This is known as the call of Isaiah. In the vision, the prophet Isaiah sees the seraphim above the throne of God singing: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts! All the earth is filled with his glory.” The repetition of “holy” is a way of emphasizing the holiness of God—the contrast between God’s holiness and Isaiah’s sinfulness. We echo the angels’ song at each Mass during the Eucharistic prayer. Isn’t it t rue, however, that our singing of the Sanctus has become so familiar that it fails to produce any great effect? The “Holy, Holy” has a long history in our liturgy. Already by the second century, the church borrowed this prayer from the Jewish temple services and placed it in our Eucharistic Prayer. In the sixth and seventh century, the words used by the people to greet Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem were added to the angelic refrain. Thus, we have the beautiful text we know today. Actually, the “Holy, Holy” is one of the most important Eucharistic acclamations to be sung by the people. Sometimes this acclamation is sung loudly and boldly accompanied by the organ and brass instruments. At other times, we praise the greatness and holiness of God in a more contemplative way by the use of unison chant which fills us with wonder and awe in God’s presence. Whatever the musical setting for this acclamation, we are invited to sing it out loud and with all our hearts. Recently, we have been singing a more contemplative version of the “Holy, Holy” based on a melody by the great Romantic period musician, Franz Schubert. During Lent, we will likely be singing a simpler chant melody. From now on, let us be more aware of the power of this hymn of praise and wonder. May we experience the “Holy, Holy” as a joyful acclamation of praise to God our Father. May we remember that we are joining our voices with the angels and saints and that we worship God with all of creation.

I am very happy to report that last weekend, over seventy parishioners were nominated for the pastoral council! That is exciting news. All of these people have been invited to attend a “Soup and Discernment Workshop” on this coming Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. Those nominated will hear about the role of the Parish Pastoral Council and will be given an opportunity to share their own vision and hopes for the parish. Then, the present council members will gather with me and pray for guidance. Three new members will then be selected to serve a three year term. We will announce the names of the new council members next Sunday.

Next weekend is the Charity and Development Appeal commitment Sunday. Over this next week, I urge us all to discern what financial pledge we will make to this most important appeal. You will find CDA brochures in the pews today outlining all the beneficiaries of this annual appeal. It is important for us to realize that we are not only an individual parish, but that we belong to the larger church. Your financial gifts will be given only to the needs described in the brochure, “One Family in Christ”.

Do you have your tickets for our Valentine’s Dinner and Dance? There are still some available. This is a very important fundraiser. We have reserved 100 dinners and if we fall short of that number, we will have to pay for those dinners. And so, please don’t wait. Come along and have a great time at the new Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino next Sunday, Valentine’s Day. See today’s bulletin for more details.

Love,
Fr. Vince

Celebrating the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua

On Friday June 13, Saint Mary’s Basilica celebrated the Feast of Saint Anthony with a Festive Mass and an Italian Dinner. Before the Mass, the clergy and congregation took part in a procession with the Relic of Saint Anthony, which was then placed at the Shrine inside the Basilica for veneration.

Confirmation and First Eucharist

On Sunday May 18, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, some members of our Basilica community received the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation. The candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation from the Very Rev. Fr. Charles Kiefer, Dean of Central Phoenix.