Growing intimacy with the Lord

On a bright sunny day, African Catholics living in Calgary flocked to the first African-organized Mass celebrated in Calgary. The Bishop presided with concelebrants representing the main African nations of South Sudan, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Nigeria living in Calgary. The celebration was a visual and auditory extravaganza, showcasing the enthusiasm and joy that African Catholics bring to their liturgical celebrations.

With such a diverse congregation, Bishop McGrattan wisely devoted part of his homily to the Diocesan Renewal. He said "the core of the Renewal is a growing personal intimacy with the Lord." How simply explained and easy to understand! How much scope for reflection, which I did for days afterwards.

The light went on for me after almost a year of posters, Zoom and in-person meetings and the indefatigable efforts of the Pastoral Centre to keep me informed and active. Good thing I am retired and have a high pain threshold! The light revealed this.

I belong first to God, then to my family, then to my parish community, diocese and the universal church. I am not alone. I march with hope with others towards heaven." ~Cedric de Souza

I matter because God chose to create me as His child, in His image and likeness. Despite being a mere speck on the face of the earth, I matter because of this. How great is my inherent dignity!

I am called to be a disciple following in the footsteps of Jesus experiencing, in some measure, His joys and sufferings. As I grow in faith, my zeal inspires me to be missionary, first of all to my family. The overflow of my faith will make me a natural witness, cheerful, compassionate and welcoming.

I belong first to God, then to my family, then to my parish community, diocese and the universal church. I am not alone. I march with hope with others towards heaven.

The diocesan Pastoral Renewal compass provides a way in which we can plan and implement our actions to make the above concepts a reality in our parish.

First there is the area of Community, inspired by the Holy Spirit, because we do not simply pray and serve alone. When the sense of community permeates us, then we joyfully participate in Worship and the Word to enable constant grace to fill our “spiritual tank.”

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33) The outflow of our “tank” manifests itself in Service. We monitor the whole ongoing initiative and examine our accountability through regular Stewardship.

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Looked at it this way, every parish can be worshipful, versed in the Scripture, vibrant and an inviting and attractive place for all. Volunteers will be abundant because, full of faith, they will be yearning to serve. Unattainable ideal? I have read the lives of the saints and so many items of good, uplifting news in our universal church today, unfortunately not well publiciized. I can do it, we can do it.

We need to aim high. I never recollect going into an exam just to get a D!

Thank you Bishop McGrattan for that one sentence. 

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Written by Cedric de Souza. Cedric is husband of Greta, father of four and grandfather of seven, all the joy of his life. He was born and educated in Kenya, Uganda, India, Britain and now is a happily retired resident in Alberta. He and Greta are long time parishioners of St. Bonaventure's Parish in Calgary, where he has served in several volunteer positions. He is currently the chair of St. Bonaventure's Parish Renewal team.