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From the Pastor’s Desk
This picture is part of a greater work entitled “Christ Glorified in the Court of Heaven” by Blessed Fra Angelico. The full original decorated the high altar of the Church of San Domenico in Fiesole, Italy (near Florence). Now parts of this work are in The National Gallery of London. Ever since I first saw the work, as a lover of the Saints and Blesseds of our Faith, it has been a favorite of mine.
On the Festival of All Saints the faithful profess and celebrate the Church’s belief in the communion of saints. This communion is made up of those who the Church solemnly proclaims to already worshipping God in the halls of heaven, the Church Triumphant. It includes the Church Militant – all of us here on earth as we strive to live a life of holiness. And, finally, there is the Church Penitent (or Suffering), the souls in Purgatory awaiting to satisfy the sins for which they have yet fully repented while alive on earth.
Today our celebrations focus on the Church Triumphant. Tomorrow, the Commemoration of All Souls, the Church will turn our focus to the Church Penitent as we pray for all who have died and Christ’s merciful judgement. These days are ones of hope that all will come to know the fullness of God’s glory in heaven.
Love,
Fr. Tom