'We Are Called To Be The Soul Of This Nation'
Father Alex Zenthoefer, pastor of Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Evansville, challenged those who attended the July 4 cluster Mass at Holy Spirit Church to live a witness of their faith for the good of our country.
“We are called to be the soul of this nation, which would otherwise get lost in political pursuits and economic strategies,” Father Zenthoefer said during his homily. “Our presence … a presence of joy and peace and hope … our presence reminds our fellow citizens and those who seek refuge here that the greatness of this nation lies in the fidelity of its people to the God who has filled us with such great gifts.”
Annunciation Parish and Holy Rosary Parish in Evansville celebrated the cluster Mass. Father Bernie Etienne, pastor of Holy Rosary, served as principal celebrant. Father Zentohoefer, Annunciation Associate Pastor Father Pascal Nduka and Holy Rosary Associate Pastor Father Ambrose Wanyonyi concelebrated. Deacon Jose Garrido and Deacon Jerry Pratt Jr. assisted.
“The United States has been a place of hope, a place of promise and a place of new opportunities,” Father Zenthoefer said. “We are abundantly blessed in this land by God and by those who have given their lives to defend it. And yet there are many who do not experience hope and promise and opportunity in our land. There are many who sleep under our spacious skies that feel only the burden of life and the pain of loneliness.”
He called on those in attendance and the faithful across our diocese and our nation to be witnesses to God’s love and mercy through our lives and our service to others.
“This is not a day for us to celebrate the fact that we can do whatever we want,” he said. “This is a day for us to celebrate that God has chosen us as his people. This nation needs us; it needs us to live well, and to be faithful to the people that God has called us to be. Today, let’s celebrate especially our freedom from sin, and our freedom to love and worship God, and to give ourselves for the sake of our brothers and sisters.”
The Mass included a collection that will be provided to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for its efforts in Evansville and across the diocese.
