June 14, 2020 The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Very Rev. Edward C. Hathaway, Rector Rev. A. Dufresne, Parochial Vicar Rev. Nicholas F. Blank, Parochial Vicar Rev. C. Morey, In Residence Rev. Mr. B. Townsend, Deacon Mr. John Meyerhofer, Seminarian

310 South Royal Street + Alexandria, VA 22314 + 703.836.4100 + www.stmaryoldtown.org + [email protected]

ALL MASSES ARE BEING LIVE STREAMED at www.stmaryoldtown.org HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS SUNDAY 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. MONDAY through FRIDAY 8 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. SATURDAY 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Vigil for Sunday) TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS 7:30 p.m., Third Friday of the month

FEDERAL HOLIDAYS and HOLY DAYS Check the website and bulletin

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE MONDAY through FRIDAY After 12:10 p.m. Mass WEDNESDAY 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. SATURDAY 9 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 5 p.m.

Rosary Monday through Friday before 8 a.m. Mass BASILICA HOURS Miraculous Medal Novena Monday 12 noon MONDAY through FRIDAY 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament SATURDAY 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday 12:45 to 8:30 p.m. SUNDAY 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Adoration with Holy Hour & Benediction Wednesday 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. First Friday Nocturnal Adoration OFFICE HOURS (313 Duke Street) Friday 9 p.m. until Saturday 7:30 a.m. MONDAY through FRIDAY 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Communal First Saturday Devotion First Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE — Check website

BAPTISMS THE BASILICA SCHOOL Sunday, 2:15 p.m. Please call the Parish Office to register in advance and obtain requirements for godparents, etc. OF MARY (Pre-K to 8th grade) MARRIAGES 400 Green Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 Contact Parish Priest a minimum of 6 months before possible Mr. Daniel Cinalli, Principal wedding date for marriage preparation. Couples living together 703.549.1646 will be asked to live separately during marriage preparation. www.smsva.org [email protected] CONSIDER GETTING INVOLVED IN OUR PARISH

ORSHIP Sunrise Retirement Fr. Nicholas frnicholas W Home @stmaryoldtown.org Adoration of the Maureen Breiner [email protected] 703.836.4100 Blessed Sacrament 12:30 -7:30 p.m. Wed. Woodbine Judy Klesius 703.836.1777 Rehabilitation Center Altar Servers Fr. David frdavid @stmaryoldtown.org 703.836.4100 EDUCATION & EVANGELIZATION

