On May 25, 1968, Deacon Frederick J. Nijem, Jr., entered the brand-new Saint John the Evangelist Church in Valdosta, to become the first priest ever ordained there. The church's pastor, Father Thomas J. Payne, waived the privilege of celebrating the first Mass in his new church, commenting, "I think it's the most appropriate thing that could happen to a new church-to launch a new priest. We broke ground last July with this in mind."Ash Wednesday Masses - February 22, 2012
7:00AM
9:00AM
6:00PM
8:00PM (Spanish)
I have only been a priest for two Ash Wednesdays, and both years I have been deeply moved by the words "remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return." The words became even more poignant when placing the freshly burnt ashes on the foreheads of children and infants. Children who still have their whole lives ahead of them, yet they are dust, and to dust they shall return.
Leprosy is a terrible disease. Though today confined to certain areas of the world and somewhat treatable, having leprosy in the ancient world was one of the most terrible curses. The disease itself does not kill you, but it lingers for years causing skin to degenerate and the body to deform. Lepers are cursed with twisted limbs, curling fingers, tumors and facial disfigurement. Nerve damage causes terrible pain, but also numbs parts of the body which leads to accidents, burns and cuts which then lead to infections and the possible loss of limbs.
I want to say that the Gospel is not simply about a leper's cure. There is a reality here that is more than skin deep. Jesus has come to heal us of our sins, and restore us to God. Yes, Jesus has come to heal the sick, but there is a greater and deeper disfigurement that he has come to address.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The cover of our bulletin features "World Marriage Day". As the song says, "Love makes the world go round". That may be true, but it is marriage that keeps it together as it is going around.
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