For most Americans, Labor Day is the symbolic end of summer. This year, Labor Day is to be observed on Monday, Sept. 1. The United States Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday back in 1894. It is a holiday in every state of the union. The first observance of Labor Day occurred at a parade of 10,000 workers on Sept. 5, 1882 in New York City. The event was organized by Peter J.
Earlier this month, Sacred Heart Medical Center at River Bend in Springfield opened its doors to patients. The new facility provides Lane County with a state-of-the-art hospital campus in service of its citizens. Many events marked these new beginnings for an institution which celebrated its 72nd birthday in early July.
Soon the national political conventions will be taking place and the nominees for president and vice-president will have an opportunity to win over the nation. The Democrats will be gathering in Denver from Aug. 25 through 28. The Republicans will meet in Minneapolis-St. Paul from Sept. 1 through 4. Much attention will be given to the candidates.
One of the real treasures in Portland is the beautiful Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, commonly known as The Grotto, which opened in 1924. It was the dream of a Servite priest, Father Ambrose Mayer, who had promised God that, if his mother recovered from serious illness following the birth of a young daughter, he would do something great for the church when he grew up.
As a member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I usually am a member or a consultant on some of our conference committees. This past year we downsized our operation considerably and bishops are encouraged to belong to no more than two committees. Presently I serve as Chairman of the Committee on National Collections and a Consultant on the Committee for Divine Worship.
At heart we Catholics are a sacramental people. The whole liturgical life of the church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. These sacraments have both a visible and invisible reality. The visible reality is the way in which they are administered and received.
The jubilee year to the apostle Paul began at a Vespers service in Rome this past June 28, the vigil of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. It was one year ago that Pope Benedict XVI announced this special jubilee year. Historians have placed the birth of St. Paul somewhere between the years 7 and 10 AD. Hence the jubilee year marks the bi-millennium of St. Paul’s birth.
Last week we celebrated the 232nd anniversary of our nation’s freedom. It’s a privilege all faithful citizens treasure. But when it comes to religious practice, nowadays some folks are wondering how free we are or will be or should be several years from now. Religious freedom is clearly under siege in many quarters.
Next week our neighbors to the north in the Archdiocese of Seattle will be hosting a grand celebration. Archbishop Alexander Brunett will be marking the 50th anniversary of his priesthood ordination which took place in Rome back on July 13, 1958.
