Letter from the Rector

Bishop Mark A. Pivarunas, CMRI, shares the joyful news of the ordination of four new priests on April 29th at Mater Dei Seminary:

• Fr. Martin Sentman, CMRI (Michigan)

• Fr. Noah Ellis (Kentucky)

• Fr. Franz Trauner and Fr. Leopold Trauner (Austria)

A total of 31 priests from the United States, Italy, Germany, Scotland, Mexico, and Canada were present for the Solemn Pontifical Mass, along with several hundred of the faithful. The combined choirs from multiple parishes contributed magnificently to the solemnity of the occasion.

In his sermon, Bishop Pivarunas exhorted the newly ordained to model their priesthood after the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Who is meek and humble of heart, and to imitate the Good Shepherd in their tireless labor for souls. Priests continue Christ’s mission on earth and act in His Person for the salvation of souls.

Sanctifying Sundays and Holydays

This issue also features a reflection by Very Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., on the Church’s moral teaching regarding the sanctification of Sundays and holy days of obligation. Two obligations are emphasized:

• Attendance at Holy Mass

• Abstention from servile work

The article clarifies what constitutes servile, liberal, and mixed work, and addresses common exceptions and dispensations. A strong encouragement is given for Catholics to return to a more faithful observance of this important law of the Church, especially in today’s secularized culture.