Dear Faith Family,
I am always amazed at how God surprises me. While in Central America, our pilgrimage leader simply told us to be open to the encounter. That the encounter will lead to disturbance, disturbance requires discernment. In El Salvador and Guatemala, I encountered much that was disturbing. Numerous atrocities led to the spilling of innocent blood.
In one such poignant encounter, I was participating in Mass in the hospital chapel where St. Oscar Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass. Archbishop Romero had just completed his homily when a single bullet pierced his vestments. Those who venerate his memory have constructed a raised platform in the sanctuary to commemorate where his body fell.
As I was praying before this image on the floor, I was transported in mind to the Stone of Agony at the Church of All Nations in Jerusalem. The sufferings of the Faithful complete and participate in the sufferings of Christ. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me” (Mt. 26: 38).
The two-week pilgrimage certainly was a time for me to encounter the disturbing. The discerning will be far longer than two weeks. Much is surprising.
God Bless,
Fr. Marc
Written by Fr. Marc Bishop following the pilgrimage retreat to Central America with Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Originally published in the bulletin for St. Camillus and St. Agnes Catholic Parishes of Arlington, January 29, 2023. Fr. March is the pastor of both communities.