In the year 1926 at the exhibit of paintings in Paris their was an interesting sketch by the painter Maxim del Sarta. It represented Christ carrying a gigantic cross with his arms reaching the ends of the earth. Many people follow who eagerly desire to lighten Christ’s suffering in carrying this burden. Women and men, young, and old, priests, secular people, workers and retired, soldiers and civilians -- all offering their help to Christ. Courageously and trustingly they all go to Golgotha to make an offering to God -- a fantastic thought introducing the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” “He who will not take up his cross and come after me is not worthy of me.” The cross in our entire life and obligations is connected with our state in life. Keeping the commandments of God and the Church is agreeing with the will of God. Carrying the cross is not easy. And yet with the cross we mark our way to heaven. The Christian religion is not easy, but it is true. Let us pray for the grace to trustingly and lovingly gaze at Christ, carrying our crosses to death and salvation. Today on this special day I wish to express my heartfelt greetings to all fathers that God will bless you with good health and luck. That He reward you for your hard work and dedication, for your love and goodness, for your daily cross of all the obligations which you carry. I wish all Fathers who have left us to eternity, that you be happy with seeing God in heaven. I take this opportunity to send heartfelt birthday greetings to our long time parishioner Jean Malinowski. This past Wednesday, June 16th, Jean celebrated her 100th birthday. For many years Jean was a Eucharistic Minister and a Minister of Care. May God continue to bless and grace you with good health for years to come! Many thanks for your offerings for our retired priests, one of whom is Father Martin Borowczyk, our 93 year old Pastor Emeritus, who lives at St. Benedict Home. I ask all to pray for him. In the name of all priests I thank all who prayed for us this “Year of the Priests,” and for all who in any way showed us kindness and support. The life of priests is not always easy -- many times they are lonely, depressed, sometimes leaving the priesthood. Please pray for new and holy vocations to the priesthood, but remember also the priests who have served you for many years. We also thank you with our prayers for your intentions and the intentions of your dear ones. I invite everyone on a one-day bus trip to the exquisite Indian resort and casino “Four Winds” in New Buffalo, Michigan on Monday, July 12th. The trip will cost $30 per person. The casino will refund $25 ($10 for meals and $15 for tokens for the casino). We will leave at 10:00am from the parish parking lot and return to the parish parking lot at 6:00pm. Tickets for this outing can be purchased in the rectory. May Jesus bless us all and our guests who visited us today.