Spring 2009
Shepherd of Bagdad Visits New Hampshire
On Sunday, May 3rd, several Sisters and Brothers from Saint Benedict Center attended a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Jean Benjamin Sleiman,O.C.D. of Bagdad, Iraq who was visiting Thomas More College in Merrimack, NH, on his way to a meeting of bishops in Washington, D.C.
This gentle and soft spoken Lebanese native gave a beautiful homily about the Good Shepherd Who, unlike a hireling, watches over his flock even in the face of danger. Archbishop Sleiman reflects the image that Christ spoke of in this Gospel, as he stands by his flock which is endangered by fundamental Islam and devastated by the war.
In a press conference the Archbishop said that many Christians have fled Iraq and this emigration is now the greatest challenge that faces the Church. Officially, 5,000 Catholics are listed in the archdiocese, but he estimated that only half that number remains in Baghdad. Iraqi Christians have fled by the thousands to neighboring countries and northern Iraq. Although the situation in Iraq has improved recently, he pointed out, challenges for Catholics still remain. The Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary offered their prayerful support to this faithful shepherd.
Looking in the Gate of Heaven
Sister Brigid Mary added a beautiful touch to Saint Elizabeth’s convent chapel with her hand-carved sign over the entrance doors. She was helped by Bob Kranz, a sign maker by trade, who coached her in the rudiments of the chisel. This appropriate title welcomes all to a quiet place of prayer dedicated to Our Lady.
Twelve of the windows were also installed this spring. A symbol of Our Lady taken from the Litany of Loretto is depicted in each. Luke Austin made each frame by hand for both the upper stationary section and the small ventilation opening. Because they were custom each took hours of labor. They are mahogany which adds a rich elegance to the Tudor style.
Pews were also installed, almost completing the work, but not quite. The sacristy and three large windows over the altar are still in the works. Once these are complete this little piece of Heaven will finally be finished.