On Thursday October 11th, we joined Catholics around the world in celebrating the Opening of the Year of Faith. We were very blessed to have Mother General Celine and Mother Assistant Gerard with us. Before Mass, the vestibule of our chapel was packed for the blessing & solemn opening of the Door of Faith. Emblazed with the Holy Spirit, the double doors of the viewing parlor had been decorated by young volunteers to depict the Year of Faith.
The Resident Handbell Choir opened the celebration by playing several hymns to ring in the Year of Faith. Our dear friend, the Very Reverend William DeSalvo, pastor of St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Hinsdale, offered special prayers, blessed the door and then opened it wide. Inside, the parlor was filled with “Year of Faith” displays, spiritual books, prayers and a collection of faith-filled stories shared by Residents with AJJ members. We were so grateful to Father for his participation, having just returned at 3:00 that morning from a 10 day trip to Rome.
Bishop Andrew McDonald, Fr. Frank Kiley, OSF Conv. and Fr. Robert Switanowski, OSF, Conv. concelebrated Mass along with Fr. DeSalvo. Scott Arkenberg (organist) and Valerie Glowski (cantor), from St. James Parish in Arlington Heights, provided beautiful accompaniment for the Mass.
After Mass, Fr. DeSalvo led a special ceremony of the enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, consecrating our St. Joseph’s Home family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A framed image of the Sacred Heart from France was solemnly enthroned in the chapel vestibule where all can visit and venerate this beautiful image.
Concluding the celebration, Fr. DeSalvo gave a final blessing, sending us forth with the challenge of making a concerted effort in this Year of Faith to deepen our own faith.
Opening of the Year of Faith