June 2008

Fr. Schuyler Crucifix restored

(29 June 2008) A well-recognized feature of the west side of the Church of the Ascension is the large crucifix accompanied by the inscription, "Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?" (Lamentations 1:12). Foul weather and the fowl of the air have taken their toll on this arresting sacred artwork over the years.

The Vestry recently had the crucifix and inscription restored, and its challenge to passers-by is now renewed with grace and beauty. Please have a look next time you are at church, and if you are moved to spend a moment in devotion and prayer, know that you are joining in prayer with those LaSalle Boulevard passers-by over many decades who have been stopped in their tracks as they have seen our crucified Lord, read the inscription, and responded with a sign of the Cross or a moment of prayer.

Prayer Before the Crucifix

(St. Augustine's Prayer Book, p. 41)
Behold, O good and most beloved Jesu, I fall upon my knees before thy likeness; and with all fervency of spirit I pray and beseech thee to imprint upon my heart a living consciousness of faith, hope, and love, true repentance for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment; while with deep affection and grief of soul I consider with myself, and with inward vision contemplate thy five wounds, having before my eyes that which David the Prophet spake of thee, O good Jesu; They pierced my hands and my feet: I may tell all my bones.

We proclaim Christ crucified...Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
- 1 Corinthians 1:23, 24

The dramatic history of the Fr. Schuyler Crucifix and the Martyr of Memphis in whose memory it was given can be read in this chapter of History of the Church of the Ascension, Chicago, Illinois 1857-1982 by George C. Giles. Look for the paragraph beginning, "At Christmas of 1887..." And be sure to visit this link for a photograph and the full story of Fr. Schuyler's life, work, and death.

Remembering Joe DuciBella (1945-2007)

(29 June 2008) The entire church on Sunday, June 29, was adorned with flowers offered by David White and John West to the greater glory of God and in loving memory of Joseph R. DuciBella, on the first anniversary of his death.

Joe's life and passion as a theatre-design historian are paid loving tribute on this Web site about the Uptown Theatre.

Rest eternal grant unto Joseph, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Juanita Warfield, longtime parishioner - R.I.P.

(28 June 2008) Please pray for the soul of Juanita Warfield, a longtime member of the Ascension parish family. Juanita, who died June 23 after a long illness, was buried from this church on Saturday, June 28. She is survived by her daughter, Juaria Shelton, who attended the Ascension Parochial School.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord: and let light perpetual shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Reverend Mother Judith Marie, OSA, installed

Reverend Mother's Installation (15 June 2008) The Order of St. Anne and a full house of parishioners, friends, families, and fellow religious celebrated the installation of Sr. Judith Marie, OSA, as Reverend Mother of the order's autonomous Chicago convent, at the Solemn High Mass on Sunday, June 15. The Rt. Rev. James Winchester Montgomery, ninth Bishop of Chicago and the OSA's bishop visitor, was the celebrant for the Mass and presided at the ceremony of her installation. Fr. Thomas Fraser, rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Riverside, Ill., and the OSA's warden, preached the sermon at Mass. A gala reception followed the Mass in Wheeler Hall.

Other religious in attendance included Sr. Ana Clara, OSA, Mother Superior of the Sisters of St. Anne-Bethany in Massachusetts; and Fr. Gregory OJN, Guardian of the Order of Julian of Norwich in Waukesha, Wisconsin.