Office of the Bishop

 

Ash Wednesday, February 17^th, 2010

 

To parishioners and all the faithful of the Diocese of Antigonish,

 

In this first letter to the whole diocese, I wish to greet you in the name of the Lord and to express my happiness in being here.  This opportunity of the Season of Lent offers us a time to focus on the central event that draws us all together, namely, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It invites us to participate in a deeper way in the Lord’s example of healing and reconciliation through his life-giving death and glorious resurrection.  The reading for Ash Wednesday invites us: “As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain.”  During these past few months we have all experienced a significant share in the suffering of the Lord; as people of faith we believe that the Lord has plans for a future full of hope as we anticipate a share in the new life of the resurrection.

 

Since my Installation on January 25^th, I have focused on the role of bishop as one who is called to be a part of the healing that the Lord desires for all of us.  I have recognized some of the wounds and hurt that we experience in our hearts, in our faith, in our parishes and in our Church. I believe that the journey of Lent makes us aware of our need for healing so that we can move forward together to the new life and the hope of the resurrection.  This Season of penance and conversion can assist us in trying to make sense of the turmoil that we are all experiencing.

 

For the past two weeks I have visited each deanery for the celebration of the Eucharist and a social gathering.  People were extremely friendly and supportive, and I was touched by the generosity of all.  The liturgies were enthusiastic celebrations of faith.  During these deanery visits, some parishioners spoke to me of the hurt that they have experienced during the past few months.  Others mentioned the deep concerns that they have as they realize the implications of the legal settlement and how this will affect the finances of their parish.  Others spoke of those who can no longer be part of the church.  We all need to keep in mind that the legal settlement only makes sense if we see it as an essential means to our achieving the healing, reconciliation and justice that we seek with those who are survivors of sexual abuse.  Within this atmosphere of hurt and concern, I was touched by people’s faith and I experienced their desire to be committed to the community of faith as we take steps into the future.  We all need to hold one another in prayer during this season of grace.

 

How might we come to know the grace that the Lord has for each one of us in this diocese at this time?  Undoubtedly, we can think of many ways: a faithful commitment to daily prayer; time spent with the Lord as He speaks to us in the Scriptures; firm resolution to work on one of the bad habits in our lives; commitment to gather with a community of faith for prayer or the Eucharist.  For many people, one of the best ways of personally experiencing the Lord in his mercy and compassion is through the celebration of the Sacrament of Penance.  The example of the St. John Vianney (Curé d’Ars), who spent so much time bringing healing to people through the Sacrament of Penance, might inspire us as we celebrate this 150^th anniversary of his death.

 

As I conclude, I want to acknowledge that many have invited me to their individual parishes and I hope to move in that direction over the next few weeks; however, it will take a long time to get around to each parish and I ask for your patience. In the next little while, I shall be meeting each priest and I plan to meet with groups of religious.  I also want to be available and open to meet with any person who needs some time.  Please contact my secretary at the Chancery Office to set an appointment.  Since I plan to spend two or three days each week in the Sydney area, I will be glad to meet anyone at the Chancery Office in Antigonish or the Pastoral Center in Sydney. 

 

During this Season of Lent, I pray that the Spirit of Peace will continue to penetrate our lives as we commit ourselves to being instruments of the Lord’s healing in our local church.  I remain,

Sincerely in Christ,

 

           

 

 

 

Most Reverend Brian Joseph Dunn

Bishop of Antigonish