Big News of the Week

From the Pastor:    Big News of the Week

       I cannot help but mention the biggest news of the week. There were so many Big News stories that it would normally seem difficult to figure out which would be the Biggest of the Big! But, as you know, the Holy Father’s death takes priority over everything else. Yes, Father Mangiafico, the holiest of Fathers, is the Holy Father of whom I write. His Requiem Mass was on Wednesday night, and it was touching to see how many of you came out to pray for the repose of his soul. The final count was 595 laypeople and 13 priests in attendance. The schola did an outstanding job with the solemn chants of the Requiem Mass. I really don’t know how they manage to learn and practice the necessary chants for such a Mass, as well as learning and practicing the chants for the “normal” Sunday Masses and special feast day Masses and other liturgies, but somehow they do. The altar boys, who turned out in huge numbers for Fr. Mangiafico, were amazing, especially considering that this is the first Requiem we have done for a priest, and there were several things different about it when compared to the Requiem for a layperson. Even though the boys knew that most of them would not have a liturgical role in the Mass, they still came to serve through prayer. Their love for Fr. M was on display in a beautiful way. May they each become holy priests like him. The ECCW put together a phenomenal spread of “snack foods” for a reception after the Mass. I was hardly expecting the victuals they provided. The ushers were there to keep the peace and give explanations to people who had never been to a TLM before but knew and loved Father from one of his many other ministries around the diocese. Set up and clean-up crews, and so many others who worked behind the scenes, also made sure that everything came off without a hitch.
       Canon Matthew Talarico, superior of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, the Order taking over Epiphany Shrine in a few months, changed his overly hectic schedule and flew in to be here with us in this time of mourning and said a few words after Mass. Bishop Parkes was in Rome (and is now taking part in the funeral ceremonies for a completely different Holy Father, more of whom I will write shortly) and sent his condolences. Representing him (and also representing himself, for he also loved Fr. Mangiafico) was Msgr. Bob Morris, Vicar General for the diocese and number two man to the Bishop.  He also said a few words after Mass about his appreciation for the priestly ministry of Fr. Mangiafico. Later, in the social hall, Colonel Whiskeyman, specifically tapped (or is it trapped?) by Father before his death to say a few words, and who was dreading having to give a speech about his good friend, did a fine job telling about Father’s life as he eulogized him. Although the Mass took less than two hours, people stayed and reminisced until about midnight. Even with all of that, we still just barely scratched the surface of our love for such a holy priest. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
       Now, as for that other Holy Father who passed away and made big news, I hardly have to tell you what happened. His story is all over the media, with every news organization and even many anti-Catholic groups such as the Freemasons already canonizing him for his “humility” and willingness to change Church moral and disciplinary teachings. I received an email from a reporter who wanted a comment. Here is her message to me: Good morning, I’m so sorry to hear about the news of the Pope passing. I’m a reporter with ABC Action News, and I was wondering if I could coordinate an interview with someone from the church. I would like to focus on how this is affecting the Latin community. I know he was the first Latin American pontiff, which holds a special place for Hispanic Catholics. Please let me know. I’m available to chat any time between now to 1:00 pm. Thanks in advance, and I hope to hear from you soon! Best, [I will keep her name out of here so that her complete lack of even basic research in this matter will not cause her great embarrassment]. Somehow, I didn’t think that the true answer to “how this is affecting the Latin community” would fit the narrative she was looking for, so I didn’t respond. Anyway, pray for this Holy Father’s soul with at least as much fervor as you did/are doing for our own Holy Father. As Fr. Mangiafico often noted, priests are held to a higher standard of accountability before God, and therefore, the higher the priest is in the Church hierarchy, the more accountable they are for every thought, word, and action. So the exalted Bishop of Rome needs many more prayers than a humble retired priest.
       With no more room for Big News, I will leave you with this. The term “sedevacantist,” meaning “someone who claims that the Chair of Peter is empty of a true Pope,” is often (mis)used as a derogatory term to scorn those who attend the Traditional Latin Mass. Yet the Chair of Peter is very obviously empty at this moment, so right now all Catholics really are “sedes!” Add this to the fact that everyone at Epiphany will soon also be “Shriners,” so to speak, when the Parish becomes a Shrine, and get ready for some real fun, the Shriners being Freemasons! Wear those labels (and your fezzes) proudly!

With prayers for your holiness,
Rev. Fr. Edwin Palka