On September 18, members of the Conference of Slovak Clergy convened at St. Columba Cathedral for a Mass celebrating the Feast of Saint Robert Bellarmine. Clergy in attendance included Bishop David Bonnar, conference chair Monsignor Robert Siffron, nine additional clergy of various Slovak Fraternal Organizations, deacons, lectors, altar servers and cantors.
Slovak Fraternal Organizations offer funding and support for priests who, under the direction of their Bishop or Archbishop in Slovakia, choose to pursue advanced, graduate-level studies within their home dioceses. The Conference of Slovak Clergy is held biennially, and members focus on issues regarding the Pontifical College of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Rome, Italy.
During Mass, a after readings from the Book of Wisdom and the Gospel according to Matthew, Bishop Bonnar followed with a homily that focused on Saint Robert’s contributions to the Catholic faith and Church in his roles as a “priest, bishop, author, cardinal, catechist, diplomat, counselor, advisor and doctor of the Church.”
Bishop Bonnar closed the Mass with a reminder of the parable of the house built on rock, which can withstand the fiercest elements. He encouraged attendees to model Saint Robert and use God’s word to build a foundation that can withstand the elements of today’s world.
Scroll down to see additional photos from the Mass.
