The following is Fr. Dennis’ homily for the Feast of Sts. Anne & Joachim, given at the closing novena Mass at St. Anne Shrine in Fiskdale, MA, this past Monday. The Assumptionists have ministered at the shrine and parish since 1955.

I may not be the best person to talk about grandparents, since I knew none of my own grandparents. When I was born, both of my parents were over 40. What I heard growing up was that I was an afterthought (that was a nice way of saying that I was a mistake) and by that time my grandparents had all passed. I trust that they were interceding for me. 

But this shouldn’t disqualify me entirely. This is a celebration of grandparents and the elderly. And if you wait long enough, you can speak from personal experience about the elderly, if not grandparents. I’m 73 years old. By anyone’s fair measure, despite my stupid denials, that makes me elderly. Get over it, Dennis.

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The Assumptionists have teamed up with Prions en Église (the French version of Living with Christ) to create an e-pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. From August 12 to 16, it's Lourdes that comes to you!

Each day of the pilgrimage, discover the wonders of the shrine: the grotto, the spring, the candlelit procession; listen to the story of the apparitions, learn songs, and join the pilgrims on site, live, every day at 9:30am (EDT); 3:30pm (CEST) for the prayer of the rosary. Each day you will receive resources in your inbox to guide you in your virtual pilgrimage.

Attendance is completely free!

Get your free ticket by signing up here: https://www.prionseneglise.fr/e-pelerinage-lourdes?fbclid=IwAR22Cdc7MaI9A-DETBbD0BrH5xgUozDkbUF7aH5_KfeJHoKRr0lugPnUeaw

*pilgrimage materials are available in French only*

Homily P. Benoit Grière, Superior General of Assumptionists, July 10, 2021, Year B, JPIC Session, Paris

AT THE THE CLOSING OF THE ASSUMPTION FAMILY SESSION ON MIGRATION, REFUGEES, DISPLACED PERSONS AND VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Our session on the theme of migration, refugees, displaced persons and victims of trafficking comes to an end today after a week of rich and fruitful work. The Eucharist that brings us together allows us to grow in communion among ourselves and with the world. To become the body of Christ, this is the intention of every Eucharist. To bring together the diverse members to make one body in the risen Christ. The Eucharist excludes no one because it is the sacrament of unity.

Today, perhaps more than ever, our world is marked by the question of migration and by the distress of displaced people. I heard on the radio a few days ago that the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees announced that there were more than 80 million people affected by this phenomenon and that this number had doubled in 10 years. The causes are multiple and unfortunately all too well known: war, hunger, persecution because of religious affiliation or political options, upheavals related to climate change. More and more our Earth is suffering and the world's inhabitants are exposed to distress and violence. It is time to act.

Our Christian faith, deeply rooted in the Old Testament, urges us to defend those who have left their homeland without having any other concern than to support and welcome them. Already the book of Leviticus says forcefully: "When an immigrant resides with you in your country, you shall not exploit him. The immigrant who resides with you shall be among you as a native Israelite, and you shall love him as yourself, for you yourselves were immigrants in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God." (Lev 19:33-34). Our human condition impels us to solidarity with all. We cannot exclude a part of humanity in order to keep our peace and to enjoy our happiness selfishly. Christ is the one who gave himself for all without exception.

Saint Augustine reminds us that we are all pilgrims because our homeland is the Kingdom of God. We are in a way migrants in search of the true homeland and our life is this journey that leads us to God.