His
Life Was
the Light of Men
“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the Light
shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it”
(St. John 1:3-5)
CIX!
Dear parishioners and friends,
On the 24th Anniversary of his election, October 16, 2002, Pope John Paul II signed an Apostolic Letter entitled Rosarium Virginis Mariae (The Rosary of the Virgin Mary). This document inaugurates the Marian Year of the Rosary, which begins October 2002, and ends October 2003.
In this letter, the Pope entrusted all humanity, and in particular his pontificate, to our Lady. He encourages everyone to pray the rosary, not mechanically, but with devotion. The Holy Father said:
"By repeating the invocation of the Hail Mary, we can reflect profoundly on the essential events of the mission of the Son of God on earth, which have been transmitted to us by the Gospel and by Tradition."
To the usual fifteen mysteries of our Salvation (Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious), the Pope has added five Luminous Mysteries, contemplating great events of Christ's public life.
"In Year of the Holy Rosary, which we will live together, will certainly produce beneficial fruits in the hearts of all, it will renew and intensify the action of grace of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, and will become a source of peace for the world."
The Luminous Mysteries recall five events upon which the Christian East has closely focused. The rosary is not so much a repetition of prayers as it is a way to focus on the key events in the life of Christ and our Lady. Let Pope John Paul II’s luminous meditations enrich our spiritual lives, so that the Light of Christ’s grace may shine brightly in our hearts.
Throughout the Year of the Rosary (2002-2003), we will pray the rosary in church on the second Sunday of each month, at 4:00pm.
Leaflets containing the Mysteries of Light are available in Church; they also include the prayers of the rosary in Ukrainian and English. Make the rosary part of your prayer life and join with the other members of the parish family in meditating on the glory of God.
“And we saw his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father,
full of grace and truth.” (St. John 1:14)
Father Athanasius McVay, OSBM
October 18, 2002
Feastday of St. Luke, Apostle & Evangelist