandishing bow and arrow as instruments used to foster romance and love. I much prefer the image of the heart!) No doubt our national medical professionals are hoping to remind us of the essential role that our hearts play in keeping us alive. This anatomical organ is centrally located on our torsos, allowing it to perform its most essential task, namely to purify our blood and re-send it throughout our bodies. The heart’s steady, rhythmic beating (the first sound that a child in the womb hears) is the sound that indicates life. When this unique bodily chant is silenced, we presume the person is dead.

Dear Parishioners,

With today’s feast of The Presentation of the Lord, the church brings the Christmas Season to what was its official traditional end prior to the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council. One can still see traces of this understanding in Rome and parts of Europe where Christmas Nativity Scenes and other decorations are kept in place until this day. Here at St. Joan of Arc, we honor that traditional closure by keeping most of our church decorations up until this day.