Greetings fellow Oak Lawnians!
I hope you all enjoyed a splendid Easter with your family and friends. Speaking of Easter, St. Gerald Church, 9349 Central Ave. in Oak Lawn, hosted a healing Mass on March 30. The mass, which took place during the fourth week of Lent, was celebrated by the Rev. Ubald Rugirangoga, a Roman Catholic priest from the Cyangugu Diocese located in southeastern Rwanda.
As Mass got underway, Father Ubald was greeted by a full congregation. In fact, there was barely any standing room left once the mass started.
Father Ubald spoke on many points, but clearly the most important of which was forgiveness. He acknowledged how difficult forgiveness is for many of us and shared his journey on his own path to forgiveness, which eventually lead him to find reconciliation and peace.
He shared his story about surviving the 1994 genocide in Rwanda by escaping on foot under cover of night through the Congo. Over 45,000 people were exterminated, including his mother and 80 members of his family. He spoke of his difficult journey, even as a priest, to find forgiveness for those responsible for the genocide, the loss of his mother, family and so many of his people.
In time, he found the power to forgive those who had brought such pain on him, his people and his country. When that happened, he said he felt such a release. Father Ubald’s mission is to help others heal, whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional wounds. “Extreme horror requires extreme forgiveness,” he said.
The Mass lasted over an hour and was followed by the benediction with the Blessed Sacrament. Holding the Blessed Sacrament with raised arms, Father Ubald proceeded slowly up and down every aisle of the church, including the balcony and vestibule. He made a point to stop and spend a few extra seconds with churchgoers in wheelchairs, on crutches or who had some type of physical handicap.
After the benediction concluded, members of the congregation were invited to approach the podium on the altar to give testimony on how Father Ubald has healed either them or a family member. There were about 10 people who came up and shared their personal story and experience of Father Ubald’s healing. Many of them were from other parishes where they had already experienced his healing powers.
Kate Zagata has been a member of the parish for 25 years and also works in the parish office. Zagata attended the healing mass with her husband, Frank, and estimates the number of attendees was a little over 800. “I was amazed at the turnout,” said Zagata. She had never heard of Father Ubald before his visit to St. Gerald and had no idea of how big a following he had. Zagata was working in the parish office the day before his visit and said “the phone never stopped ringing. People were calling from Michigan, Wisconsin, Highland Park, Crystal Lake and other towns to confirm his appearance. Some people heard about him coming by word of mouth. Others had seen him and believed in him. It was very enlightening.”
Zagata had the opportunity to meet him during his visit and said “he was very friendly, very outgoing. It was amazing to see he’s that outgoing.” Zagata said when he left that night, “he was headed for New York.”
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Father Ubald’s healing Mass and story was uplifting and inspiring, Zagata said. “We would love to have him come back,” she said.
To learn more about Father Ubald and his message of forgiveness, visit his website at www.frubald.com.
Here’s our celebrity announcements: Happy 38th birthday to Vanessa Ciametti, from her family and Sit n’Pretty pals. Loving birthday wishes go out to Sarah Petzel, from her family, Juan Hernandez and Sunny Petzel. Congratulations also go out to Sarah and Juan who got engaged on her birthday. Birthday wishes go out to Debbie Zwartz, from her husband, Dan, their children, and family. Birthday wishes go out to Betty Seidler, from her husband, Dan. Happy birthday to Diane Massey, from her children and grandchildren. Birthday wishes go out to Mike Hoy, from his mother-in-law, Aggie Mark.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to Tim and Pam Fleming on their 18th anniversary, from Polly Fleming and their family. Congratulations to Joe and Dee Harr on their 60th wedding anniversary, with love, from their children.
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays, special events or special “stuff” going on with your family or within the community at 708- 899-9544 or e-mail [email protected].
Until next time…
Cheryl Petzel is a freelance columnist.