In 2002 Pope John Paul II introduced the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary and he included the wedding Feast of Cana as the second Luminous Mystery. The Pope felt there was a need to highlight the public ministry of Jesus and those times when Jesus was clearly revealed as the Son of God. They are called the "mysteries of light" because they shed light on who Jesus Christ really is and, just like the servers in today's Gospel, we are called by Mary to "listen to Him".

The first of the Luminous Mysteries is the Baptism of the Lord that we celebrated last weekend. Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of the God Himself. The third Mystery is the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God by Jesus under His own authority. The fourth Mystery is the Transfiguration of Our Lord where we see the glory of God shinning forth from the face of Jesus and we hear a voice from the heavens say, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” (Luke 9:35). The final Luminous Mystery is the Institution of the Eucharist where the the permanence and fidelity of God's love for us is revealed. Christ offers his body and blood under the signs of bread and wine and ask us to, “do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19).

So, what is the meaning of the Luminous Mysteries for us today? The central message is clear. Jesus is truly the Son of God and we should “listen to Him.” How do we listen to Him? Well, it can be as simple as obeying His greatest commandment to “love God and to love your neighbour as yourself” or it can be through a special effort to hear His voice when we are reading scripture or at prayer. Finally, when we come to Mass on Sunday to receive the Eucharist, we are doing His will and remembering all that He has done for us.

Stay safe and healthy this weekend and join us for Mass if you can. Please check out the Worship section below for Mass times and public health requirements as we continue to be attentive to our neighbour’s safety. 

God bless you folks, Father Gerard

PS: Check out the upcoming Faith Formation talks on Death and Dying listed below.

All Weekend and Weekday Masses from St. Leonard's will be Livestreamed at the time that they are scheduled to our YouTube Channel. To visit this site click here. The 4:30 pm Saturday Mass will be recorded and made available on Saturday evening here.

“Horizons of Hope: A Toolkit for Catholic Parishes on Palliative Care"

Starting Tuesday, January 25, St. Leonard will offer 4 talks based on the Canadian Catholic Bishop's Program on Palliative Care. These talks will be offered online from 7-8 pm. Please email judayawood4@gmail.com for registration or more information.

Section 1 is designed to help participants understand the experience of dying and death. 

Section 2 is focused on discernment and decision-making when faced with serious illness and dying. 

Section 3 will explore how we are called to accompany loved ones who are ill and dying and the importance of ensuring that the caregiver is also accompanied and receives support and respite when needed.

Section 4 focuses on the community’s vital role in supporting ill and dying patients and their caregivers. It identifies accompaniment and advocacy as crucial responsibilities of community members.

Catholicism 101 Mini-Course

Click below and for 20 consecutive days 

starting Jan 17th you will receive a short inspirational email and video on the main elements of our Catholic faith that will give you a deeper understanding of the truth that we have come to believe.

Please remember your local parish during these extraordinary circumstances. If you are able to provide financial support to St. Leonard's, please consider making a donation online or by Interac e-transfer. You can also mail your envelope to the Church at the following address: Stt. Leonard Parish, 5332 Long Island Road, Manotick, ON, K4M 1E8.