At this month’s celebration of the Young Adult Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Father Vincent Druding told the young faithful, “The center of our lives is the Eucharist…It’s great to see young faces here. More and more young adults are coming to church. All around the country; you’re part of the movement.”
Father Druding is a parochial vicar at Holy Cross Church in the Soundview area of the Bronx; he is also the lead organizer of that parish’s Jesus in Zion Ministry, which each year sponsors several Charismatic Renewal and Adoration gatherings in the archdiocese.
“Christ is risen, Amen. Hallelujah!” the priest exclaimed during an 8-minute revival before the Wednesday evening, April 8 Mass. “He is risen, indeed…My heart wants to burn; hearts are about to burn, get ready to burn…The hearts of the young are being set on fire with Jesus Christ.” The revival followed the traditional pre-Mass Holy Hour. Several dozen young adults attended, most sitting in the front pews. In all, close to 250 people were at the Mass, including members of the general public.
From the people to the people
In the homily, Father Druding prompted attendees, speaking revival style: “Say to your neighbor, ‘I want Jesus to set a fire down in my soul, that I can’t contain, that I can’t control.’”
In reference to the Gospel (Luke 24), Father Druding said, “I want your hearts to burn tonight. Ask for the grace…Let’s hear it again; from the people to the people: ‘Jesus, set a fire in my soul…’”
“The Lord sends a flame of love to console you…In confession, the power of the absolution and the mercy of God burns away your sin and restores you to that baptismal beauty…You’re made to shine, to radiate light – just let that purification come, discipline your will. It will be beautiful…We call it the Sacred Heart, but it’s a burning heart.”
Later, the Prayer of the Faithful called for an end to war: “We pray for peace in the world…For a swift ceasefire to all wars on the earth – and for an ending of the war in our hearts: unforgiveness, the rage, anger, resentment, the rancor we hold against others…We pray to the Lord.”
Closing words of gratitude were offered by Pjetër Nilaj, director, Office of Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry and the University Apostolate, which organizes the monthly Young Adult Mass at the cathedral. Nilaj led the Holy Hour prayer service. The Holy Hour and Mass choir consisted of several young-adult vocalists and musicians who often share their talents at Young Adult Masses and Jesus in Zion gatherings in the archdiocese. The Holy Hour also included opportunities for confession.
Words from the pews
Among the faithful at the Mass was Ramon Castellon, 32, a parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle Church on West 59th Street, Manhattan. He told The Good Newsroom after the liturgy, “I wanted to come here and be part of this Mass celebration, to be here alongside my fellow Catholics as we proceed celebrating the Easter season.” Castellon said he attends young adult gatherings at St. Paul the Apostle.
The Office of Youth Ministry and Young Adult Ministry and the University Apostolate collaborates with and supports four unique ministries within the Archdiocese of New York. It provides opportunities, formation, and resources for leaders in parishes, deaneries, and universities to catechize and evangelize middle school and high school teenagers, college students, young adults (ages 18–35), and Catholic Scouts, “helping them put their faith in Jesus into action.” For more information visit https://www.archny.org/young-catholics.