Lectors Chris Bahret [email protected] Adult Faith Hilary Munger hmunger Formation, CCD, @stmaryoldtown.org Luminaries of Holy Frank Spicer praydailyrosary RCIA 703.836.4100 x 3033 Mary Fatima @gmail.com Date Night at the Erica Englefield datenightatthebasilica Prayer Group Basilica and Ann Somerset @hotmail.com Mary Martha Guild Christine Kleiber MMG Eucharistic Apostles Harry and Lynne [email protected] @stmaryoldtown.org of Divine Mercy Dolton 703.960.0592 Nocturnal Adoration Helen Lynch helenlynch21 Legion of Mary Adria Tayrani [email protected] Society 9p.m.1st Friday to @gmail.com 571.310.4016 6 a.m. 1st Saturday Secular Franciscan Sadie Martins [email protected] Prayer Group Call Parish Office 703.836.4100 Order Rosary before 8 a.m. Mass on weekdays That Man Is You Wayne Cimons tmiystmaryoldtown @gmail.com Rosary Society William Beach wbeachkoc459 @gmail.com Walking with Purpose Barbara Dwyer stmaryswwp and Julie Guiffre @gmail.com Sacristans Steve Young asyoung001 @gmail.com F ELLOWSHIP Sanctuary Society Stephanie Giorlando [email protected] American Heritage Teresa McMorris [email protected] Girls Troop 0325 Schola Cantorum David Elliott delliott 10 a.m. Sunday Mass @stmaryoldtown.org Ancient Order Tim Donnelly tim.donnelly1 of Hibernians @gmail.com Ushers Randolph MacPherson macpherson @halloransage.com Boy Scout Troop 301 Dan Scheeler [email protected] S ERVICE Catholic Daughters Marguerite McAuliffe mcauliffe916 of the Americas @yahoo.com ALIVE! Alexandrians Tim Burns alive.saintmarys Court Kavanaugh #54 InVolved Ecumenically @gmail.com Cub Scout Pack 301 Patrick Lusch [email protected] Bereavement Kitty Guy [email protected] Committee 703.765.9478 CYO Sports Mary Fran Delaune [email protected] Receptions after funerals Girl Scouts Alice Goulet downeytwina @comcast.net Carpenter’s Shelter Ed Velarde evelarde @eaglebankcorp.com Junior Catholic Kathryn Doherty kathryndoherty Daughters @gmail.com Christ House Julie Howard juliehowardmom Girls grades 2-8 202.270.6008 @aol.com Knights of Columbus Steve Teslik basilicaofstmarysknights Project Becky Lilly and gabrielprojectstmary www.kofc459.org @gmail.com Pro-life pregnancy help Elizabeth Snodgrass @gmail.com Praying College Moms Luanne Griffin [email protected] Jail Ministry Chris Lewis [email protected] Alexandria City Jail Saint Mary’s Play Jennelle Hoffman saintmarystots Group @gmail.com Pro-Life Activities Melinda and Chuck stmotprolife Zakrzwski @gmail.com Anne & Joachim Barbara Juszczyk barbaraj.seniors Society Seniors 55+ @aol.com Senior Services Annie Hall ahall of Alexandria (SSA) (St. Mary Ambassador) @stmaryoldtown.org Youth & Young Adult Arragon Perrone aperrone Apostolates @stmaryoldtown.org Shut-In Visitation Call Parish Office 703.836.4100 703.836.4100 x 3024

Society of Saint Jim Larocco [email protected] To learn more about our parish Apostolates, Vincent de Paul please visit www.stmaryoldtown.org. The Basilica of Saint Mary + The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ + June 14, 2020 + Page Three

Oremus pro invicem “Let us pray for each other” Father Edward C. Hathaway, Rector

