#PrayAcrossAmerica: Washington DC

After having couple of my FB posts disappear from my feed yesterday, all about our visit to the UC National Shrine of the Holy Family (a shrine belonging to an eastern rite east of Poland that has been much in the news of late), let me go with abbreviations: UCNSHF for the Shrine, and U_ne for the country.

Unless you are looking for it, many people don’t know about this beautiful house of worship that is two doors north (past the retreat house) from the Saint JPII Shine on Harewood. The cornerstone was blessed in 1979 by St. John Paul II; their pastor, Rev. Theodore Danuslar, was one of three clergy to lead the funeral procession of President Kennedy in 1963. And this week the dean of theology and religious studies at the Catholic University of America, Fr. Mark Morozowich, S.E.O.D., presided at Mass on what turned out to be the Feast of the Restoration of the Icons, from the Second Council of Nicea.

Expressing gratitude for the number of Roman Catholic visitors assisting that day, Fr. Mark expanded on the first reading, from Hebrews 11 about the souls “of whom the world is not worthy” persevering through untold suffering in order to join that great cloud of witnesses in heaven. Suffering is assured, but if we persevere in faith, we shall image the glory of God. Then he invited us to join the peaceful gathering in front of the White House that afternoon at 2:00.

It was my first time attending a demonstration in Washington — it was held at Lafayette Square, which is on the north side of the White House and the closest side to the street. Hundreds of people draped in blue and yellow flags, chanting and singing. “Clear the Sky.” “Put Putin in Prison.” I decided to chant, an honorary U_ian for the day. He had been so upset, for so long, I was relieved to give him a chance to do something tangible to help.

But for me, I spent the time contemplating Fr. Mark’s sermon, and contrasting the beauty and richness of the liturgy we had attended that day. This was a people forged in suffering, who treasured their freedom to worship, who embodied the Memorare and were not afraid to implore her help.

Remember, O Most Gracious Virgin Mary

that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired by that confidence I fly to you, O Virgin of Virgins, My Mother. To you I come, before you I stand sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions but in your mercy hear and answer me.