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A Letter from Rev. Joseph K. Kalladan, Pastor


Sunday Bulletin - September 30, 2007


Dear Parishioner,

The long history of the Catholic Church very clearly attests to the fact that ever since her establishment by Jesus Christ on the sure foundation of Peter and His chosen Apostles, she has been striving with great sincerity and dedication to preach and live the Gospel of Christ down through the ages. In this, eminent men and women, responding to God's call, have given outstanding leadership to His Church. They have distinguished themselves in sanctity and holiness of life during their sojourn here on earth and God favored them in astounding ways. The Catholic Church officially enrolled them in the long list of her 'SAINTS' declaring them to be with God in heaven.

Last Saturday, Sept. 22nd, I had an hour or so long discussion with a fairly large group of college students who had come to St. Thomas Aquinas Church in order to know about the Catholic Church and her beliefs. They were on a study tour to broaden their horizons about the various religions. In fact, before coming to St. Thomas, they had already visited Hindu, Muslim, Bahai, etc. places of worship. After my brief presentation of the Catholic Beliefs and Traditions, one of the primary questions raised during our discussion time was: "Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the Saints?"

Without having to take them through a detailed theological explanation of this topic, I asked them if they have driven along 1-45 North beyond Conroe and noticed the huge statue of Sam Houston. One has to be really blind if he/she does not notice it. Why was that mighty statue placed there, and at considerable expense? It was to recognize and honor a man who had done great service to the State of Texas, distinguishing himself as an eminent citizen of this great state. Those who have visited Washington, DC will have noticed the statues and other memorabilia of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and other national leaders. They have a place at the capital of this nation so that people can recognize and honor them for what they have done for the integrity and well-being of this great American nation. How could we ignore the special people, the Church has declared as "Saints", who have been specially favored by God's grace and who nurtured an on-going and deeply personal relationship with Him? They serve as an example, and also an inspiration to us in our struggles to be good and faithful stewards of the Lord. Can we, for example, just ignore the Blessed Virgin Mary who was chosen, among all women by God, to be His own Mother? The Saints, as God's specially favored Friends, have obtained numerous miracles and blessings through their intercession not only during their lifetime on earth but more so after their death. It is true that we all can go directly to God; we do not have to go through the saints. However, it's foolhardy to ignore them in our life as they are there to assist us when we choose to call on them and nurture a loving relationship with them. Moreover, we should never forget that they do want to help us. It is also important to realize that we never adore the saints, as some non-Catholics tend to accuse us. We honor and venerate them because the SAINTS are the true glory of

the Church. Their exemplary life, their discipleship of Christ, can be a source of tremendous inspiration to us, so much so, that the Church has interspersed their feast or commemoration throughout the liturgical year so that we can have easy recourse to them.

On this Thursday, October 4th, we commemorate the memory of St. Francis of Assisi, a thirteenth century man who distinguished himself by his most exemplary commitment to live the values of the Gospel of Christ Jesus in its strictest sense. He chose to give up entirely his rich heritage and very comfortable life, to be a penniless poor man begging for his livelihood. He thereby became a laughing stalk of the people of Assisi, but not for long. If ever you visit Assisi, you cannot but notice the aroma that this man of God has left behind him to this day after so many centuries. He is a continuing source of deep inspiration, not only for the Franciscans who profess to follow strictly the religious way of life he has outlined, but for everyone who chooses to know more about him. How about St. Therese of the Child Jesus, whose feast is celebrated on Monday, Oct. 1st? She died at a fairly young age with excruciating pain due to tuberculosis. What an insight she gives to the world, by her absolute love and child-like simplicity in her relationship with Jesus in the midst of her everyday ordinary life, coping, as she did, with untold pain and suffering!

In keeping with our holy Catholic Tradition, it's most appropriate for every one of us to nurture an on-going love and devotion to the Saints. It would be most appropriate, to choose a particular saint or saints whose life attracts you the most and then, to try to get to know them more deeply and make an effort to imitate their example of love of God and neighbor and seek their intercession. The key is, of course, to build up a personal relationship with them.

Saints of God inspire us to imitate your example of the love that you nurtured for God and neighbor.


Prayerfully,


Fr. K.K.

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