JOYFULLY WELCOMING THOSE CALLED BY CHRIST I have called you by name, you are mine. – 43:1 Basilica of Saint Mary STAFF 703.836.4100 One of the greatest joys of being a pastor is welcoming people who are called by Christ to His Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion and Sheena Byrne, Receptionist Confirmation. This summer we will celebrate those pivotal events in the spiritual lives of x 3015 / [email protected] 138 children and adults. —— David Elliott, Director of Music Congratulations to Our First Holy Communion Children x 3019 / [email protected] Final preparations are underway for 119 children to receive their First Holy Communion —— here at the Basilica. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on how many people can be present in Carmen Federle, Parish Liaison to Diocesan Office for the Protection the church, several Masses are planned so the children will receive the Holy Eucharist for of Children & Young People the first time at Masses on June 15, 17, 18 and 27, and August 29. A few other children x 3022 / [email protected] are receiving First Holy Communion privately here or at other parishes. Their names can —— be found on page 5. Congratulations and thank you to their families, teachers and others John Harchick, Director of Facilities who have been helping prepare them for this beautiful Sacrament of Initiation. Please x 3021 / [email protected] pray that Our Lord will bless and guide these precious young Catholics as they continue —— their life-long faith journey. Clare Kearns, Family Summer Program Intern x 3030 / [email protected] —— Welcoming Adults into the Church in the Midst of a Pandemic Emily Liutkus, Bookkeeper This past year, as we do every year, we hosted a Rite of Christian x 3010 / [email protected] Initiation of Adults (RCIA) class for adults interested in learning —— about the . Beginning in September, the group met in Diane Maple, Bulletin Editor the Lyceum for weekly classes led by our priests and seminarians. x 3032 / [email protected] During those class sessions, they were introduced to Salvation History, —— Scripture, the Sacraments and Catholic Prayer. Anne Mathis, Director of Advancement & Special Projects x 3037 / [email protected] Individuals seeking to join the Church were formally welcomed as catechumens through —— the Rite of Acceptance on January 5 here at the Basilica, followed by the Rite of Sending Hilary Munger, Director and the Rite of Election on March 1 at the Cathedral of Saint . Now called of Religious Education the Elect, those preparing for Baptism began the period of enlightenment and purification x 3033 / [email protected] that includes a stronger emphasis on the spiritual and mystical life. —–– Elena Otero-Bigg, Assistant to the Rector Then, like so much in the past few months, the RCIA journey was complicated by the x 3018 / [email protected] pandemic. We could not administer the public rites and scrutinies that are a part of the —–– normal RCIA process. Bishop Burbidge dispensed those events for the Elect throughout Arragon Perrone, Director of Youth & Young Adult Apostolates the diocese and asked pastors to not hold the Rites of Initiation at the Easter Vigil on x 3024 / [email protected] April 11. That did not stop us! We conducted virtual classes via Zoom to continue pre- —–– paring our RCIA class to be welcomed when we could finally return to public Mass. That Naomi Roberts, Administrative Assistant will finally happen at a special Mass on Friday, June 19. Their names are on page 6. x 3027 —–– Our Lord has truly strengthened and guided them during these past, uncertain months. In Sara Schiedermayer, Assistant Director congratulating and welcoming them, we are encouraged to continue our own study, of Religious Education prayer and growth in the Catholic faith. x 3023 / [email protected] —— Alex Solsma, Director Congratulations to Four New Deacons of Communications & Evangelization Congratulations to the four men ordained as transitional deacons by Bishop Burbidge x 3009 / [email protected] yesterday, June 13: Jonathan Fioramonti, John Paul Heisler, Jonathan Smith (a Basilica —— of Saint Mary parishioner) and Joseph Townsend (assigned here at the Basilica for his Mariane Staron, Assistant Director, diaconate year). May God bless them abundantly! Deacon Smith will preach his first Youth & Young Adult Apostolates homily here at the Basilica at our 10 a.m. Mass today, June 14. Deacon Townsend will x 3030 / [email protected] preach his first homily at Saint in Annandale on June 14 and then preach at the —–– Basilica for first time the following weekend. Melanie Wallace, Receptionist x 3015 / [email protected] —— Corpus Christi Procession Trish Weiler, Director of Finance Everyone is invited to join us for our annual Corpus Christi Procession today, Sunday, x 3011 / [email protected] June 14. Following the 5 p.m. Mass, we will process (with social distancing) from the Basilica to our cemetery on South Royal Street and then back to the Basilica. The Basilica of Saint Mary + The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ + June 14, 2020 + Page Four

IN OUR PRAYERS

DAILY MASS INTENTIONS PRAY FOR CHILDREN RECENTLY BAPTISED All Basilica Masses are being live streamed. AT THE BASILICA Check our website at www.stmaryoldtown.org. Molly Elizabeth Beer, Ada Grace Buttram, Phillip Christian Cook, Oscar Henry Ferguson, Theodore Sunday, June 14 William Griffith, Ethan Hake, Liliana E. Hake, Penelope The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Hake, Courtney Caroline Hlywa, Theodora Savi Jones, 7 a.m. — Anna Patricia Marrichi Hanna Sook Kim, Anne Madeleine Lucas, Felix Julius 8:30 a.m. — Parishioners of Saint Mary Puleo, Dave Stalnaker, Patrick Towey, 10 a.m. — Sergio Micheli KM Brecken Ryan Young and Isla Ryan Young 11:30 a.m. — Rose Paoletti Hunt 1 p.m. — James Fuller PRAY FOR THE ILL, INCLUDING: 5 p.m. — Emil Zdablasz Anne , Dutch Anderson, Suzanne Aragona, Maria Campo, Mary Davis, John Dina, Sara Dina, Monday, June 15 Jean Edwards, Helen Flynn, Friedson, *6:30 a.m. — Special Intention: Terry and Margaret Byrne Matthew Graveson, Timothy Graveson, Michael Hahn, 8 a.m. — Special Intention: The Slattery Family Michael Henderson, Foltzy Huttman, Michele Jones, 12:10 p.m. — Rose Stelluto Gail McNally, Gerry Moore, Terry Nunan, Doris Parker, Thomas Parker, Jeffrey Petrino, Pam Rubin, Marge Rusnak, Tuesday, June 16 Olga Teer, Andrew Thielman and Stewart P. Walker III *6:30 a.m. — Special Intention: Tara Chandler 8 a.m. — Special Intention: Gavin Kelleher PRAY FOR THE DECEASED, INCLUDING: 12:10 p.m. — James Watkins George Anastasi, Father Frank Hull, Frederick Kroesen and Diane Stark Wednesday, June 17 *6:30 a.m. — Living & Deceased Members of the Byrne Family PRAY FOR THOSE SERVING 8 a.m. — Special Intention: Donald Zubawicz 12:10 p.m. — Frank Rusin IN HARM’S WAY, INCLUDING: Michael Andriani, Bryan Bergman, Timothy P. Blaine,

