St Francis of Assisi Roman catholic church
St. Francis of Assisi St. Francis of Assisi Roman ... - Sfahdnv.org
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Page 2 _ January 20, 2013<br />
A “Thank You” Note—from Monsignor Greg<br />
Dear Father John, Father Vic, Father Samuel, and the entire parish family <strong>of</strong> Saint <strong>Francis</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Assisi</strong> in<br />
Henderson, Nevada:<br />
I was very happy to be home on the weekend <strong>of</strong> the Epiphany to celebrate my Silver Jubilee <strong>of</strong><br />
Ordination to the Priesthood in my home Diocese <strong>of</strong> Las Vegas. And, to celebrate a Sunday Mass at<br />
Saint <strong>Francis</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Assisi</strong> parish whenever I am in Nevada is always a joy for me. But the blessings and<br />
surprises that you showered upon me this past Epiphany were beyond imagination: the beautiful chasuble<br />
and stole adorned with the <strong>Francis</strong>can Crest, the melodious string quintet accompanying your choir and<br />
schola cantorum, and the moving polyphonic rendition <strong>of</strong> Ecce Sacerdos Magnus!<br />
The lunch in the piazza that followed the Mass was equally splendid, and brought back many fond<br />
memories <strong>of</strong> the shared fellowship I had with you. Though words never do justice, and only the Holy<br />
Sacrifice <strong>of</strong> the Mass is fitting thanksgiving for the gift <strong>of</strong> the Priesthood, nevertheless, to all those<br />
parishioners (visible and invisible) who made this Epiphany 2013 a day that I will never forget, please<br />
accept this humble expression <strong>of</strong> gratitude.<br />
May I share with you some <strong>of</strong> the impressions and comments <strong>of</strong> my classmates who were<br />
concelebrating with me at that Epiphany Mass at Saint <strong>Francis</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Assisi</strong> parish: “This is truly a special,<br />
Spirit-filled place”; “This <strong>church</strong> has been blessed by God”; “The way the parishioners share their gifts<br />
and talents is something wonderful to behold”; “I already feel a part <strong>of</strong> this parish family”; “Can I stay<br />
here?”. I think that if there were a way for them to uproot Saint <strong>Francis</strong> and transplant it in their home<br />
dioceses, they would have tried. So I must say “Thank You” for being wonderful witnesses <strong>of</strong> Christ<br />
Jesus and His Love to all, as you have certainly been to me in my Priesthood. Epiphany reveals that all<br />
peoples have been invited to come to the Lord; continue to be that beacon <strong>of</strong> welcoming light and<br />
evangelizing love for all, dear family <strong>of</strong> Saint <strong>Francis</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Assisi</strong>.<br />
I have returned to Washington, D.C. with much joy in my heart (although a little tired after all the<br />
celebrations), but I look forward to my next visit west, when I hope to raise up again the chalice <strong>of</strong><br />
salvation, in thanksgiving, among you. You are always in my prayers.<br />
With a grateful and prayerful heart,<br />
Msgr. Gregory W. Gordon<br />
PS: My address after February 1, while I resume doctoral dissertation work at the Pontifical John Paul II<br />
Institute for <strong>St</strong>udies on Marriage and Family, will be:<br />
Msgr. Gregory W. Gordon<br />
<strong>Francis</strong>can Monastery<br />
1400 Quincy <strong>St</strong>reet, NE<br />
Washington, DC 20017
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