Cardinal Leads Jacksonville Region in St. John the Baptist Celebration

Last month, the Jacksonville Region hosted Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop emeritus of Washington, who celebrated the Nativity of St. John the Baptist at San Jose Catholic Church. Joining him there were the Rev. Daniele Rebeggiani, his former priest secretary; the Rev. Remek Blaszkowski, pastor and an associate magistral chaplain;  the Very Rev. Jason Trull, vicar general for the Diocese of St. Augustine; the Rev. Sebastian Garcia; and Deacon Chris Supple. In his homily Cardinal Wuerl explained, “No matter how strong the waves might be that threaten to batter us, we can remain strong and faithful because Jesus is in the boat with us,” and added, “How blessed are we to be so strengthened and so encouraged by Jesus’s words, which we can carry away with us every day, ‘Have faith, I am with you.’”

The Saturday Vigil Mass was attended by 40 knights, dames, and candidates, and by about 200 parishioners.

Following a group photo in the church, the Order held a wonderful reception and dinner. Hospitaller John McKenzie, KMOb, spoke briefly about the history and charism of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, gave insights into St. John the Baptist, and introduced Cardinal Wuerl. The cardinal discussed why St. John the Baptist is our patron saint, saying, “The Baptist’s witness [is a] witness to Christ and his willingness publicly to defend the faith.” In Cardinal Wuerl’s concluding remarks to the Order, he continued, “What the knights and dames of Malta celebrate this evening is the Order’s longstanding and ongoing service as witness to our Lord, the truth of his Gospel, his presence in his Church, and his call that we embrace those in need, especially our malades.”