Bishop Ruggieri encourages congregation at Christmas Mass to "go to Bethlehem"
During his first Christmas as Bishop of the Diocese of Portland, the Most Reverend James Ruggieri celebrated two Masses at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland on December 25.
He began his morning homily by thanking Fr. Seamus Griesbach, rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and concelebrant of the Mass, as well as the staff and the choir for the many preparations leading up to the day.
"Thank you for all your work and making these liturgies beautiful and possible. Last night we had the Midnight Mass, my first in Portland, it was just glorious," he said.
The bishop noted that Christmas is not always a joyous occasion for all — while it is a time associated with gathering with family and friends, many experience loneliness and disappointment.
"Whether it's Christmas Eve, whether it's the early morning hours, or the day itself, there are many people who will be alone today. Sometimes it's by choice. Sometimes it's by circumstance. It is sometimes very difficult for people to celebrate."
He continued, "Maybe that's a situation for one of us here today in the cathedral. But I'm very grateful that you came here to this Mass, and I pray that you find in this Mass peace and love."
This notion of difficulty or brokenness it not unlike what Mary and Joseph experienced in Bethlehem. They were a poor family without the necessary status or connections to make arrangements before their journey.
"They experienced rejection and they experienced loneliness. It was just the two of them and the soon-to-be-born Jesus. Yet, while in Bethlehem they also experienced the love of God in a very tangible way, in a way beyond, I am sure, they could possibly have imagined."
The circumstances of Jesus' birth were modest, at best, "His mother Mary was unknown. She was no scholar. She was no wealthy woman. She had no social importance. She was poor," said Bishop Ruggieri. "Jesus was born in poverty — the king of the universe becoming flesh, coming among us to save us."
"It's important to go to Bethlehem, my brothers and sisters, to encounter this unconditional saving love of the Father poured out upon the human race, upon the Earth, healing the wounds of sin and division. It's important to go to Bethlehem to encounter the divine love of the Christ child. We must go to Bethlehem....Don't seek any travel agents to book any tickets to Bethlehem. We don't have to do that. We can go to Bethlehem at every Mass."
In addition to Fr. Griesbach, Fr. Michael Seavey concelebrated the morning Christmas Mass. Seminarians Deacon Erin Donlon and Deacon Thanh Duc Pham assisted.
