LAKE STATION – As well pastored as they may be, parishioners are often excited about the chance to see their bishop pay a visit. At St. Francis Xavier, a friendly reception awaited Bishop Robert J. McClory on Feb. 2.
Bishop McClory was greeted by SFX faithful who packed into the nave of the church. Candles took on an added importance as the liturgy would commence with a special blessing of Candlemas.
As selected participants fanned out with candles lit from the altar, those in attendance were reminded in prayer about the presence of God and his desire to illuminate his people’s days. They later heard of “a light for revelation” from the Canticle of Simeon.
The bishop gently reminded congregants to extinguish their candles, for safety reasons, as St. Francis Xavier pastor Father Jaime Perea and Deacon Miguel Arellano processed into the sanctuary behind a corps of altar servers led by 18-year-old twin brothers Matthew and Michael Castillo.
Bishop McClory, who visited the Lake Station church after noting an open date on his day planner, expressed joy at seeing the vibrant setting of a church filled with young and old alike, predominantly couples with children.
Before the brightly lit tabernacle, altar and statue and reliquary of St. José Luis Sánchez del Río, Deacon Arellano proclaimed the Gospel selection from Luke chapter 2, which concluded with: “When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him.”
Bishop McClory began his homily addressing youngsters enrolled in the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), or religious formation. “Third-graders stand up and let’s give them a nice round of applause,” he said to those assembled.
A large contingent of third-grade students were present as it is the year of their sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion. Recognizing all the youth, the bishop praised all the catechists present. “One thing we are so grateful for today are all those who help form you in the faith. We have parents and family members here, but it’s a separate privilege to be a catechist, someone who says, ‘yes’ to helping bring someone to the faith,” Bishop McClory said.
Walking near pews filled with youngsters, the bishop shed light on the mystery of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph as they performed their customs in the temple, as written in the Bible narrative from which the day’s Feast of the Presentation of the Lord is based.
“You can almost say, ‘What are Mary and Joseph doing bringing pigeons into church?’ he asked. “Well, that was a way of saying, ‘This was something of value to us. We know that all we’ve been given comes from God, so we’re going to offer God something of value to us … they brought Jesus, God Himself.”
Continuing to preach, the bishop spoke of the others who were present at the temple: “Simon, a wise and holy and prayerful man, and we also heard about a woman who was there.”
Just as the bishop asked, “Did anybody catch her name? Is anyone here named Anna or Anne?” referencing the prophetess Anna, a little girl walked in the church’s side door.
It was Anna Diaz, an eight-year-old who is part of the third grade group.
“Oh, you’re Anna?” the bishop said through a smile as the faithful laughed.
The timing of the girl’s arrival was remarkable given that she later said she had to excuse herself to use the restroom, and then returned to open the church door just as the bishop called her name.
He then spoke of those people of prayer in Scripture who “knew God was going to send a savior.” “They knew that this little one (Jesus) was the fulfillment of all the prophecies, who would bring salvation, who would be honored and adored, who be opposed.”
After Mass, the faithful filed out, some stopping to greet the bishop and request a blessing. Elizabeth Zepeda carried her three-year-old son Oliver Zepeda before the diocesan shepherd. The boy’s eyes got big as he was prayed over.
“Years from now I will tell my son that he received a great blessing from the bishop; that blessing is never going to go away,” said Elizabeth Zepeda.
Dustin Morgan greeted the bishop as he departed from church. The young man sat with his family and was among those who held a candle during the prayers prior to Mass.
“It’s important to come to church so you know that God is with you everyday and that you stay blessed,” he said.
With all the lessons about Jesus being the light of the world, Morgan said, when asked about how he brightens his surroundings, “By waking up every day with a smile.”
The youthful spirit that abounded in biblical passages and was expounded upon at Mass was an ideal focus for the youngsters in sacramental preparation. These were proud moments for the catechists and assistants.
“I’m so glad that the bishop took the opportunity to come to my parish,” said Shirley Ortega, third-year director of religious education. “This year we started asking the religious education students to come together for 9:30 (Sunday) Mass … I was trying to (encourage) the kids to behave and give their best impression for the bishop.”
Deacon Arellano, who had previously served in the Archdiocese of Chicago, said he was grateful for the opportunity to assist at Mass with his new bishop.
“I love serving, every single time. When the bishop comes to my parish, I like to be present because he’s my boss,” explained Deacon Arellano. “On days like today you can also just say ‘hi’ and shake hands.”
Caption: St. Francis Xavier parishioner Elizabeth Zepeda (left) holds her three-year-old son Oliver Zepeda (center) as Bishop Robert J. McClory imparts a blessing and a high-five at the conclusion of Mass during the diocesan shepherd's pastoral visit to Lake Station on Feb. 2. Gary bishops have made pastoral visits key parts of their ministry and Bishop McClory strives to connect with the diocesan faithful in four counties as best as his schedule permits. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)