Monday, April 29, 2013

Shrines

According to Wikipedia a shrine is a holy or sacred place - dedicated to a specific deity - ancestor - hero - martyr - saint - or similar figure of awe and respect - at which they are venerated or worshipped. Shrines frequently contain idols - relics - or other objects associated with the figure being venerated. The most common  shrines are dedicated to religious figures - almost all religious beliefs - have their shrines. Roman Catholics have their own share of shrines - many dedicated to Saint Mary - the mother of Jesus - under her various names - as well as other significant figures associated with the Catholic faith. Saint Paul - Saint Anthony - Saint Teresa - Saint Joseph - just to name a few. It is at these shrines that people stop - to venerate - pray - meditate - on the mysteries of God - their relationship to the various figures - the relationship that specific figure had with God and their own relationship to that saint or God. This past weekend our Pastor held a dedication ceremony for a shrine to be constructed in memory of a very modern saint - Saint Gianna Beretta Molla. This saint is unique not because she was a married lay women - but rather that - unlike other women who went on to form or join religious communities - Gianna Molla remained as she was - a wife - physician - mother. It is because of her strong belief in life - that she refused to terminate a pregnancy that threatened her own life - in the end - it took her life. She is to be admired for the fact that she valued human life - so much that - she gave her own - for another.

Jesus values human life - just as His Heavenly Father does - to the point that He was willing to give His life for each and every one of us. That is why Catholics attend Holy Mass - some daily - to venerate and worship Jesus at the shrine of the altar. It is in those hours and minutes at shrines and altars that God speaks to us - encourages us - reminds us - that He alone is the answer - He alone is the One.

Deacon Dale