Invitation to join Confraternity of Holy Cross brings strong response

Bishop Edward J. Slattery's invitation to those who suffer from debilitating illness or disabilities to join him in forming a "Confraternity of the Holy Cross" has brought a strong response at the parish level.

The bishop asked pastors to send him the names of possible members of the Confraternity and thus far he has received about 260. He plans to write to each person, further explaining his reasons for forming the group.

The bishop outlined the purpose of the Confraternity in the January 5 and January 19 EOC as a way to give meaning to suffering.

In a letter to those who have responded, he stated: "Recently, I started an unusual spiritual association here for the faithful in the Diocese of Tulsa. I started it because as your bishop I am concerned that we find ways to increase our faith and deepen our hope. I am certain that this association, which we are calling the Confraternity of the Holy Cross, will do just that."

Bishop Slattery said members will be those "who have enough generosity and love to make a gift to God the Father in union with His Son of all the suffering and pain which comes to them on a daily basis from their chronic, debilitating pain or life-threatening illnesses."

The Bishop cited these spiritual benefits for members of the Confraternity:

• "By carrying our cross with Christ we share in the very act by which He redeems the world and we help win the salvation of souls;

• "By joining together with others who suffer and by finding a spiritual meaning in our suffering, we break through the terrible isolation which sickness imposes onto us;

• "By offering our pain and disabilities in union with the Passion of Christ, we discover with joy the depth of the Father's love for us, and finally

• "We will share in the hope and healing we bring to those who have been betrayed by the Church's shepherds."

Bishop Slattery said he will celebrate Mass "for the health and well-being of the members of this Confraternity on the first Friday of every month."