Fr. CH (LTJG) Jason C. Burchell, Casey Chandler,

Thursday, June 18 Peter Culbert, Alex Deerr, Nicholas David Fletcher, *6:30 a.m. — Robert H. DiNicola Kevin Gallagher, Mary Elizabeth Hawkes, Brayden Hill, 8 a.m. — Special Intention: Athena Lynch Jeremy Hill, Faith Emilee Holman, Jenna Kling, 12:10 p.m. — Annabelle J. Weggel Joseph A. Krzemien, Kaylyn E. Krzemien, Ryan Maple, Caitlin Callaghan Martins, Mark Martins, Nathan Martins, Friday, June 19 Sara McAlpin, Mitchell Mehaffey, Hannah Martins Miller, *6:30 a.m. — John W. Glavin Joshua Parker, Edward Joseph Parry III, Vincent P. Pensyl, 8 a.m. — Edward Stec Chris Quayle, David Alejandro Sandoval, Michael 12:10 p.m. — Special Intention: Gabe Rotolo Stabile Jr., Patricia Stabile, Patrick Tuccillo, Josh Villeneuve, Jim Wiltsie and Brian Wong Saturday, June 20 8:30 a.m. — Michael Kennedy 5 p.m. Vigil — Joseph Ho Yuen PRAY FOR OUR DIOCESAN PRIESTS June 14 — Rev. Charles C. Smith

June 15 — Rev. Terry W. Specht (Ret.) *There is currently no public Mass in the Basilica June 16 — Rev. Daniel S. Spychala at 6:30 a.m. on weekdays. Intentions for these Masses June 17 — Rev. Terrence R. Staples are included in a priest’s private Mass that day. June 18 — Rev. Stefan P. Starzynski June 19 — Very Rev. Michael G. Taylor, VF June 20 — Rev. Lawrence B. Terrien, SS HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR JUNE PRAY FOR VOCATIONS Jesus has given us His Body to eat and His Blood to drink The Way of the Heart We pray so as to nourish us on our journey toward Heaven. that all those who suffer All are called in Christ, but some are chosen to nourish may find their way in life, with His body as priests and in the consecrated life. allowing themselves to Could you be among them? be touched by the Call Father Michael Isenberg at 703.841.2514 Heart of Jesus. or write: [email protected]. The Basilica of Saint Mary + The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ + June 14, 2020 + Page Five

The Basilica of Saint Mary FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASS OF 2020 Congratulations to the children of our parish who are receiving their First Holy Communion this summer. We rejoice and thank our God they will now join us at His Eucharistic table!

