THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Her Doctrine and Morals

Dedication of the Patriarchal Basilica of Assisi

25 May 2025

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The Sunday

Sermon

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Dear Friends in Christ,

Today, we commemorate the Dedication of the Patriarchal Basilica of Assisi, a significant event in the history of our faith. After the passing of Saint Francis, his remains were reverently transported to Assisi and interred in the church of St. George. In accordance with St. Francis's wish to be laid to rest on the Hill of Hell, a site traditionally used for executions, Pope Gregory IX oversaw the construction of a magnificent church on this very spot, which he named the Hill of Paradise. This grand structure was completed in just two years, and on May 25, 1230, amidst a large gathering of pilgrims, the body of Saint Francis was ceremoniously transferred to the new church. Three papal legates were in attendance, representing the Pope. On May 25, 1253, Pope Innocent IV formally consecrated the building, and later, Pope Benedict XIV elevated it to the status of a Patriarchal Basilica.

The Mass for the dedication of a church reminds us of the aweing sacredness of the House of God. The Consecrated Churches are filled with the best we can materially obtain as an offering and recognition of the respect, honor, worship, adoration, and love we owe to Almighty God. In addition, the grandeur and glory of the Consecrated Churches are an inspiration to us. We are inspired by the faith of our forefathers in building and decorating the Churches -- often at significant sacrificial costs. The beauty, though it pales in comparison with Heaven, inspires us with thoughts of Heaven and its glory, filling us with a sense of hope and inspiration.

What truly sets these Churches apart is the Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist, enshrined in the Tabernacle and accorded the highest honor and glory we can bestow. Every Catholic instinctively genuflects before Jesus in the Tabernacle, a gesture of profound reverence. Every Catholic man uncovers his head, and every Catholic woman covers hers in the presence of God. The material splendor of the building and its furnishings inspire a hushed reverence, awe, and respect. This is indeed the House of God!

Traditionally, from the beginning of their novitiate, Franciscans are taught a short, simple prayer to say when entering and leaving the presence of God. Kneeling and profoundly bowing, we say: "Adorámus te, Sanctíssime Dómine Jesu Christe, hic et ad omnes ecclésias tuas quae sunt in toto mundo, et benedícimus tibi, quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemísti mundum." ("We adore You, Most Holy Lord Jesus Christ, here and in all Your churches throughout the world, and we bless You because by Your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.") This prayer is quite stirring to the soul when said privately upon our entrance or exit from the House of God. Still, it takes on an even greater and inspiring character when it is recited in common with the community at the beginning or end of a community function in God's House.

Catholic Churches with Jesus reserved in the Tabernacle are truly Heaven here on earth. These are openings into Heaven for us to peer through occasionally. The grandeur of the Consecrated Churches reminds us of the beauty and majesty of Heaven and the glory and power of God. However, even the humblest Catholic chapels with Our Lord reserved in the Tabernacle are just as moving. These display the humility, meekness, and love of God for us. We grasp a sense of the Humanity of Jesus and His approachableness. The fear and awe in the magnificent Consecrated Churches and being in the presence of the Majesty, Power, and Glory of God is mitigated in the humble chapels of the Catholic Church with meekness, mildness, and goodness as we contemplate the Humanity of Jesus. It is the same Jesus in both, but they are like His two Natures — His Divinity is emphasized in the grandness of some buildings and ceremonies. In contrast, His Humanity is emphasized in the humility, meekness, and mildness of other buildings and ceremonies dedicated to His worship, making us feel comforted and at ease in His presence.

In this great apostasy, we often do not have the opportunity to visit and experience it in various places. However, we may grasp the dual Natures of Jesus when we compare a Low Mass with a Sung Mass, or even a High Mass. We can never do enough to pay tribute, honor, and glory to God in Heaven, but our Consecrated Churches are examples of the best efforts of humanity to do so. Even if we cannot visit these places, we need not think we have missed something. Our humble altars and chapels and our humble Low Masses are likewise designed to give our best to God, even in a more modest manner. If we are unable or unworthy to approach the Divinity of Jesus Christ, He remains approachable to us in His Meek and Humble Humanity.

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary inspire, guide, and protect us!