Dear Friends,
This Memorial Day weekend we will honor the memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice for their country and for the cause of peace and liberty. At the end of mass on Sunday, we will have a brief act of remembrance at the war memorial altar in the narthex of our church. On Monday, the live-webcast lunchtime mass will be a requiem for all who have lost their lives in war, and we shall also pray for our veterans. I notice also that historian and former Vestry member, Dr. Jon Meacham, will be preaching at the National Cathedral in Washington on Sunday as they commemorate Memorial Day.
On many memorials throughout the world, we find inscribed words known as the Kohima Epitaph:
“When you go home, tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today.”
Those words are found on a memorial in the capital city of Nagaland in North East India – which saw heavy fighting during the Second World War. The words are attributed to one of the First World War poets, John Maxwell Edmonds (1875-1958). The epitaph as used at memorial services throughout the world makes it a very personal act of remembrance. Those of us who have family or friends who have served in the armed forces, and especially during times of conflict, will pause on Monday to honor their memory.
Many of you have said that you are using the daily prayers we are emailing as a way of preparing for Pentecost. On that great feast day, the birthday of the Church, Dr. Filsell has a surprise for us all which I know many of you will appreciate. We also dedicate a new High Altar frontal and dossal that have been given to the church by Michael Huffington as a memorial gift. The old red frontal was beyond repair and falling apart so this is a beautiful addition to the sanctuary.
We continue our exploration of stillness and silence this week with an article written by Fr. Ryan Bennett. We very much hope that the PAUSE order will be lifted soon in New York City and already we are making plans to open our church doors to those who wish to pray; finding stillness and silence in our city will be as important in the future as it is now. You can also read about a quiet day on May 30 led by Sr. Promise. Rather than use the Zoom platform, the five addresses and the mass will be an audio-webcast. Many of you found Good Friday very moving and, in the same way, this will allow us to be still, not to be distracted, and to listen and reflect for a while.
My colleagues and I send you our prayers and good wishes. Please continue to send us your prayer requests – they are so moving and it is an important ministry that Saint Thomas can offer through these difficult days.
Affectionately,
Carl,
Your priest and pastor.
