fruitful silence

Cardinal Dolan’s visit to our parish, the last in the Shepherd’s Speak series, focused on the power of the Eucharist. The Cardinal applauded the many good works of our parish, including Brewster Cares, and Gianna’s House which he had toured earlier in the day. He observed that all the activities and services that our parish provides comes from the strength of the Most Holy Eucharist.

The central theme of Cardinal Dolan’s talk was the power of silence in Eucharistic Adoration. Quoting from the prophet Isaiah, Dolan said, “In quiet and confidence will be thy strength.” (Isaiah 30: 15). God speaks to us in silence, and when we spend time in silence with God, “we’ve got our priorities right,” as the Cardinal put it.

Personal stories illustrated the power of silence. Cardinal Dolan reflected on his parents, who shared time together at the end of the day, often in silence, savoring each other’s company.

Cardinal Dolan also recalled working at the Vatican Embassy in Washington, DC., for the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Laghi. At the time, George H.W. Bush was President. “He needed to speak to Pope John Paul II to tell the Holy Father personally that the United States planned to invade Iraq.” Cardinal Dolan added that after the call, “the President called back concerned. I’m afraid maybe the line went dead…because the Pope was stone silent.” The Cardinal added that the Pope was opposed to the war and responded to the President only with silence.“And Archbishop Laghi said, ‘Mr. President, I assure you, the Holy Father heard you, and silence was his response.’ The silence struck him more than any words would.”

Cardinal Dolan concluded by reminding us that “we should never forget that all the good work that we do is powered by the silence we enjoy when we are in front of the Holy Eucharist.”