PROVIDENCE - More than 570 students representing 19 Catholic schools attended a Lenten weekday Mass concelebrated March 14 at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul. The youths were accompanied by school administrators, staff and parents.
In welcoming those gathered to focus on the theme "Keep the Commandments," Bishop Thomas J. Tobin invited the students and their chaperones to "spend some time in prayer and witness the beauty of the cathedral." The prelate directed the congregation's attention to the marble tomb of Bishop Thomas J. Hendricken, the first Bishop of Providence, who supervised the construction of the historic cathedral.
"Please say a little prayer in gratitude for Bishop Hendricken," Bishop Tobin said.
Noting that baseball season is fast-approaching, the bishop asked, "How many of you are Red Sox fans? How many are Yankees fans?"
When an equally large number of hands were raised for both teams, he laughed and remarked that "some have voted twice."
A few hands also shot up when he inquired about allegiance to his favorite baseball team, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"I see that there are five of us," he counted, eliciting laughter.
In this homily, Bishop Tobin likened the season of Lent to spring training: Just as well-trained baseball players must prepare for opening day, Christians must also get ready for a special opening day - Easter Sunday.
"You have to learn the basics," he said. "It takes practice, commitment and discipline."
That is what Lent is all about. "It's spring training for Christians. Lent is a time for us to go back to the basics of our Christian faith," he said.
The "spiritual exercises" are prayer, fasting and performing charitable good works. " I would hope that you are doing something for Lent," the bishop emphasized, telling the worshippers that one example of performing good works is to share with those less fortunate.
"We are helping other members of our team. Our goal is to become better Christians and stronger followers of Christ.
"Our goal in this time of spring training is to be more like Jesus Christ," Bishop Tobin concluded, telling the students that if they are well prepared, they will be ready for Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.
Ben Smith, a fifth grade student at St. Pius School, Providence, was impressed with the cathedral's impressive architecture, as well as with the bishop's homily.
"Bishop Tobin understands children very well," the young man remarked.
His classmate, Leilani Feliciano, was also inspired by the homily.
"It was amazing," she said. "I loved being here in church. It's a great time to talk to God."
Ryan Gladney, an eighth grader at St. Luke School, Barrington, enjoyed the comparison of Lent to spring training. "Sports are universal," he said. "It made it easier for the younger children to understand."
The liturgy was celebrated in memory of John S. Hernandez, the late principal of Msgr. Matthew F. Clarke School, Wakefield, who died Feb. 3. The choir from The Prout School, Wakefield, directed by Jay Treloar, led the worshippers in song. Stephen Romano, a parishioner at Our Lady of Carmel Church, Bristol, accompanied the choir on the organ. Students from St. Luke School, Barrington, served as altar servers, and pupils from Bishop Francis P. Keough Regional High School, Pawtucket, provided hospitality and seated worshippers.
The Prayers of Petition were offered by Rilwan Ilumoka and Victoria Coreira of Woodlawn Catholic Regional School, Pawtucket.
Normally, the youth service is held on Ash Wednesday, but this year's school calendar necessitated moving the observance because Ash Wednesday was celebrated during school vacation.
(This story originally published in The Providence Visitor)