Alexa Rosemarie Ampela Catherine Rosemarie Petz Elizabeth Clare Miller Matilda Johanna Teresa Barloon Charlotte Cate Robinson Grace Julia Morgan Patrick Charles Ford Burstein Lucia Caroline Schlapp Luke Preston Newsome Kaitlyn Marie Capili Gabriel Robert Simpson Brooklyn Marie Redmond Ethan Thomas Carey Evangeline Rosemarie Border Cade Christian Redmond Gillian Faye Gochoel Michael Curtis Byron Patricio David Reyes Diaz-Munoz Josean Felix Guadalupe-Canales Elizabeth Claire Cahill Reid Gloria Sorensen Donovan James Heaton Quinn Lauren Cuevas Seth Seohun Boquiren Ventura Nathan Viet Ho Gabriel James Alexander Daniels Brooke Kathleen Weiss Rowan John Hoover Joseph Tyrone Hoffman Cecelia Emmaline Baker Robert Patrick Kelly III Peter Harrington McCall Abigail Elizabeth Biegel Tallon William Lenihan Donald Francis McGahn III Colleen James Breslin Connor Culvahouse Mills Reece Ryan McGinley Alicia Cristina Burgos Thomas Robert Rygiel Evan Khoi Murphy Gregory Tino DiBella Natalie Margaret Welsch Angelina Mihalow Sheikh Austin Michael Discher Henry James Wiltraut Angela Victoria Alexander Finley Marie Fisher Logan Andrew Wynn Andrew C. Beelaert Caleb Nicholas Foerst Luciano Gabriele Boglione Cavan Mclure Duffy Estella Noelle Gannon Isobel Kate Ciovacco Milly Hatton Haralson Scarlett Amelia Gannon Brett Alexander Conjura Charlotte Grace Moffatt Everett Fulton Hayes Anthony Joseph Kearney Grant Eric Parra Thaddeus Alexander Lawhon Zachary Michael Kearney Carter Thor Reese Jane Ellen Liptak Abigail Mae Kolich Owen Cooper Reynolds Madeleine Ann McCool Cristiano Eduardo Martinez Thomas Yuyan Sams Felicity Frances Pickard Lyla Ann Mitchell Julia Elizabeth Snodgrass Charlotte Quinn Roehl Jameson William Ozmen Albert Fitch Whitley Sinclair Amelia Kate Maeve Tierney Ozmen Connor Ryan Young Hadley Reese Turnbull James Augustus Baker Alexandra Josephine Burke Emily Claire Walsh Joshua Xavier Balducci Avery Elizabeth Cedoz Andrew Earl Wiggers Nathan Donald Cesaretti Gabrielle Rose Sachie Violet Marie Allen Margaret Virginia Driscoll Kawehikuokalani Cooper Jack Aidan Carns Connor Grayson Evans Caitlin Lucille Dean Matthew Zmijewski Demers William Harrison Marino Norah Josephine Dominski Isabella Calla Doss Conor Gene McCarthy Sean Christian Elliot Parker James Eubanks Clifton Bryce McFarland IV Gabriella Marie Englefield Claudia Marie Hollas Carter Paul Newman Maria-Sophia Enriquez Kylan Patrick Lusch Natalie Grace Newman William Ameha Selassie Fontaine Brady David Swanson Leila Catherine Patrick Maggie Grace Hubbard Isabella Maria Tavolacci Vanderbilt John Peeples Gavin Eric Korenyi-Both Henry Lawrence Herbert Vasell Dylan Kathryn Lilly

FATIMA PRAYER GROUP TO RESUME MEETINGS Would you like to join other parishioners to prayerfully ponder the message of Fatima and grow closer to our Lord through a devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary? Consider joining the Lumi- naries of Holy Mary, a prayer group striving to learn, live and spread the Heaven-sent peace plan for our families and the world. We meet the third Saturday of every month. The next meeting is on Saturday, June 20. The group attends the 8:30 a.m. Mass, prays a Rosary in the church after Mass and then meets in the Lyceum’s Room around 9:30 a.m. All are welcome! For more information, contact Frank Spice at 571.334.5925 or [email protected]. The Basilica of Saint Mary + The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ + June 14, 2020 + Page Six

