I was listening to a history podcast while I was driving back from the chancery office one evening this past week. The podcast was interviewing a history professor from Northwestern University about the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, which took place on October 8, 1871. One third of the buildings in the city were destroyed by the fire, including my great great grandfather’s home. It is estimated that 300 people lost their lives in that fire. Chicago was rebuilt in two years, becoming an even more important American city in the years that followed. It is hard to believe that it has been 150 years since that fire took place. Being a native of Chicago and having had ancestors go through that experience, that story has been part of my family's narrative.
We commemorate and remember major events in our history and in our families. We commemorate important events in our Church as well. Just this past Monday, on October 4, we commemorated the feast of St Francis of Assisi with the blessing of the animals. This entire month of October, we commemorate Respect Life Month, celebrating this important value of our Catholic faith. This weekend at our Masses, we will talk more about Respect Life Month and St Joseph, who is the symbol of Respect Life Month this year since we are celebrating the Year of St Joseph.
With days of the month of October passing by, with the school year underway, soon we will be celebrating All Saints Day and All Souls Day in the beginning of November, and then the Advent and Christmas seasons will be with us. We hear at St Jude are glad you are with us. We are glad you are a part of our faith community. Whether you are a long-time member or a visitor, all are welcome at St Jude. It is still a challenging reality we face with the conditions of the pandemic still with us. However, let us continue to support each other and encourage each other as we journey together in faith. The Lord is with us every step of the way.
Father Lincoln
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