With this first bulletin article after an August hiatus, I’d like to take the opportunity to congratulate the members of our Parish and the Catholic Academy of Stamford school community on the completion of our newly repaved parking lot. An unusually rainy July caused some delays, but happily the parking lot was ready for the first day of school. With the lot paved, we’ll begin shifting focus to the second project, the renovation of McDermott Hall, which we plan to undertake next summer, when school is on break.
I hope you agree that the new pavement has had a transformative effect on our campus. For many years, crumbling asphalt and potholes obscured the beauty of our buildings and grounds. But now we can see how blessed we are with what we have inherited from those who came before us. In my own reflections on this project, what comes to mind is something we read each year on the feast of St. Sylvester (12/31). It is the ancient historian Eusebius’ account of events in the city of Rome after the Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 A.D., ending state persecution of Christianity in the Empire. Eusebius describes the great joy of Christians in the city, who previously had worshiped in secret for fear of arrest, torture, and execution. Suddenly they could come out of hiding and worship the Lord freely and publicly. “Churches were once again rising from the ground high into the air, far surpassing in splendor and magnificence the ones that had previously been stormed and destroyed…. Without the slightest distraction, men and women of all ages united in prayer and thanksgiving, their minds and hearts full of joy as they gave glory to God the giver of all good gifts.” The new, magnificent buildings were visible signs of the magnificent faith of the Church that had been growing – even flourishing – as it lay hidden under the signs of persecution.
Now, to be clear, I am not saying that our old, messed up parking lot was an image of a persecuted Church. But I like to think that the renewed parking lot might be a visible sign of renewal in the hearts of the members of our parish, an image of a living faith in Christ Jesus, and charity among the faithful, that has been quietly growing over time. Believing this is so, it should fill us with joy and the desire to give glory to God, the giver of all good gifts. I am profoundly grateful for the physical improvements we have been able to make so far to our parish. But as we undertake further projects, we must always keep in mind the words of Jesus: “Seek first the Kingdom of the Lord and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well” (Mt 6:33).
Just a reminder that, next Sunday (9/13) after the 11:15 Mass, our parish will be hosting a joint celebration with the Catholic Academy of Stamford. There will be food and music and lots of fun for the whole family. Please come to the celebration.
posted 9/5/26
The Parish of St. Cecilia-St. Gabriel 