“May is Mary’s month, and I muse at that and wonder why.” So begins Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem, “The May Magnificat.” It is good for us to wonder also. May crownings, Mother’s Day, the Feast of the Visitation and the abundance of springtime growth all remind us of Mary’s special association with this beautiful time of year.
Each year during Holy Week, priests serving in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, like priests everywhere, gather with one another and with their bishop for the Chrism Mass. It is during this solemn liturgy that the bishop blesses and consecrates the holy oils and sacred chrism that will be used during the year ahead in the celebration of the sacraments. It is during this Mass that priests reflect upon and renew their sacred priestly promises in the presence of the bishop and the gathered faithful.
GUTHRIE – Everyone gathered on the large porch to form a circle. After some introduction, everyone turned to the east where the morning sun bounces off of Guthrie Lake and peeps through the trees. The aroma of sage and cedar drifted upward along with prayers recited in both English and Cherokee. Different prayers were said as participants turned toward each of the “Four Directions:” east, south, west and north.
Abbot Lawrence, Archbishop Beltran, members of the monastic and university communities, my brother priests, deacons, consecrated women and men, friends and distinguished guests of Saint Gregory’s Abbey and University, my brothers and sisters in Christ, today we rejoice with Benedictines around the world as we celebrate the liturgical feast of the Transitus of Saint Benedict.