The Parishes of Sts. Peter and Paul in Grindrod [where we have been holding an Eparchial Pilgrimage for the last couple of years] and Holy Trinity in Kamloops held “Missions” on the weekend of December 13-14 as part of their preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Father Andrzej Wasylinko, Parish Priest of Kamloops was also substituting at the time for Fr. Andriy Werbowy at Grindrod, and therefore facilitated the events in both parishes.
Bishop Michael was invited to lead the missions, especially as an extraordinary or visiting confessor and to preach a special pre-Christmas homily for the occasion at the Eucharistic Liturgy. Those who wanted, had the opportunity to make their “Christmas confession” prior to the Divine Liturgy as the congregations prayed a Rosary or sang hymns.
Being the weekend of the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers, Bishop Michael spoke of how the Lord set His plan of salvation if motion from the very beginning. From fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:15) through the Old Testament prophets (e.g. Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2) to the Angel mentioned in the infancy narratives (Luke 2:9ff), the Lord gave us messages and promises about the coming of the Christ. The Lord continues to give us direction and guidance in our personal spiritual journeys by means of the Scriptures, by our living the teachings of His Church and through our prayer and even an interior voice in our consciences and in our hearts. As the feast of the Nativity was approaching and would soon be followed by the conclusion of the Jubilee Year, Bishop Michael asked everyone to consider allowing the grace of our Lord to move us to rededicate ourselves to our uncompromised living of the Faith. By our lives we can bring great joy and hope into our families and to the people of the world that so desperately hunger for that which the Lord can give through us.
Both parishes offered fellowship meals afterward where everyone could enjoy wonderful food and just talk and share among brothers and sisters in Christ.
The parish in Kamloops even had an additional surprise! Good Saint Nicholas also visited the parish at the luncheon and offered gifts to the children (of all ages) that were gathered there.
