The news from the Vatican Synod of Bishops on the Bible now taking place in Rome is that an observer from Hong Kong suggested that the Holy Father begin a blog on Scripture. I would encourage him to do so! He is a wonderful teacher and it would be a great vehicle for him to be in touch with all of us.

Also, it is my understanding that Bishop Kicanas of Tucson is blogging from the synod to share his experiences there with the faithful of his diocese.

It is encouraging to see that more and more people are availing themselves of this modern technology as a way to spread the Good News.

Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford

Saturday (Oct. 18), I traveled to Connecticut to join the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford in celebrating their 50th anniversary.

We have always had a close relationship with the former bishop, Bishop Basil Losten, so we were very happy to be invited by the current bishop, Bishop Paul Chomnycky, to be part of their celebration.

As some may know, the Ukrainian Church has had a very difficult history of persecution in Ukraine. We are very happy that they are flourishing here. It was also an opportunity to meet with Eastern Rite Catholic bishops.

The ceremony was held at their seminary because their seminary chapel is actually larger than their cathedral!

The liturgy the Ukrainian Church uses, written by St. John Chrysostom, is such a beautiful liturgy.

The Communion prayers are especially beautiful. Our Communion prayer is based on the words of the Centurion to Jesus: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof. Say, but the word...”

They have a long prayer based on the words of the Good Thief: “Remember me, Lord, when you come into your kingdom.” It is just beautiful.

I want to share it with you:

O Lord, I believe and profess that You are truly Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the World to save sinners, of whom I am the first. Accept me as a partaker of your mystical supper, O Son of God, for I will not reveal Your mysteries to our enemies, nor will I give you a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief will I confess to You.

Remember me, O Lord, when You shall come into Your kingdom.

Remember me, O Master, when You shall come into Your kingdom.

Remember me, O Holy One, when You shall come into Your kingdom.

May the partaking of your holy mysteries, O Lord, be not for my judgment, or condemnation, but for the healing of soul and body.

O Lord, I also believe and profess that this, which I am about to receive, is truly Your most precious Body and Your life-giving Blood, which, I pray, make me worthy to receive for the remission of all my sins and for life everlasting. Amen

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

God, cleanse my sins and have mercy on me.

O Lord forgive me for I have sinned without number.

Their liturgy really stresses the transcendence of God, the heavenly liturgy and the splendor of God’s glory.

Also in this week’s blog:

> Boston Chapter of Legatus

> Annual White Mass and dinner

> 100th anniversary of St. Joseph’s Parish, Kingston

> Memorial Mass for Tom Flatley

> Redemptoris Mater House of Formation in Brookline.

> Annual Mass and dinner for the Order of Malta

> First Day of Recollection for Priests at the new Pastoral Center