WORSHIP & ONGOING FAITH FORMATION

A FAREWELL FROM FATHER KEVIN After four years in residence with us here at the Basilica of Saint Mary, Father Kevin Barnekow is now pursuing the next step in his journey toward Bishop Issues Pastoral Letter on Coronavirus a doctorate in clinical psychology. In a June 10 pastoral letter, Bishop Michael Burbidge addressed Fundamental Lessons from the 2020 Coronavirus, The last four years have been the best writing “As our nation works its way through the 2020 of my life. Many of you know that I am coronavirus pandemic, during which our lives were turned training for a doctorate in clinical psy- upside down and we lived in a way radically different from chology. It is a demanding program and that to which we were accustomed as a community of faith, I am so thankful for the home that the we should take a moment to pause and think about all that has Basilica has been for me. How refresh- occurred, what we have learned and what we should do now.” ing it was to celebrate the sacraments Find the complete letter at with you and to have experienced your kindness and https://www.catholicherald.com/Faith/Bishop_Burbidge/ generosity! I think that I heard more confessions in Fundamental_Lessons_from_the_2020_Coronavirus/ one year at the Basilica than I had in my entire five years prior in other assignments!

After a brief interlude in Wisconsin, I will begin training in a year-long internship at Saint Counseling in Denver. I’d like to thank the rector, Father Hatha- way, for his warmth and generosity. I know he is a wonderful father in Christ because I have experienced CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RCIA it myself. I am thankful for the other Saint Mary priests GRADS & ADULT CONFIRMANDI! as well. They are great examples of priestly service. I The following adults will be baptized, confirmed am thankful to parish staff and volunteers and to all of and receive First Holy Communion here at the you, the parishioners, who have made my time so Basilica of Saint Mary on June 19: Kelly Billy, special. I am a better priest because of you. Please Larry Frost, Lesa Hanlin, Nikolai Hood, Meghan pray for me. I will pray for you. May God bless you Meyer, Aaron Szabo and Nathan Williamson. and Mary keep you. — Father Kevin Baptized Christians who will make a Profession of Faith before they are confirmed and receive First Holy Communion: Nate Buttram, Tim Buzby, TRADITIONAL LATIN MASS Brandon Colter, Luke Fields, April Gavin, Amanda The Traditional Latin Mass on Friday, June 19, has been Gordon, Victoria Grady, Chase Johnson, Evan cancelled because the Basilica is being used that even- Maguire, David McCallum, Denise Meade, ing for a special Mass for our RCIA members to receive Stubbs, Sydney Thomas, George Wall, Mason the Sacraments they would have received at Easter. Our Watson and Steven Winberg. Two adults who were next Traditional Latin Mass will occur on Friday, July 17. baptized Catholic will be confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion: Anistar Griffith and Bryan McHale. Earlier, we held a private Mass for Liturgical Calendar This Week Jacob Green as he was deploying before we could have public Masses. We also welcomed Daniela June 14 – The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Kostyaneva in a private Mass before being married Christi). Commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist. in the Catholic Church here at the Basilica. This feast originated in France in the mid-13th century and was extended to the entire Church by Urban IV in 1264. Adults (18 and older) who have received the June 19 – The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The devotion to Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and First the Sacred Heart is one of the most widely practiced and well Holy Communion but have never received the known Catholic devotions, taking Jesus Christ's physical heart Sacrament of Confirmation participate in our Adult as the representation of His divine love for humanity. Confirmation Program. In May and June, five adults June 20 – The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Mary. Celebrates Our Lady’s interior life, her joys and were confirmed here at the Basilica of Saint Mary: sorrows, virtues and hidden perfections, and above all, her love Mary (Shei) Reyes, Brett Quick, Jacqueline Mattos, for God the Father, her maternal love for her son Jesus and her Tara Egrestis and Joshua Bennett. compassionate love for all people. The Basilica of Saint Mary + The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ + June 14, 2020 + Page Seven

FAMILY, CHILDREN & YOUTH

ACADEMIC YEAR CONCLUDES FOR BASILICA SCHOOL OF SAINT MARY The Basilica of Saint Mary hosted an end-of-the-academic-year Mass for the Basilica School of Saint Mary on June 9, celebrated by our rector, Father Edward Hathaway.

