On Saturday we celebrated our annual Mother of the Americas Mass at the Cathedral. During my tenure in Seattle, this was the largest gathering by far with an estimated 2,000 people gathering for the celebration! The cathedral was overflowing out the doors.
The day began at Immaculate Conception parish for a Holy Hour and Rosary then the people in festive garb processed in the rain the mile or so to the cathedral. The people coming from Mexico, South and Central America bring such a rich and vibrant faith with them, and an incredible devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe! Our Lady was surely pleased with the peoples’ expressions of honor for her.
In addition to the prayers, the music, drums, dance and traditional garments made for a lively and vibrant celebration. Below you will find many pictures and the link from the livestream of the Mass.
Much gratitude to Stephen Brashear for his excellent photography.
On Sunday, the same Immaculate Conception parish celebrated the 120th anniversary of their church, which is the longest standing church and active parish in Seattle. Throughout its history, Immaculate Conception has been home to our Black Catholic community, in addition to many other people of color.
Once again, the church was at near-capacity with representatives from the Knights of Peter Claver, parishioners, members of the Filipino community and a large showing from the Iretrian Catholics who also provided the choir for the Mass and celebration.
The church also served as a home to the early Jesuit community that established Seattle University. Fr. Stephen Sundborg, sj. the former President of Seattle U concelebrated the Mass and at the reception after Mass gave a brief history of the Jesuit presence at Immaculate Conception.
My homily for this event is below along with some pictures. In so many ways, Our Lady has been well honored here in Seattle in these recent days!
Immaculate Conception Parish, Seattle; December 8, 2024; 120th Anniversary Celebration
On this Second Sunday of Advent, and the actual date of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we gather to celebrate the 120th anniversary of this church, and especially the presence of the Immaculate Conception parish community. As your archbishop, the real gift we celebrate here this morning is the faith that has been nurtured within these consecrated walls for the past 120 years!
No doubt, today gives many the occasion to recall all that has transpired within this parish community over the past century and beyond, and it is good to take stock and to give thanks. But, such a landmark celebration also begs deeper questions.
This 120th anniversary of the church points to history. But, within this sacred space, I ask: “What is history”? There is more here than the history of a building, or this parish, or the church or even the world. In this moment we recall the history of salvation and the relationship of the eternal God with humanity.
Reflecting upon the title of Mary for whom this church is dedicated, the Immaculate Conception, we recall one of the greatest moments in history when God providentially allowed Mary to be conceived without sin to be the worthy Mother of the Savior. The Immaculate Conception is not THE greatest moment, but laid the groundwork for it – which is the Incarnation – God becoming man in the person of Jesus.
God is at the center of history, and the Immaculate Conception is a defining instance of God’s history of unimaginable and unpredictable interaction with humanity. This is our history, indeed, the drama of the interaction of the human and divine in which we continue to play our part.
IN today’s first reading from the Prophet Baruch, the people are encouraged: “Take off yoru robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendor of glory from God forever.” The psalm invites us to recall the great things the Lord has done for us and in so doing to be filled with joy. Obviously, our recollections in these matters go way beyond our human or worldly history. The great work of God is the Lord’s immense, unconditional, boundless love!
This love is what St. Paul prays for, and is my pray for all of us: “that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every king of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1)
Life is a struggle. Love is not easy; it is complicated. But the love of God is the great multiplier – because God is love.
When Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the temple, they were greeted by a devout man named Simeon, who was awaiting to see with his own eyes the promised Messiah. He took the child into his arms and praised God for his faithfulness. He then gave a blessing to them and said to Mary: “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (see Luke 2:25-35)
This tells us that Mary’s own interaction with the divine did preserve her from sin, but not from the pain and difficulty of the journey of faith and love. Her journey of faith, all the way to the cross and resurrection teaches us that while love is difficult – Love is ultimately what saves us!
St. John the Baptist in the Gospel today comes preaching a gospel of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He cries: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths”.
My friends, even though the Savior has come, there will always be new generations who need to hear the Good News. Now is our time to “prepare the way of the Lord” and the means by which we do this is to preach the gospel in and with our own lives.
God bless all of you and all who came before you in this wonderful community of faith. As we give thanks today, we also take up the mantle of baptism that is ours as partners in the Gospel, making straight the paths that lead others to the Lord.
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