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bishop braxton's parish pastoral visits continue

During his Parish Pastoral Visitation to Immaculate Conception Parish in Columbia, July 31-August 1, 2010, Bishop Edward K. Braxton visited the home of Mrs. Ruby Brady. Mrs. Brady has been blessed to live ninety-five years and her husband, Harold was blessed to live one hundred years. They were scheduled to celebrate their Diamond Jubilee on Dec. 17, 2010. This visit was planned as an occasion for the Bishop to extend his personal congratulations to them on their Diamond Jubilee. Unfortunately, Harold died just days before the visit. Ruby shared with the Bishop stories of the many ways in which she and her husband were involved in Immaculate Conception Parish over the years. Harold was an excellent carpenter and his handy work could be seen in their home. Ruby is an expert in fine porcelain painting. Her beautifully adorned plates, vases, and statues with their amazing detail were on display throughout the home. The visit concluded with prayer and a special blessing for Ruby.

On Saturday evening after the 5:00 o’clock Mass, the Bishop remained in the Church for more than an hour and a half for an informal conversation with dozens of parishioners. He answered questions such as: Why is there going to be a new translation of the Missale Romanum? What is the future of Catholic elementary schools? What is your view of the role of women in ministry in the Catholic Church? Is it still possible to gain a Plenary Indulgence? What is the relationship between the goodness and omnipotence of God and innocent human suffering?

In previous weeks, the Bishop visited St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Aviston, Holy Trinity Parish in Fairview Heights, and Holy Childhood of Jesus Parish in Mascoutah. Visitations are scheduled through the summer and into the fall extending to December 5, 2010. In the weeks ahead he will visit St. Bernard Parish in Albers and St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish in Hecker. So far the Bishop has completed more than thirty Parish Pastoral Visitations.

When Bishop Braxton made his Parish Pastoral Visitation to St. Augustine of Hippo Parish in East St. Louis in January, it was not possible for him to visit some of the parishioners who could no longer come to Mass. However, he promised the people that he would return. He fulfilled that promise on August 9, the memorial of St. Edith Stein (Teresa Benedicta of the Cross). He visited Ms. Inez Wilson, sacristan at St. John Francis Regis Parish for more that forty-five years, who will celebrate her one hundredth birthday on September 2. He also visited Bertha Moody, a long time member of the now suppressed St. Joseph Parish. Each of these distinguished ladies spoke with quiet eloquence about their families, their faith, and their memories. Inez and Bertha reside at the Touchette Apartments for the Elderly recently constructed in association with the Touchette Regional Hospital with rates that individuals on fixed income can afford. This facility which accommodates fifty was much needed in the community.

Commenting on these visitations the Bishop said, “The benefits of these weekends at our parishes are reciprocal. On the one hand, the visits give me the opportunity to hear about the faith of the people in their own words. It helps me to appreciate better the role that the parish community has in the day- to-day lives of the people. It gives me an indelible mental picture of who is actually worshiping in our churches on Saturdays and Sundays. It is particularly moving to meet someone for the first time with whom I have spoken by telephone after a family member has died. It is the likeness of Christ. On the other hand, it gives the people direct, immediate contact with me. As I walk among them greeting families, shaking hands with long-time parishioners and those who are there for the first time, our meetings are personal and unfiltered.

“As one parishioner expressed it, ‘I have been a Catholic all of my seventy-four years. I never met a Bishop before. Now that I have talked with you and listened to you talking to others, I have a real sense of who you are and what is important to you. I see your humanity, your faith, and your compassion which might not have come through in the same way at a big parish event.’” The Bishop asks readers of the Messenger to pray for the continued success of his Parish Pastoral Visitations. He also asks everyone to continue praying and working for vocations to the priesthood.