“You did so well despite this being such a strange second half of the school year with the pandemic going on,” said Father Hathaway during his homily. “Everyone seemed to rise to the occasion.”

“It has been a wonderful year and I feel truly blessed to be part of this community,” said Principal Daniel Cinalli. “The work that you all have done to continue your education at a distance has been truly inspiring.”

Sixth-grader Mary Kate Costello and seventh-grader Sean Burke were lectors for the Mass. Diocese of Arlington Seminarians Deacon Joe Townsend and John Meyerhofer assisted as altar servers. The Basilica of Saint Mary + The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ + June 14, 2020 + Page Eight

AROUND OUR PARISH & BEYOND Meet Our New Seminarians Two Arlington Diocese seminarians have been assigned to the Basilica of Saint Mary for the summer.

Deacon Joe Townsend was ordained a transitional deacon on June 13. His home parish is Saint Mary of the in Fredericksburg. He has been studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. After graduating college in 2011, he worked at GEICO Auto Insurance before entering seminary. He says two factors affected his decision to apply for seminary. “The first was the development of my prayer life, which was brought about through spiritual direction and a commitment to daily prayer. The second factor in my decision was the example of several priests I have been blessed to know over the past 15 years. Their selfless and joyful example inspired me to serve Our Lord and His Church in a similar way.” Deacon Joe enjoys basketball or any sports, hiking, reading, drinking coffee, watching movies and spending time with his family. His favorite saint is Saint Joseph “since he has such a unique vocation story and also serves as a wonderful example of what it means to be a man.” He also has a special devotion to Saint John Paul II.

John Meyerhofer just completed his first year of Pre-Theology studies at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia and is from Our Lady of Hope Parish in Potomac Falls. Before entering the seminary, he was a Ph.D. student and graduate assistant at the University of Akron. In discerning a call to the priesthood, he says “I felt a consistent desire for something more, and when I worked with priests or served Mass my heart would stir a little more. I am inspired by the example of so many young priests I know to give my life wholly and unreservedly to helping others.” His advice for young men thinking about a vocation to the priesthood: “Take a small step and see where it leads you. You'll never reach a satisfying decision by doing nothing.” John enjoys reading, especially science fiction or mystery books. He also loves being outside in nature. His favorite saint is Saint Therese of Lisieux, saying “Her simplicity and forthrightness in her writings speak to me in a special way.” Keep these men, and all seminarians, in your prayers.

A periodic look at the history of our parish as we celebrate the 225th anniversary of the FROM THE ARCHIVES Basilica of Saint Mary this year. THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS STATUE June 19 is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. One of the most revered symbols in Catholicism, the Sacred Heart represents Christ’s love for mankind through His sacrifice on the cross for human sin. His suffering is portrayed in the Sacred Heart with a knife piercing it and a crown of thorns surrounding it.

The Basilica of Saint Mary is blessed with a wonderful statue of the “Sacred Heart Pleading,” located in the south transept of the church, to the right of the altar. At Christmas, a large stable and crèche have been erected in that niche for many decades. On Holy Thursday, the Blessed Sacrament is reserved there. All under the protection of the Sacred Heart.

Carved in 1893, this Italian Carrera marble masterwork was commissioned for the Diocese of Albany, NY, where it remained in the Church of Saint Mary until 2010. It follows the devotional form developed by Frances Margaret Taylor, an Anglican convert to the Catholic Church, known in religious life as Mother Magdalen of the Sacred Heart (1832-1900). Similar images of the Sacred Heart Pleading gained great popularity in Europe and the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centu- ries. Donated by a Saint Mary parishioner, the statue was restored and placed in our Basilica during 2010-2011 renovations. On July 1, 2011, it was dedicated by Father Daniel Hanley, then parochial vicar at Saint Mary, during the pastorate of Father Dennis Kleinmann (Pastor 2000-2015). — Adapted from the Questionnaire and Supporting Exhibits Concerning the Origin, History and Religious Activity of the Church of Saint Mary, submitted to Rome to obtain the title of Minor Basilica The Basilica of Saint Mary + The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ + June 14, 2020 + Page Nine AROUND OUR PARISH & BEYOND

