You probably have noticed by now a new chalice and paten adorning the Altar at Mass. With previous bulletin articles I have been reflecting on the profound joy and grand scale of celebration around a priest’s ordination. There are many traditions and customs that have continued down the centuries. One in particular that I’m happy to share with you is the tradition of the priest’s chalice. It is tradition that the parents of the priest gift their son with his own chalice. My chalice, I was blessed to find online through an antique dealer of church goods based out of London. I chose this chalice for many reasons that I discovered as I read its history. For one, the silversmith of this chalice, as you’ll read, is a “Henry” de Lyon who passed away in 1894, and this, Fr. Henry Lyon was born in 1994. As only the Lord would have it, there is a connection with St. Andrew parish, because both my chalice was crafted and our parish was established in 1894.

It is an Antique Baroque Chalice and Paten, French 19th century, in solid silver. Chalice and Paten made by the French silversmith, Pierre-Henry Favier (1809-1894), who worked in Paris in the second part of the 19th century. The name Favier has a long and charged history, starting approximately 1824 and ending in 1976. The Favier silversmiths were famous manufacturers of ecclesiastical silver works such as chalices, ciboria, monstrances, patens, cruets and plates. Their work can be seen in many cathedral treasuries. At least 179 works are inventoried and protected today in the name of historical monuments in the Ariège department. Religious silversmithing was profoundly innovated by the Favier family by excerpting on medieval sources and later by joining movements of symbolism and Art Nouveau. All four brothers were born at Meximieux, a municipality, 37 km north-east of Lyon, Ain department, region Rhône-Alpes: Jean-Marie-François-Henri Favier (also named François) on 28 July 1800, André-Michel Favier on 29 September 1805, Pierre-Henry Favier on 11 July 1809 and Joseph Favier on 8 August 1811.

The Maison Favier in Lyon was established between 1824 and 1827 by two brothers François and André-Michel. Pierre-Henry, André and Joseph Favier (François died in 1827 in Lyon) were very close and worked together in Lyon from 1824 until Pierre-Henry moved to Paris in 1846, followed a few years later by Joseph (before 1851).
(http://www.ascasonline.org/articoloNOVEM188ING.html)

Around the calix are large raised oval images depicting the three virtues: Faith, Hope and Charity. Between these are the Eucharistic symbols of wheat, grapes and bulrushes. The knob is finished with Baroque style decorative work incorporating also Eucharistic symbols. The top part of the base has three raised images of Our Lady, Our Lord and St. Joseph with the child Jesus, interspersed with Eucharistic symbols. The edge of the base is in a decorative shape. Around the edge are three pairs of raised Cherub heads. Between these are instruments of the Passion: the crown of thorns, the nails, and the whips. The back of the Paten, which holds the host, has the engraving of IHS with cross, Sacred Heart and crown of thorns.

As priests, because we make the sacrifice of celibacy, dedicating our entire heart to the Lord, we never have to think about going to a jewelry store to pick out an engagement ring. Symbolically though, the priest's chalice in many ways is his gift to his bride, Holy Mother Church. It is the closest thing equivalent in the life of the priest to adorn his bride with a precious symbol of his undying love for her and the total dedication of his life to be faithful to her. It only makes sense then to go all out when looking for the perfect fit, because she's worth it.

Today’s gospel is troubling. Does Jesus really expect us to hate our families, friends and even ourselves in order to be his followers? The call to “Hate” our families, friends or ourselves is not to be taken literally, but is a call for us to break free from any habit or relationship that is holding us back from developing intimacy with God and serving Him in and through our neighbour. Attachments can cause all sorts of suffering in our lives, and moving on from what we find comfortable can be painful but that is how we grow. 

“Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”

We are all familiar with these words of Jesus and perhaps they stir up all types of feelings in us. There is no getting away from the fact that all of us at different times in our lives or perhaps throughout our entire lives have a cross to carry. Very few of us escape the reality of the cross. The cross is different for each of us and can take many forms, illness, broken relationships, estrangement from a loved one, financial difficulties, loneliness, sexual orientation addiction the list is endless. 

When I reflected on these words of Jesus I was reminded of recent events in my own life when I was asked to carry the cross of separation from family. When I received my appointment to the archdiocese I was given a short period of time before I was due to arrive in Chicago. My Mom was in failing health and I knew I could not tell her that I was leaving China for the States. She thought that I was going back to my home diocese. The day I said my goodbye to her I knew it was the last time I would see her alive and my heart was broken. Within the year my Mom passed and I was unable to go home for her funeral due to the restrictions of my visa. This was my cross which is different to the cross that you may be carrying today. But throughout this experience I learned that I was not alone Christ was with me in my pain and suffering. He was also with me in and through my friends who supported me. This has taught me that we can help each other to carry one another’s cross by being supportive by offering a listening ear, a kind word or a helping hand. This can make a huge difference in helping one another to carry our cross. Simon helped Jesus to carry his cross let us not be afraid to help each other so that our cross becomes lighter and bearable. 

What is the cost of discipleship? Our gospel emphasizes that we follow Jesus in word and deed. We are to bear our pain, struggles, sorrow, and failures, and walk the path to Calvary with hope and faith. To truly follow Jesus' path of self-sacrifice, we must be clear about our priorities and willingly give up some of our desires, comfort, and security every day and embrace our cross for the good of others.

Today, let us pray for the grace to carry our cross with hope and faith, wherever we find ourselves, trusting Jesus to help us on the path to salvation.

Parent Workshop

Join us September 25th at 8:15am in the school auditorium for a Parent workshop led by Pediatric Occupational Therapist, Erin Anderson. We will take a deep dive into understanding fine and gross motor milestones, explore the importance of early intervention, and gain tools to help your child with self-regulation. This session is free to the public for parents and caregivers with children ages 2-7. Register here

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