Dear Parish Family,
On the 19th of October, we celebrate the North American Martyrs as they are commonly known; specifically, we celebrate the Memorial of Saints John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues, and their companions, eight Jesuits in all. These men traveled the sea to preach the gospel to the Native populations in the New World. Specifically, they preached in the area of upstate New York and Canada. Even after much resistance, they persevered. The story of Saint Isaac Jogues, especially, is quite remarkable. After being brutally tortured, he went back to Europe where he could have stayed. But he made the trip back to the New World in order to continue the work God was asking of him. It ultimately led to his death.
I am constantly amazed at the courage and resilience of the martyrs. They radically enter into the life of Christ. They deeply drink from the cup the Lord speaks of in the gospel passage this weekend. Because of this, they are assured of being united with him for eternity in Heaven.
We may not be called to such a radical witness, but we are invited to drink from the chalice of Christ's suffering. It often comes in the form of small moments (and sometimes great ones) of renouncing our own will and desires, especially for the sake of another, so that the good may be accomplished. May we always have the courage to accept these moments in union with the Lord.
Peace.
-Fr. Kennell