WELCOME TO CLARE KEARNS Attention Class of 2020 Family Summer Program Intern The Associates of Saint John Bosco invites rising college freshmen to attend a FREE College Night at I am from Fairfax Station, VA, one of the following parishes: and am currently a rising jun- ior at Hillsdale College in Saint Mark - Vienna: July 9 Saint Mary - Alexandria: July 22 Michigan, majoring in Eng- Saint Mary - Fredericksburg: July 29 lish. I am working at the Ba- silica of Saint Mary this sum- Network with other Catholic students and receive re- mer as the Family Summer sources and support for keeping your Catholic faith Program Intern. In addition to when entering college this fall. Catholic student rep- helping plan and run the resentatives from George Mason, UVA, the Universi- events for the Family Summer Program, I am assisting ty of Mary Washington, William & Mary, Virginia Tech with WorkCamp and the Youth and Young Adult Apos- and other private and public schools will share their tolates’ social media. I have really enjoyed getting to experiences. The Nights begin at 7 p.m. Students are know the parish staff and co-leading the High School encouraged to wear their college t-shirt to the event! Girls’ Club Zoom meetings. I have also been really To register for one of these College Nights and for inspired by the energy and creativity of the parish as additional information, go to www.asjb.org. Registra- we work through the difficulties of this time! I am so tion is limited to 50 students per night. College Nights excited to be part of the parish community and I look will follow applicable Covid-19 guidelines. forward to meeting more of you this summer! WISHING KRISTIN WELL We are grateful to Kristin Smith who has been FORMED.ORG working in our front office as she moves on to new A FREE, comprehensive, online library of Catholic adventures. We wish her well and send her off with resources is available to Basilica of Saint Mary prayers and gratitude for her support and effort parishioners at https://stmaryoldtown.formed.org on behalf of the Basilica of Saint Mary.

Thank You, Basilica Parishioners, from Your Society of Saint Vincent de Paul

We are so grateful to all the Basilica parishioners whose generosity has enabled the volunteers at the Basilica’s Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVDP) to assist hundreds of Alexandria residents who are out of work because of the coronavirus and cannot pay their rent or utilities, or in many cases even buy food for their families. As local area food banks struggled with supply and distribution obstacles to meet un- precedented demand, SVDP volunteers stepped into the breach and began sending out and even deliver- ing grocery store gift cards to families in response to their calls for help. Over the past three months, SVDP spent more than $23,000 to purchase these food gift cards. The majority of calls to our hotline were from people who had no history with us, but no one was turned away. In addition, many of our volunteers personally deliv- ered bags of food and baby supplies to those who could not leave their homes to go shopping. There are so many stories of the elated expressions on the faces of mothers and children as SVDP volunteers brought them groceries and essential supplies. There were so many exclamations of “God Bless You,” which we warmly returned.

SVDP also spent $35,000 providing rent assistance during March, April and May. It was the Basilica’s Cinco de Mayo fundraising event for SVDP, hosted by Father Hathaway, that raised over $30,000 and helped make this level of rent as- sistance possible. We anticipate the months ahead will be even more challenging as we and other charities in Alexandria struggle to help with past due rents. For instance, the City’s Covid-19 Rent Relief Program became operational in late May and was immediately overwhelmed with 2,500 applications for rent assistance.

We move ahead ever mindful of our Vincentian prayer that “God will make us responsive to the Christian calling to seek and find the forgotten, the suffering or the deprived so that we may bring them His love.”

If you would like to assist us in this work, you may make a donation to Saint Vincent de Paul online through Faith Direct or by mailing a check to the parish office at 313 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.