By Fr Nicholas Pearce
I have always been so encouraged by how regularly people pop in 'for a visit' to the Church on their way to the shops, or when they were passing by, not to mention how many of you were so regular at daily Mass (even on those early cold mornings). It is no surprise to me then that during this time of social distancing, many have mentioned to me the pain of not being able to visit our Church.
While we all recognise the importance of these measures, the inability to visit the Blessed Sacrament is deeply felt by many of you. I too feel your absence when I visit the Church, as I do many times a day on your behalf. With the doors closed and the lights and heaters off, our Church feels so empty and cold and is a constant reminder of separation that you are feeling from the Blessed Sacrament at this time.
While nothing will replace the ability to return to our Church, during the Easter Season, we are offering Parishioners the opportunity to light a 7-day candle, which will be placed before the Tabernacle in our Church on your behalf. Since the earliest days, Christians have lit candles as a sign of their devotion and their desire to remain in the presence of the Lord long after they have left the Church. The flickering flame and the simple warmth is a reminder to us that Jesus “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have light and life”.
May, this simple act of devotion, be a small consolation to you, that although you may not be able to be physically present, your particular prayers and intentions are being remembered each day before the Tabernacle. May these candles be a reminder to me also, as I see them each day, to pray for your intentions, and that although our Church may be closed, that you the faithful people Mount Waverley are continuing to pray at home, for your own needs, and for the needs of the world at this time. On a practical (and important) note, your donations will also assist with the ongoing pastoral work of the Parish during this time.
So I encourage you and families to leave your light before the Lord this Easter Season.