Thoughts for the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

 A letter I included in the parish bulletin this weekend. 

Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi 2024

 

Dear Members of Saint Patrick Co-Cathedral,

Today we are celebrating the feast day of the great saint, Saint Francis of Assisi. When we look at his life, we see one who had much but gave it all up to the service of God. He heard the call of Christ to “Go, rebuild my church which is falling down.”  Saint Francis thought he was talking about the small church of San Damiano which was in ruins. After rebuilding the small church and a few others he came to the realization that God meant the Church. 

While He is not so blunt with us, Christ wants each of us to “Go, rebuild my church which is falling down.” Christ wants us to do what we can to evangelize the world. God wants us to make a difference in what is happening in our community, in our country and in the world.

As we approach election day, it is important for us to ask ourselves if we are voting in a way that promotes the greater glory of God or are we voting in a way that promotes our own glory. Francis gave up fame and fortune to follow Christ. He realized that when Jesus told his disciples that they would have to pick up their crosses and follow him it would not be an easy task. Sometimes we must take on a little sacrifice for ourselves in order for God’s will to be done. Let us ask Saint Francis to pray for us today as we get ready to make important decisions for our community, state and nation.

Yours in Christ,

 

 

Father Leo McDowell

Pastor

Amendments to state constitutions which are not good for women.

With proposed amendments to the state constitutions in Montana and South Dakota dealing with abortion on the ballot, I notice that some people seem to imply that women are in favor of abortion and men want to save the life of the unborn. They say that men must not have a say. That it is because of men that abortion is not a norm in their states, or in the United States. There are many women who are pro-life. There are many women who have learned that the abortion that they had damaged them spiritual, emotionally and sometimes even physically. 

Being a priest who had spoken to many of these women in the confessional, I can tell you many wish that there were a few more roadblocks in the way. They regret their decision because they were not informed about all of the risks. They were not informed about the options which included support for them and their baby after birth. 

These women are reminded of that pain every year when the projected anniversary of the birth of their child comes around and they see other children and wonder where their child might have been today had they not made the choice to abort them. They ask themselves, "how would they be celebrating the birthday now?" 

I want to encourage you to vote against Montana CI-128 and against South Dakota Constitutional Amendment G. Do it for the life of the child. Do it for the spiritual, emotional and physical well being of the mothers. 

There are some who would bring up the health of the mother. The Catholic church allows for treating a problem pregnancy. There are treatments that do not intend to cause the death of the unborn child, but may put the life of that child at risk. It is not the intention to kill the child. I would refer you to the article from the National Catholic Bioethics Center

Sporadic update

It has been a while since I've posted anything to my blog. I want to let everyone know that I am still doing well. Earlier this month, I celebrated my 30th anniversary of my priesthood ordination. Sometimes it is hard to believe that I've been a priest that long. Having returned to Saint Patrick Co-Cathedral as the pastor a few years ago, it is like some thing from my first time here seem almost like yesterday. It has been a wonderful, joy-filled 30 years.