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Get ready for the BasilicaFEST next Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Click on the orange title for the complete write-up!

The Church at Pentecost is an astounding community born from God. It has received a new message from Heaven brought to earth, the Resurrection of Christ. It uses a new language proclaimed... the language of LOVE. The message we are to bring is that God’s arms are always open and His patience is always abundant – waiting for us – to heal us, forgive us, to love us (Pope Francis, 2014). The Risen Jesus bestowed His very Spirit on us, His Church, for this very Mission – to bring Him into the World. Let us pray today and everyday -- Come Holy Spirit . . . The Spirit comes gently and makes Himself known by His fragrance. He is not felt as a burden, for He is light, very light. Rays of light and knowledge stream before Him as He approaches. The Spirit comes with tenderness of a true friend and protector to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen, to console. The Spirit comes to enlighten the mind first of the one who receives Him, and then, through Him, the minds of others as well. - St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313-386) May the Graces of the Holy Spirit be upon you, Fr. John click on title for continued reflection

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Please consider this invitation from your Basilica Parish family to become a minister “At the Table of Our Lord.” Serving in this special way has a profound impact on our Mission to bring Christ to others – Consider becoming an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister. As a Eucharistic Minister, you can help the priest and deacon bring Our Lord to your fellow parishioners during the Mass. Or, you can also be trained to bring Our Lord to those who are homebound, in the hospital, in senior care facilities, in places of rehabilitation and during support visits. If interested, please contact the parish office or me or Fr. Peter for more information. If you have already done so, please join us for Training and Practice for becoming an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister at one of the times below: Thursday, June 8th 5:00 to 6:00 pm at St. John the Evangelist Church OR Thursday, June 8th 6:30 to 7:30 pm at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels If you are still discerning or considering this Call from the Lord please do so using prayer such as the following one to help in your decision making: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity to explore Your call to me to serve you and your people in this faith community as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. I know that I can never truly be worthy of such an exalted honor. But, help me know that you make us worthy by Your presence in us. Help me to determine if You truly want me to nourish Your people with the witness of my life as I consider serving You and them with Your Sacred Body. Grant Your strength and holiness to me as I pray on Your Holy Will in this invitation. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Blessings of the Risen Lord, Fr. John

Bethlehem, House of Bread, the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, the Home of the Living Bread ... click on the title for complete reflection...

Reflection for Feast of the Ascension of Jesus: May 21, 2023 Click on orange title above for complete reflection

For complete reflection, click on the orange title above. Happy Mother's Day!

Jesus is calling us, today, to a relationship and a unique sharing… an intimate experience of mutual love, sacrifice and companionship. Adoration and thanks be to Jesus! For complete reflection, click on orange title above.

The Knights of Columbus celebrated their 125th Anniversary with Mass presided by Fr. Peter Bassey and assisted by Deacon Charles Esposito, New York State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus. Before the final blessing, Fran Tripodi, Grand Knight, presented a check for $25,000 to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. A formal dinner followed in the Bradley Centennial Hall. Knights of Columbus Council #338 is looking to recruit more members. The council is having elections in June for the new slate of officers. We have programs coming up to include: Free-Throw Competition Coats for Kids Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest Food for Families Catholic Citizenship essay contest Family of the Year Global Wheelchair Mission Rosary Program Special Olympic resources Ultrasound Resources Pregnancy Center support And much more We are looking for support from the local parishes to help us make these programs successful and it starts with active members/recruitment. Contact: council338kofc@gmail.com 

“O Mary, give us a heart as beautiful, pure, and spotless as yours. A heart like yours, so full of love and humility. May we be able to receive Jesus as Bread of Life, to love Him as you loved Him, to serve Him under the mistreated face of the [vulnerable].  We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” -- St. Teresa of Calcutta      

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Listen to Jesus. Ask pardon for your sins and let yourself accept the free and unearned gift of your Salvation by Him. Do live a good life, but remember: we can never earn Salvation; that’s Jesus’ free gift. Accept it. Click on title for complete reflection.

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Acts of service to others truly brings Jesus’ Presence to people who may not otherwise encounter Christ or recognize Him. “Breaking and sharing the Bread” of Loving concern, service and Scripture manifests Jesus to others. Let’s do it! For complete reflection click on title.

Do This in Remembrance of Me: Part 8: Penitential Act After the priest’s greeting and people’s response at the beginning of the Mass, we next share in the Penitential Act. If you think that sounds like penance, don’t worry—it’s a good thing! During the entrance rite, we recall that we are in the presence of God. If we are truly sincere in realizing that God (who is all-holy) is in our midst, then we recognize the need for purification. We recognize that when we encounter God, we must draw near with a pure heart. So, we take a brief moment of silence to call to mind our sins and failings, and we ask the Lord to forgive and heal us. After our time of silence, the priest (or deacon) leads the community in praying [to the Lord for forgiveness and mercy—highlighted during this Divine Mercy Sunday]. Click on title for link to reflection.

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Let the Risen Lord enter your life. Welcome Him as a friend, with trust; He is life! If up until now, you have kept Him at a distance, step forward. He will receive you with open arms … If following Him seems difficult, don’t be afraid, trust Him, be confident that He is close to you. He is with you and He will give you the peace you are looking for and the strength to live as He would have you do.