COUNTY CATHOLICS ATTEND JUBILEE

Several Allamakee County residents were among over 18,000 Catholics representing 211 parishes of the archdiocese of Dubuque to gather in the UNI dome, Cedar Falls, in celebration of the current Jubilee Year Feast of Pentecost.
People in the assembly responded to the call to worship by standing when their parish or religious community was announced. Following presentations on gratitude for the past, rejoicing in the present and hope for the future, the entire body answered with the Jubilee affirmation, “Jesus Christ Yesterday, Today and Forever.” Two thousand youth, wearing different colored t-shirts representing their parish or school and carrying be-ribboned batons streamed from all entrances.
At the start of the mass, a solemn procession of 280 priests, monks and deacons were led into the arena and up to a simple, oak altar used by Pope John Paul II in St. Louis last year. The clergy were wearing red stoles, a gift made by the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women.
The liturgy of the Word was proclaimed in English, Spanish and sign language. The Archbishop’s homily touched upon the recognition that we are all immigrants. He also said, “Thus, as a great variety of people who were present on that first Pentecost Sunday, so our past here in Iowa witnessed a similar variety of nationalities and we praise God today still more people are joining us.”
The Archbishop announced that half of the offering would be given to the mission for Bolivia to help buy a jeep for Sr. Mara McCarthy and Sr. Theresa Hawes, both from Allamakee county.
Monsignor Ed Lechtenberg, along with other priests of this area, expressed their gratefulness for the participation, prayerful support and festive spirit of renewal shown during this Jubilee year. It is their hope that the spirit will continue to the local pilgrimage churches throughout the year.