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Dear Pilgrims,
In my Easter Masses I mentioned in my homilies how hope is central to our
Christian faith. Of all the teachings and doctrines of our Church, the
mystery of the resurrection
–
Jesus being raised from the dead – is
foundational to our faith. It is in the resurrection that we ultimately
hope. The resurrection gives us hope because through our baptism we will
share in Christ’s resurrection and have life forever with God.
The hope we experience in the Easter season points to a reality beyond
ourselves, to an eternal existence of life, light and love in Christ’s
risen presence. Over the past one hundred years as an Edmundite apostolate
of evangelization, Saint Anne’s Shrine has been a place where people could
visit and encounter the risen Christ.
Many
Edmundites have contributed to this ministry, most notably Fr. Maurice
Boucher who devoted much of his Edmundite life to this Shrine. Fr. Boucher
elected to take a well deserved retirement this past year. The
relationships he established with many of you reveal that the Shrine is a
holy place where people come to hear the Word of God and be nourished by
the Eucharist.
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Rev. Brian J. Cummings, S.S.E. |
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Other retired Edmundites, such as Fr. Paul Pinard, have also played a
significant role in the history of this apostolate. Fr. Paul served in the
1960’s and was responsible for major improvements including persuading
Vermont state officials to move the magnificent sculpture of Samuel de
Champlain to the shores of Isle LaMotte on our property. This will
certainly make the Shrine an important site for next year’s
Quadra-centennial celebration.
There are many other Edmundites in our history that have played important
roles at the Shrine and I am grateful to work with several again in the
upcoming year. There are more Edmundites serving here throughout the
season than at any other apostolate in the Society of Saint Edmund. We do
so because the Shrine is a special place, God is present here and it is
one of our oldest places of ministry. It is a Community apostolate in
which we strive to serve you and all who visit these beautiful grounds.
As we approach another season of celebrating our faith at Saint Anne’s
Shrine, I encourage you to consider attending some of our programming
events outlined in the Schedule of Events.
Please note our new Sunday Mass schedule which will hopefully result in
larger congregations with an ever increasing desire for the Eucharist.
Thank you for all your support and I look forward to seeing you this
summer season!
Sincerely,
Rev. Brian
J. Cummings, S.S.E.
Spiritual Director
Saint Anne’s Shrine
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