Óscar Romero Archbishop and Martyr, 1980

 

Óscar Romero

Archbishop and Martyr, 1980, and the Martyrs of El Salvador (24 March)

Óscar Romero was born in 1917 in San Salvador, studied theology in Rome,

and returned to his native land where he worked among the poor.

Considered conservative by some, after his appointment as Archbishop of San Salvador in 1977,

a progressive Jesuit friend of his, Rutilio Grande, was assassinated,

and Romero began protesting the government’s injustice to the poor and its policies of torture.

He met with Pope John Paul II in 1980 about the leaders of El Salvador engaged in terror and assassinations, and pleaded with the American government to stop military aid to his country.

Romero was shot to death while celebrating Mass on March 24, 1980.

Romero is considered a martyr along with other Christian leaders

who worked with the poor and spoke out.

Óscar Romero Archbishop and Martyr, 1980

Óscar Romero

Archbishop and Martyr, 1980, and the Martyrs of El Salvador (24 March)

Óscar Romero was born in 1917 in San Salvador, studied theology in Rome,

and returned to his native land where he worked among the poor.

Considered conservative by some, after his appointment as Archbishop of San Salvador in 1977,

a progressive Jesuit friend of his, Rutilio Grande, was assassinated,

and Romero began protesting the government’s injustice to the poor and its policies of torture.

He met with Pope John Paul II in 1980 about the leaders of El Salvador engaged in terror and assassinations, and pleaded with the American government to stop military aid to his country.

Romero was shot to death while celebrating Mass on March 24, 1980.

Romero is considered a martyr along with other Christian leaders

who worked with the poor and spoke out.

Cyril of Jerusalem Bishop and Theologian, 386 (18 March)

 

The Episcopal Church Commemorates: Cyril of Jerusalem Bishop and Theologian, 386 (18 March) Born in Jerusalem about 315, Cyril became bishop of that city probably in 340. Cyril is the one we have most to thank for the development of catechetical instruction and liturgical observances during Lent and Holy Week. His Catechetical Lectures on the Christian Faith, given before Easter to candidates for baptism, were probably written sometime between 348 and 350. It is likely that it was Cyril who instituted the observances of Palm Sunday and Holy Week during the latter years of his episcopate in Jerusalem. Cyril’s writings have greatly enriched the observance of Holy Week in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer.

Jennie Hilsee 1924-2023

 

Jennie Hilsee

1924-2023

O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of thy servant Jennie, and grant her an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth
and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

It is with profound sadness that I share with you that our beloved Jennie Hilsee died on Sunday evening, March 12th.

Jennie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, church leader, Sunday School Leader and a beautiful soul who I was blessed to get to know over these last six years as your rector.  Living a blessed 97 years, Jennie was a blessing to everyone. 

She was the beloved mother to Marietta, Don, and Sue, and was a integral part of the fabric and community of St. Mary's for many decades as a leader in the Daughters of the King and as a leader in our Sunday School.  Several of our adult members had Jennie as their Sunday School teacher, and she had a profound effect upon them, as she had on all who knew her and loved her.

Funeral plans are still being made, but I wanted to let you know this sad news, but also to encourage you to reach out to Marietta in this time.  I am including some photos of Jennie from the recent past (when I was visiting her), as well as a few years ago at a gathering of the Daughters of the King, and some wonderful photos of Jennie teaching Sunday School over the years. 

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray thee, with all those who mourn, that casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please say a prayer for our beloved Hilsee Family, 

May God bless you and keep you always, 

Fr. Peter+

The Reverend Peter Carey

Rector, St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Cathedral Road, Philadelphia

Holy Week Schedule at St. Mary's ~ 2023