My dear family in Christ,

This past week saw the beginning of the deconsecration and demolition of the former Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Burlington.  I have to admit, this action, years in the planning, was a bit bittersweet.  While understanding the reasons for the parish decision to deconsecrate the site by taking the building down prior to selling the property there was a touch of sadness while touring the building the morning the workers began the work to take it down because I was ordained a priest in this building.  I believe that a number of my brother priests had similar feelings.  We laid down on that slate floor giving our lives to serve Christ, His Church and His holy people.

However, the taking down of the building also was an opportunity to remember that my faith, our faith is not in buildings, as important as they may be to us, our faith is in Jesus Christ.  We must remember that the graces poured out into the lives of the parishioners of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Parish, in both the original building which burned down in 1972, and the new building being taken down now, are not lost because the buildings are no longer there.  Those given new life in baptism, forgiven in reconciliation, anointed in confirmation, joined in matrimony, prayed for in death and nourished in the Most Holy Eucharist, do not lose the blessings because bricks and mortar are taken away from the site.  An even when the property is at some point redeveloped, the graces received remain and the love of God, which is beyond our understanding, will continue to be poured forth into our lives, in the churches that remain and in the many moments of our daily lives that we offer to God.

To lose a church to fire, demolition or in some other fashion will always be a sad occasion but let us remember that in our sadness Christ’s love is still present and sustaining.  His church is not made of wood, steel or stone, but is made up of the People of God reborn by water and the Spirit.  Perhaps in these sad moments it would be helpful for all of us to remember the apostolic church, they did not have mighty cathedrals or even small country churches, they had the Holy Spirit, the gospel, some bread, wine and a place to gather to be nourished in word and sacrament.  Remember, our faith is in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

God alone suffices!

+JMcD