Our Venerable Father Titus the Wonderworker.
Day 31 of the Great Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain these ingredients.
Sixth Hour – Isaiah 41:4-14; Presanctified – Genesis 17:1-9; Proverbs 15:20-16:9.
Read Proverbs 15:20-16:9
Today in Canada is a special commemoration: we commemorate St. John Paul II Pope of Rome. He was a man who demonstrated profound love and support for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), recognizing its rich Eastern traditions and its vital role within the universal Church. He consistently emphasized the significance of Eastern Catholic Churches, highlighting their unique contributions to the tapestry of Christian faith.
In his apostolic letter Orientale Lumen, he acknowledged the value of Eastern Tradition: “The venerable and ancient tradition of the Eastern Churches is an integral part of the heritage of Christ’s Church.” (Orientale Lumen, 1)
He also encourages Roman Catholics to better acquaint themselves with the Eastern Tradition and for Eastern Catholics to love their identity and restore their rich heritage: “The members of the Catholic Church of the Latin tradition must also be fully acquainted with this treasure and thus feel, with the Pope, a passionate longing that the full manifestation of the Church’s catholicity be restored to the Church and to the world, expressed not by a single tradition…” (Orientale Lumen, 1)
St. John Paul II’s commitment to the UGCC was evident during his 2001 visit to Ukraine. He honoured the Church’s resilience and the sacrifices of its martyrs, beatifying twenty-eight individuals who had suffered for their faith under communist persecution. This act not only recognized their sanctity, but also underscored the UGCC’s enduring witness amidst persecution.
Furthermore, in his address to the members of the Permanent Synod of the Greek-Catholic Church of Ukraine in 2004, he expressed his pleasure in meeting representatives of the UGCC, acknowledging their pastoral efforts and the dedication of their clergy and faithful: “I am pleased to have this meeting with you who represent the Greek-Catholic Church of Ukraine, her Pastors, her men and women religious and all her faithful.” (Address, June 3, 2004)
Through many actions and words of support and encouragement, St. John Paul II not only upheld the Eastern Catholic Churches—especially the UGCC in its great time of need during its time of persecution and then flourishing there after—but also fostered a spirit of unity and mutual respect within the broader Christian community. We commemorate him today with thanksgiving and gratitude for the gift of his ministry and teaching. Through the prayers of St. John Paul II, may the Lord God bless the Church with a new springtime of faith, revival, and growth.