Dear friends of Father Francis Lazar --

Today our prayers are united with the family and friends of Father Lazar as we remember him on the first anniversary of his passing from this life to the presence of God.

How well our celebration of Advent serves as a backdrop for this anniversary! Our Advent focus of Christ's coming into the world -- in our expectation of his return in glory at the end of time and in our reflection on the Mystery of God-with-us at Christmastime -- reminds us that Jesus came to bring us into that same closeness with the Father that he enjoys as Son. After what can only be considered a brief journey here on earth, we have the hope of eternal life as children of that same God, our humanity drawn into the divine life for which we were destined.

And so in anticipation of the continued mutual support of those before the face of God, those of us yet sojourning here on earth, and those beloved dead awaiting their entry into God's presence, we pray --

Eternal rest grant unto Father Lazar, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

Amen!