Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Dedication of a Church (Annunciation of Our Lord)

As mentioned in an earlier blog, on Saturday afternoon, as part of the 30th anniversary of Annunciation of Our Lord Parish, I presided at the dedication of this church.

Holy water was sprinkled on Christ's holy people and on the altar and walls of the church.  After relics of the two Canadian-born saints, St. Marguerite d'Youville and St. Brother Andre Bessette were sealed into a cavity near its base (not shown), the altar, which represents the Risen Christ, was anointed with sacred chrism.

Incense was also burnt and a fire lit on the altar, showing forth the Light who is Christ and that the holy sacrifice of the Mass is celebrated on it.

The sculptures of the Annunciation and of Pentecost, crafted by Father Herman Falke, S.C.J. were also blessed on this occasion.

Here from this wonderful liturgy are some photos, courtesy of Robert Shepherd, who also trains the altar servers of the parish: