September 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Glory to Jesus Christ!

You may have noticed in the pictures of those of us who marched two Saturdays ago that we were holding white roses. You may have wondered why.

In 1948 Nazi Germany an anti-fascist tract was published by an underground group known as "the White Rose." This group of Christian young students was led in part by a man by the name of Alexander Schmorell, an Orthodox Christian, who, like his compatriots, could not bear to see Hitler unchallenged. They paid for their efforts with their lives, beheaded by an evil regime that would have consumed the whole world had it not been for courageous people such as these.

Alexander was in all respects a regular, intelligent, and pious young man. He loved life, literature, the arts, and music. A friend of his commented that he would have laughed to know he was sainted by the Church. His background was Russian and be was also a citizen of Gennany when Hitler came to power. St. Alexander and the members of "The White Rose" stand as examples for us of the life Jesus calls us to: "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." What greater "possession" do we have than our lives?

Hear also these words of our Lord.

"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy , that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and few are those who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

It seemed very appropriate that we carry white roses two Saturdays ago. Pray for us St. Alexander who bravely took the narrow path that leads to life.

Yours in Christ,
+Fr. Antony