Dear Parishioners,
Cologne, Germany is the site of a magnificent cathedral built by Frederick Barbarosa. After World War II, it was the only building left standing amidst the rubble of the city destroyed by the bombing runs of allies. Why it survived when all else was destroyed only God knows. Why it was built is a different matter, and it is connected to today’s Solemnity of the Epiphany. The word “epiphany” means manifestation or revealing. Today is the first revealing or showing of God in Jesus to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12). And so today, we celebrate the fact that Jesus came not just to save the Jews, but the non-Jews or the Gentiles. He came for us as well! Getting back to why the cathedral in Cologne was built. Frederick Barbarosa acquired the relics of the Magi, and erected the cathedral to house them where you can still see them today if you visit Cologne.
However, we have something far better at St. Jane’s. We have Jesus here in the tabernacle, in the church, and in the chapel where you can visit him throughout the day. Perhaps that would be a good New Year’s resolution. If you give him some extra time before the Blessed Sacrament, I’m sure the Prince of Peace will bring some extra peace into your hearts during the coming year.
- Father Carl
Rev. Stephen Hook is Pastor of the Pastorate of the Visitation which includes the Catholic Churches of Pasadena, Maryland: St. Jane Frances de Chantal (Riviera Beach) and Our Lady of the Chesapeake (Lakeshore). He is assisted by Associate Pastor Rev. John Belinki, Deacon Howard Klohr, and Deacon Rick Clemens. To learn more about our pastorate, please visit www.catholicpasadena.org.
