The house of the consecrated women in Chicago has been abuzz with mission excitement for days. And now it’s here. The holiest week of the year has come to our city and we have well over 100 missionaries ready to live it to the full.
We gathered at St. Pius X parish for our opening Mass on Wednesday evening. It was like a family reunion. People who hadn’t seen each other in years or just since last year’s missions (or just since the weekend) exchanged hugs, greetings and the some good catching up. I, for my part, was hobbling around on a bad ankle (basketball accident-a classic consecrated’s injury) trying to get in all my hellos before we poured into the sanctuary for Mass.
Having the privilege of singing from the front of the church, I got to see such a neat cross-section of our spiritual family: our Legionary priests giving us the sacraments and brothers serving constantly; consecrated women spread throughout the sea of missionary families and young people; missionaries from 3 years old to, well, older; first-timers to the best of the veterans.
After Mass, the missionaries split up to go to their respective parish bases (6 in total) for the next three days, knowing we’ll all see each other for brunch and Easter Sunday Mass at St. Odilo’s.
This Holy Week, we’re here to bring the Gospel to every corner of this great city, but not only that. We’re here to fall more in love with the Reason for these missions. We’re here to be conquered anew by His grace, love and redemption. Please keep us and all Holy Week missionaries in your prayers!
