After processing into the new church, he prayed to God that this place be dedicated to the Lord. He anointed the alter with sacred Chrism, making the altar a symbol of Christ, the Anointed One , our High Priest, who through the altar of his own body offered the sacrifice of his life for our salvation.
Bishop Schrembs then proceeded to anoint the walls of the church: twelve anointings, symbolic of the twelve apostles, the twelve anointed stones upon which Christ constructed his Church and the twelve gates of the heavenly Jerusalem.
Incense was then burned on the marble of the altar to signify Christ’s sacrifice, for again, from the altar Christ’s sacrifice ascends to God as an odor of sweetness along with our prayers to the throne of God. You can still see the scorch marks on the altar where the incense was lit.
The altar was then covered with a cloth, signifying that the altar is also the supper table of Lord, at which God’s people joyously gather to be refreshed with the heavenly food of Christ’s body and blood.
The candles of the altar, then the candles of the Church were lit for the first time, reminding us that the brightness of Christ is to shine throughout the Church, and that all nations are enlightened by Him.
Following the dedication, Bishop Schrembs celebrated a Pontifical High Mass, at which the Dominican historian Father Thomas Schweriner preached the dedication sermon.
The date for the dedication was no doubt chosen to coincide with today’s feast on the liturgical calendar, the feast of the dedication of one of the most important churches in Christendom, the Church of John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome, which was certainly an architectural inspiration for this magnificent place.
We thank God for this building, so magnificently constructed to the honor of God. We thank the Lord, for the founding families of this parish who made its construction possible, and to those faithful parishioners and benefactors who have supported this parish through two world wars, 10 popes, and such tremendous cultural, technological, and societal change.
May the Lord continue to bless us and continue to form us into the living stones of his Church, dedicated to the evangelization of the nations, to the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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For the purification of Holy Church, and for all Bishops and clergy, that they may always lead us in fidelity to the saving Gospel of Christ.
That the Christian faithful may continue to nurture and discover their spiritual gifts for the building up of the Church.
For those who have left the Church, for those who have grown lukewarm, for those in mortal sin, for their conversion and the conversion of all hearts.
For the healing of all those afflicted with physical, mental, emotional illness, for those in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice care, those struggling with addictions, for those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today.
For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, for whom we pray in a special way during this month of november, for all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
O God, you know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.
These are interesting and great blogs Father Estabrook.
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Shelly Carson
Nathan& Natalie’s Mother