3 minute read
Forgive One Another
By FR. KURT FARRELL
Pope Francis declared a “Year of the Jubilee,” which started on the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. In the Old Testament a year of Jubilee meant that there would be a time of equaling the playing field. All debt would be forgiven, slaves would be set free, and there would be a time for raising the poor and downtrodden to the level of the rich. A theme of Pope Francis’ life was a call to eliminate what separates us from one another. Things such as economic and social classes; racial, religious and other types of discrimination and prejudice; unforgiveness; resentment; and grudges. A declaration of Jubilee by the Pope means it is time for all of us to forgive and love one another. The importance of being able to say, “I am sorry,” and “I forgive you” can’t be emphasized enough. Jesus tells us in the Gospel that before you go to the altar to offer sacrifice make sure you have reconciled with your brother. He also tells us that if we are unwilling to forgive our brother and sister from our hearts, our heavenly father will not forgive us. He even has us pray to God that he would forgive us as we forgive those that have offended us. I have experienced many families ripped apart due to the unwillingness to forgive, and the placing of emphasis on material goods over love for one another. Many are planning to make pilgrimages this jubilee to receive plenary indulgences. I would suggest that before spending a lot of time and money making these pilgrimages, that we all make a pilgrimage into our hearts. WE need to discover all those that we have not yet reconciled with and make a pilgrimage to do so. May all have a very blessed Easter. Happy Jubilee Everybody!
Some Other News
We are encouraging each church to have a Seven Sisters Apostolate to cover your parish priest in daily prayer. If you have questions about what this is, how to start or want more information, please view Seven Sisters Apostolate and/or contact Lola Baxter at SevenSistersWinonaRochester@gmail.com.
The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is hosting a leadership training by the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women On the Road team for all women who would like to know more about CCW, are an officer or commission chair or would like to be. You don’t have to be a member to attend, and this would benefit anyone in a leadership role within any women’s church organization. The training will be on July 12 at St. Bernard in Stewartville beginning at 1 p.m. There is no cost, however, registration is required for the team to bring enough materials. Please call Shelly Holt, 507-381-2842 or email shellyholttotalwellness@gmail.com by June 1 to register.
Fr. Kurt Farrell is the spiritual advisor for the Winona-Rochester Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.
