The Boston Area gathered together on Monday, February 11th to celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes and World Day of the Sick. Members, friends, and former Lourdes pilgrims gathered in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, in the South End of Boston. Fr. Kevin O’Leary, Rector of the Cathedral was the presider, along with Msgr. James Moroney, and Rt. Rev. Jack Ahern as concelebrants. Msgr. Moroney shared a very moving homily reminding us all of the constant presence of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.

“This is the Spirit which at the dawn of creation brought light out of darkness, order out of chaos, and covered the land with vegetation, the sky with sun and moon and stars, and made us to breathe and be.

It is the same Spirit, which has watched over our Order for over 900 years, and preserved us from utter destruction at places like Acre, Rhodes and Lepanto.  And it is the same Spirit which for over a century and a half has preserved and renewed these puddingstone walls as a witness to the Most Holy Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, despite the burning of convents, the bigotry of know -nothings and the ravages of secularism in our own day.

For it is that same Holy Spirit who is alive and at work today, renewing his creation, bringing order out of chaos, forgiveness where there was sin and enlightening our hearts with God’s eternal love.”

After the liturgy, Fr. O’Leary carefully guided everyone through the extensive and ongoing renovations of the Boston Cathedral. The massive renovations are due to be completed by Palm Sunday, 2019. As the project enters its final stages, excitement is growing in anticipation of the installation of new marble floors and liturgical appointments, along with restored congregational seating, new lighting, air conditioning and heating systems.

The members and friends of the Order then made their way by elevator to the community room for a vibrant reception with snacks and refreshments for all. It was a very enjoyable evening with old friends and new!

In celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, we are reminded that the Immaculate Conception is always present to lead us to Jesus, her Son. Thank you for all you do to live out our calling and for being radiant signs of God’s love out in the world today! Our Lady of Lourdes, Pray for us!