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Letter from Fr. Matthew
Greatness expressed through Humility and Hospitality
I always watch with keen interest and admiration the people who stream into the Cathedral Basilica every day. Many of these people are non-citizens and non-residents of the City of St. Augustine; they are tourists, visitors and guests to the city. All come here to see for themselves the oldest city: the Fort where “the Spanish flag was withdrawn under a salute” in the ceremony held more than 200 years ago to integrate Florida into the United States of America; America’s first Catholic parish, founded in 1565; the nation’s first Marian Shrine (The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche), where the site of the first Eucharistic celebration in the nation is located; the beaches; and much more. All who come here are always welcome, as Jesus welcomes the children in today’s Gospel. From the perspective of today’s Gospel, the attitude of hospitality makes our city great. The Cathedral Parish is also excellent in welcoming not just the little ones, but also people of all ages and from all walks of life.
The people I have met in the City of St. Augustine and the Cathedral Basilica are not only humble and welcoming, but also resourceful and service oriented. Service is one of the hallmarks of a great person, Church, city, nation, etc. The Awardees of the Papal Honors at this Sunday’s 5 p.m. Mass are all great people who have rendered tremendous services to the diocese in different capacities.
Father Matthew