I have returned from a week at Camp Crucis in Granbury, serving on the faculty of the St. Michael's Youth Conference, Southwest. For the staff, it was a long, yet rewarding week. The greatest reward has been to see faith deepened, lives changed, and to have the privilege to sacramentally absolve those young people from their sins in the confessional. It has been a time for "release for the captives and recovery of sight for the blind." This morning, we concluded the conference with a votive Mass for St Michael and All Angels. You can find more pictures from Fr. Nelson here, and from Fr. Brown here.
Here is the extended prayer for St Michael's angelic protection, written by Pope Leo III, from the third chapter in the Rite of Exorcism from the Ritual Romanum:
St. Michael the Archangel, illustrious leader of the heavenly army, defend us in the battle against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of darkness and the spirit of wickedness in high places. Come to the rescue of mankind, whom God has made in His own image and likeness, and purchased from Satan's tyranny at so great a price. Holy Church venerates you as her patron and guardian. The Lord has entrusted to you the task of leading the souls of the redeemed to heavenly blessedness. Entreat the Lord of peace to cast Satan down under our feet, so as to keep him from further holding man captive and doing harm to the Church. Carry our prayers up to God's throne, that the mercy of the Lord may quickly come and lay hold of the beast, the serpent of old, Satan and his demons, casting him in chains into the abyss, so that he can no longer seduce the nations. Amen.
After the Mass, the students (whom we affectionately call "Michaelites") put on a Pageant of Redemption for their parents before heading home. Here are a few highlights.
The Last Supper
The Crucifixion
Christ's Ministry continues on earth through the sacramental ministry of his One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church
(pictured from left to right: Confirmation, the Eucharist, Unction of the Sick)
The Risen Christ Reigns in Glory with the Saints and Angels
4 comments:
The vestments that you made were so gorgeous, how very talented you are, and what a blessing to have them there for use at the conference.
It was an honor to serve with you last week, Father. Thank you for all of your labors sartorial, didactic and pastoral.
Yesterday after Sunday Mass at St Vincent's a Michaelite came up to me with tears of joy in her eyes saying "St. Michael's Conference changed my life!" She was practically glowing with the love of God and neighbor. I am sure many of the kids feel the same. That work of the Spirit in their lives was made possible through the grace-filled ministry of our worthy priests. Thank you to you and your brothers again.
Thank you for the comments. I think we all pulled together to help create an environment where these kids cannot connect with the holiness of God and experience something of the divine majesty in their own lives. Continue to celebrate the hidden successes in their personal lives and encourage them to take the experience home with them.
I would VERY much like to find where you got the High Mass set from, it is just the thing we need! Please let me know through my blog.
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