Experiencing the extreme cold in recent weeks made me reflect on just how blessed my husband and I are to have a warm home to go to at day’s end. There are so many people who don’t have a safe place to sleep at night, or know where their next meal will come from. I think that is why I was so struck by our celebrations at church this past Epiphany.
After weekend Masses at The Basilica, people were offered home blessing kits as they left Church. Enclosed in the kit was this prayer:
“Lord God of heaven and earth, You revealed Your only begotten Son to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it.
Fill us with the light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect Your love. We ask this though Christ, our Lord.”
There are so many ways to describe our personal homes. They are places of warmth, comfort and safety… places of refuge.
When I consider what The Basilica means to us, it is a home too – our spiritual home. People seek out the peace and solitude of Basilica on quiet weekdays. People come together for weekend worship at The Basilica to celebrate the gift of the Eucharist. They gather in joy for weddings, in sadness to mourn the loss of loved ones. They celebrate with family to baptize new babies. They support each other through our ministries. The comparisons between our personal homes and The Basilica as our spiritual home are many.
As a Catholic parish in the heart of Minneapolis, The Basilica of Saint Mary aspires to be a:
- Home of Spiritual Nourishment – We aspire to be a place where all may be touched by beauty, be nourished in their faith and be inspired by truth.
- Beacon of Hope – We commit to welcome everyone with respect and dignity and to provide help and care, especially to those most in need.
- Advocate for Change – We pledge to work toward justice, peace and equality for all and to promote the protection of all of creation.
I hope each of you consider The Basilica your spiritual home, and find it a place of joy, comfort and support on your spiritual journey.
The closing words of the Epiphany home blessing read:
“ May Christ Jesus dwell with us, keep us from all harm, and make us one in mind and heart,
now and forever. Amen.”
Terri Ashmore
Managing Director of Mission Advancement
The Basilica of Saint Mary
Executive Director of The Basilica Landmark