During the Festival of Faith, be a part of majestic liturgical celebrations reflecting the traditions and splendor of the Catholic Church. Join us for one or all of the Masses and feel the vitality and energy of the Holy Spirit manifested in the people, music and prayers offered in worship. By registering for the liturgies, we will be better able to plan for your needs. Thursday, May 8th Celebration of the Eucharist, a Celebration of our Patroness, Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of the Church The Diocese of Orlando’s patroness Mary, the Mother of God Mary will be honored during a multi-cultural procession that will include prayer and music. After the procession, all will gather inside the shrine, which has been recently designated a national shrine, for a multi-lingual Mass and Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mass will represent the diversity of our diocese and serve as a sign of our unity as Catholics. You are invited to participate in this beloved devotion and Mass at the most fitting location, Mary, Queen of the Universe Shrine.
Friday, May 9th Youth Liturgy – Sorry, Capacity Full Evening Prayer and Conferral of Honors In order to commemorate the Diocese of Orlando’s 40th anniversary, a new Diocesan Medal has been established to recognize individuals for their outstanding examples of faith and stewardship. Additionally, other individuals who are outstanding examples of sacrifice, selflessness and spirituality will be recognized with prestigious Papal Awards. Come celebrate the honorees and join in our prayer of thanksgiving for the dedication of all of Christ’s faithful who labor in the Lord’s name through their unselfish service.
Saturday, May 10th Interfaith Prayer Service and Ecumenical Reception Important to our calling to serve the needs of all people of God in Central Florida is the need to effectively collaborate with other denominations and faiths. The Diocese of Orlando seeks to establish and support programs of ecumenical and interfaith outreach. This prayer service will unite various denominations and faith traditions for a special gathering. The theme of this event will be ‘A Pledge for Peace: A Personal and Collective Responsibility.’ A reception will follow with nationally recognized speaker, Hedley Abernethy, delivering a keynote address. Hedley Abernethy is the Peace building Education Advisor for Catholic Relief Services’ United States Operations. A large part of his work with CRS is developing ways for Catholics in the United States to engage in Peace in the Holy Land as well as working with youth on peace building from a global perspective. Before coming to the United States, he worked for the National Council of YMCAs in Ireland, helping to promote and develop community relations and peace building programs throughout Northern Ireland. He obtained his B.S. in youth work from the University of Ulster, focusing on the use of the labels Protestant and Catholic in the Northern Ireland conflict for his dissertation. He also earned a Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation from the Center for Justice and peace building at Eastern Mennonite University, Virginia. These two events will be a wonderful opportunity to gather as Christians to strengthen us as a people of God. With our efforts rooted in love and with true focus on our Lord and his love for us, the opportunity to form lasting bonds will be most rewarding.
Wedding Anniversary Mass “Christ the Lord raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a Sacrament” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1660). As a Catholic community, we celebrate the nuptial union that is intended to “perfect the couple’s love and strengthen their indissoluble unity” (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1641). If you’ve been married 1, 15, 50+ years or any other anniversary in between, you are invited to attend this Anniversary Mass celebrated by Bishop Thomas Wenski to honor married couples. This will be a chance for you and your loved one to renew those vows that meant so much on your wedding day and to receive a special blessing that will strengthen your marriage for years to come!
The Reception of Baptized Christians Into Full Communion of the Catholic Church In their own personal journey of faith, many who were baptized into other Christian traditions seek to be one within the Full Communion of the Roman Catholic Church. Having completed their preparation for life as Roman Catholics, these Christians will be Received as members of the Church, and then admitted to the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. As the Church of Orlando comes together on the Vigil of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, new and long-time Catholics from all 9 counties, yearn for the Holy Spirit’s coming. |
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