November 20, 2009 |
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‘One family’ reflects on jubilee year of blessingsPeople close to the diocese’s yearlong 25th anniversary recall a year of blessings and look forward to the next 25 years. 
LINDA REEVES | FC FILE Posted: 10.29.09 PALM BEACH GARDENS | Many blessings were gained and gifts received from the diocese’s jubilee celebration that ended with a grand finale Oct. 24 in downtown West Palm Beach, according to some of its many participants. “I think that through the various activities and especially through the concentration on the Eucharist and the Mass, we have received a lot of special blessings and graces,” said Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito. RELATEDBe sure to read Bishop Barbarito’s homily from the closing Mass HERE. During the yearlong celebration, themed “A Eucharistic People,” Catholics around the five-county diocese came together for both spiritual and festive events in recognition of the 25-year milestone, and to celebrate the diocesan community of eucharistic people. First there was an opening Mass Oct. 24, 2008, at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola. There was a benefit walk in downtown West Palm Beach showcasing the diocese’s youths helping youths. Then, there were Masses in host parishes in the Northern, Cathedral, Central and Southern deaneries. Devotionals took place from parish to parish focused on eucharistic adoration, giving the faithful an opportunity to share personal one-on-one time with Christ in the Eucharist. “I think we have had a very good year, and I think the different activities brought people together realizing we are a family which is centered on Christ, and the reason that we exist as a diocese is because we believe in Jesus Christ,” Bishop Barbarito explained when asked what he has witnessed through the testimonies of his flock. “He is the meaning and purpose of our life, and especially this year we have centered it all on the center of the life of the Church, which is the Eucharist. I think the year has helped us focus on our identity, and it has also shown that we have wonderful people in our diocese doing wonderful things.” Diocesan and parish events brought together people of various cultures and ethnic backgrounds and people of various ages in celebration, faith and love. “I think we are a great mixture of what a family is all about, said Bishop Barbarito. “I think this year has been very helpful in helping us celebrate who we are.” Bishop Barbarito’s secretary, Annette Russell, is happy about the anniversary, since she has been a part of the community and working in various positions for the diocese since its beginnings. “I am very happy for our diocese,” she said. “We have been through some extraordinary events over the past 25 years, but this is just a beautiful celebration of who we really are – a eucharistic family centered on the Eucharist. We are one. We are one family in Christ, truly.” Ana Daza-Jaller, who works in the Office of Permanent Deacon Formation, is also happy to be part of the diocese as it marks a quarter of a century. “It is a great time not only to witness, but to give testimony of our faith,” she said. There are several fruits harvested from the year that will be cherished for the next 25 years of the diocese and beyond. A photo directory of priests is produced, as well as a journal with parish photos and information. During the anniversary celebration, Bishop Barbarito wrote Florida Catholic columns emphasizing teaching on the Eucharist in keeping with the theme of the anniversary celebration. “I made those columns with a deeper reflection on the different aspects of the Eucharist,” he explained. “It was my hope that at the end of the year, I would be able to present the people of the diocese with some type of uniform pastoral letter.” As part of his concept, the bishop’s columns are compiled in a 16-page special anniversary issue titled “The Sacrament of Sacraments.” There is a newspaper format and a book version. Participants at the anniversary celebration received a copy of the newspaper special and Florida Catholic subscribers are receiving the gift through the mail. Bishop Barbarito is giving the bound book versions to priests and schools. “I am hoping that the columns will be a source not only for this year, but for the future,” he said. Kit Johansen, a coordinator in the diocesan Serving Children Office, is happy she had the opportunity to be part of the celebration. “Any time you are celebrating milestones, you are always recalling the events that have brought you to this point. The big thing I was really part of was the youth walk which was exciting. It was a fun event that we plan to continue for the future. It is nice that something that is started as part of the anniversary will continue on until perhaps the next 25 years.”
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