A Patron, an Ascension, Graduations, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ – we have a lot to celebrate in the coming weeks.

May 16 – Feast of St. John Nepomucene, the Patron of our Parish

This is also the day on which we will celebrate the Ascension of the Lord.  Jesus spent 40 days with the disciples after His Resurrection, teaching them and giving them the authority they would need to guide the Church on earth.  On the 40th day, He ascended into heaven where He sits at the right hand of the Father until He comes again in glory.

“Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev. 20:22)

Paintings: Szymon Czechowicz, Martyrdom of St. John Nepomuk; Giotto, Ascension

Novena to St. John Nepomucene

(Pray this once a day for nine days, May 16—May 24)

St. John Nepomucene, martyr for the seal of the confessional, pray that we may make use of the Sacrament of Penance often and with great profit, knowing our sins and truly repenting of them.

St. John Nepomucene, you resisted temptation, torture, and fear of death to keep secret what should remain secret.  Pray for us, that we may have the strength not to gossip or spread rumors about others.  Pray that we will not reveal the sins of others when there is no urgent need.  Pray that our lips will be sealed when they should be sealed and open when they should be opened.

St. John Nepomucene, patron of our parish, pray for our parish.  As a priest yourself, intercede for our priests and help them to guide us well.  Intercede for the people of the parish and for all their needs.  And intercede for me, especially for (mention request here).

Father, you have given us St. John Nepomucene as a model and a patron.  Help us to follow you as courageously as he did and to give ourselves totally to You as he did.  We ask these things through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

May 23 – Pentecost Sunday

10 days after Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide His Church.  Instead of cowering in the Upper Room, scared of persecution, they now had the courage to go out and proclaim the Gospel.

Notice that the Apostles spent 9 days in prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost.  We too can make a novena for the coming of the Holy Spirit into our lives.  Click here for a Novena to the Holy Spirit and other resources on Pentecost from EWTN.

On May 23rd, we will also celebrate the Baccalaureate Mass for those in our parish who are graduating from high school this year.  All graduating seniors are invited to attend the Baccalaureate Mass at 5:00 on Sunday, May 23.  Seniors are invited to wear their caps and gowns to Mass.  A reception will be held for seniors and their families after the Mass.

June 6 – Feast of Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ

On the Feast of Corpus Christi, the whole Church around the world joins together in celebrating the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.  We will have a Solemn Mass under a tent on the field.  This Mass will begin at 8:00 AM and will be followed by a Solemn Procession around the streets of Ennis.  Such a procession is an old tradition that is celebrated around the world.

Here is a video of Pope Benedict leading a Corpus Christi procession last year: