Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them, he parted from them and was taken to heaven.
This week we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Not only is it a Holy Day of Obligation, but it is also an essential aspect of the mystery of Easter.
One might think Jesus’ departure would have left the disciples feeling very melancholy, but apparently it was not so. They were full of joy as they went back to the city where Jesus had told them to stay, “until you are clothed with power from on high.”
What we often need to remind ourselves is that after the Ascension, the disciples were in a very similar position to us. They were no longer in the physical presence of Jesus. They no longer walked with him, watched him, or heard his voice. Now, carrying on the work of the Gospel was up to them. And so, too, now it is up to us. The mission of preaching the good news to all nations is our mission. So, like the disciples, we have cause for rejoicing. Jesus reigns in heaven. His Spirit has come upon us. And we are entrusted with the most noble and rewarding task of all, to share our faith with others and bring them to experience the joys of belonging to the kingdom of God.
In his homily at the mass inaugurating his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV spoke passionately about this missionary mandate:
For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity within the world. We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one.
The Lord ascended into heaven but like the disciples, we are not to sit by quietly awaiting His return. Much needs to be done. He has entrusted much to us, expecting us to be good stewards. Celebrating the Ascension of the Lord is a reminder that they are to be about our Father’s work. Please see the schedule for the Ascension Thursday masses in today’s bulletin and plan to attend.
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY – Throughout this weekend, let us be mindful of and thankful for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in service to our country. Our nation is truly blessed by their selfless sacrifices. May the Lord reward them for their goodness.
NEW PRIEST ASSIGNED TO ST. ROSE OF LIMA – Early last week I had the opportunity to meet Fr. Michael Iroh, via Zoom. Bishop Barres has assigned Fr. Michael to our parish until next June. Fr. Michael is a member of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), Province of Nigeria. He and another priest already working in our diocese will take on the leadership of a parish in our diocese on behalf of his community next June. We expect Fr. Michael to arrive in the middle of July. Two years ago, Fr. Michael served as a summer assistant at St. Barnabas
Fr. Michael has served in various capacities including parochial vicar, school administrator, rector, and lecturer. Currently, he serves as the Parochial Vicar at Christ the King Catholic Church, Akowonjo, Lagos, while also teaching Physics and Mathematics at Vita Christi College, Lagos. In our conversation, Fr. Michael shared with me a love for music and a passion for sports such as football (soccer) and lawn tennis. I assured him of our welcome.
DIOCESAN EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS – For the last several weeks, I have encouraged your participation in the Diocese of Rockville Centre’s Eucharistic Congress to be held on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, at St. Anthony’s High School in Huntington. As a diocese, we look to this as a moment that will spark a renewed fire of evangelization across Long Island. It will be a day of prayer, catechesis, and communion with Jesus Christ, truly present in the Most Holy Eucharist. The Congress will feature keynote talks, breakout sessions in multiple languages, Eucharistic Adoration, sacred music, confessions, and the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
In addition to the congress itself, there will be Eucharistic Pilgrimages taking place across the Diocese in the days leading up to the Congress as well as revival nights to accompany the pilgrimages. All the information about the Eucharistic Congress, the processions and the revival nights can be found at drvc.org/congress. Registration for attending the conference can also be found on the website.
Peace,
