Dear Friends,
During this past week, tens of thousands of young people, predominantly teens, gathered in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium to participate in the annual National Catholic Youth Conference, NCYC 2025. Virtually addressing those assembled, Pope Leo reminded the youth that while it is often said that they are the Church of the Future, they are also the Church of the Now and have an important role in evangelization. On Sunday we begin the Advent Season. One of the most familiar figures associated with this time is Saint John the Baptist. Like John the Baptist, we are called to be forerunners of the Lord. While John announced Christ’s redemptive ministry, we are called to announce the presence of Christ in our midst by our word and witness.
Advent also marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. Like New Year’s Day it is an annual opportunity for a “course correction” — a time to attune ourselves more fully to our most important mission: preparing for the Lord when He comes again. And the Sacrament of the Eucharist is the primary means of making this a reality in our lives. At NCYC 2025, Pope Leo encouraged the youth to participate in Adoration, avail themselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and attend Mass as frequently as possible. The graces obtained from the Eucharist are innumerable.
Jesus in the Eucharist is an amazing source of strength for us. A recent program on EWTN highlighted the life of Venerable Aloysius Schwartz, an American priest who ministered to the poor children of South Korea, Mexico and the Philippines. Father Schwartz has been dubbed “a magnanimous soul whose Eucharistic Love transformed lives.” He established homes for orphans and a congregation of religious women to care for them. Since their founding, the Sisters of Mary have cared for over 21,000 children. Sadly in 1989, Father Schwartz was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and passed away in 1992. He credited his ability to minister to these children, even after his diagnosis and increasing lack of mobility, to the centrality of the Eucharist in his life. Father Schwartz embodied Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13) Encountering Jesus empowered him to bring Christ to others.
A new (liturgical) year can also be a time for resolutions. What opportunities are available in your parish during the Advent & Christmas Seasons to encounter Christ? Every sacrament is a guaranteed encounter. Go to Confession, receive the Eucharist, and spend time in Eucharistic Adoration. These are starts. Every time we serve someone and share our time, talents or treasures, we also encounter Christ. Is there a parish organization that can use your time, talents or treasures? As we approach the Advent Season, there is no better time to nourish your spiritual life than downloading the Manna app from https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/
Blessings on you and your families as we follow in the footsteps of John the Baptist and strive to grow closer to our Eucharistic Lord during this Advent Season.
Sister M. Marcella Louise Wallowicz CSFN
