June 2021
Dear Companions,
Peace and all good. During the Eucharistic prayer when I say the words taking up the “chalice of salvation” I am immediately brought back to my years growing up in Chicopee, in the Diocese of Springfield. For the last 64 years a television program from the Diocese of Springfield called “Chalice of Salvation” has been offering information about Catholic life, world and local news, and insights into faith for the people of the Diocese. This program was a regular staple in our family life on Sunday mornings. It brought Catholic news right into our homes.
This program brought inspiration and joy to many, and it still does. Here in the Archdiocese of Baltimore on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi we will begin the year of the Eucharist. During the year at four different points homilist and liturgists will be asked to consider different aspects of the Eucharist. On the weekend of Corpus Christi, I will have the opportunity to offer First Holy Communion to two young men from our local parish. The theme for this weekend is the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This will be underscored by the reception of First Holy Communion which we all love to witness.
At midmonth, the Shrine will host our St. Anthony Festival, a more pared down event because of Covid. However, Fr. Bart Karwacki, has been invited to be our celebrant and preach on the theme St. Anthony and the Eucharist. As a former Director of the Shrine of St. Anthony it will be good to have him back for the day.
Many thanks for your tuning into our live streaming mass from the Shrine of St. Anthony. We are amid planning a Memorial Service for al that we have lost because of Covid-19. This will be prepared and shared later this month or early in July. I continue to thank you for your prayerful and financial support of the Companions Ministry and our Shrine of St. Anthony.
In Christ and St. Anthony,
Fr. Richard-Jacob Forcier, OFM Conv.
Spiritual Guardian
Director and Rector of the Shrine of St. Anthony
