Dear parish family,
This weekend, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome, the cathedral of the Pope as Bishop of Rome. Though we may never see it in person, this feast belongs to all of us, for it honors not just a building, but the living temple that is the Church—Christ’s Body—of which we are each a part.
During my years in Rome, the Basilica of St. John Lateran held a special place in my heart. Standing beside the Roman Seminary, it was a place I often visited for prayer and inspiration. Nearby are the Holy Stairs, sanctified by the footsteps of Christ during the Passion, and the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, which houses relics of the Lord’s Crucifixion. Inside the Lateran, twelve majestic statues of the Apostles line the nave, and beneath the ornate baldachin lies the High Altar, enclosing a piece of the Table of the Last Supper—a moving reminder that from that Table, the Church was born.
The name “Lateran” comes from the noble Laterani family, who donated their land for Emperor Constantine to build this basilica in the year 324 A.D., making it the first Christian church and the Mother and Head of all churches in the world. It stands as a visible sign of unity with the successor of Peter, reminding us that the true Church is not of marble and stone, but of living faith built on Christ the cornerstone.
The readings for this Feast beautifully echo that message. The prophet Ezekiel describes the life-giving waters flowing from the temple, bringing renewal and abundance (cf. Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12). St. Paul reminds us that “you are God’s building… the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you” (1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17). And in the Gospel, Jesus cleanses the Jerusalem temple, proclaiming His zeal for His Father’s house (cf. John 2:13-22). These words call each of us to care for the Church—both the physical house of God and the living temple of our souls.
This Feast fills me with gratitude and pride for our own parish church, our spiritual home. Like the Lateran, it was built and sustained through the sacrifices of generations who loved it deeply. Since my arrival, I have sought to continue their legacy—to make our church ever more beautiful, reverent, and welcoming. Yet there is still work ahead: our chapel sanctuary needs urgent renewal, and I dream to be able to one day illuminate the church’s exterior, letting its beauty shine as a beacon of faith—the Mother Church of Queens.
I am personally encouraged by the positive feedback so many of you have shared following our recent painting of the chapel, the installation of the musical carillon and the beautification of our church gardens. People have remarked how beautiful and well cared for our church now looks, and how its renewed environment brings not only spiritual joy but also enhances the beauty of our entire neighborhood.
In this month dedicated to the Holy Souls, I am calling on you to show your love for our parish church—your spiritual home—by memorializing certain sacred items now being renewed: new votive candle stands with real candles instead of electric ones; a Processional Cross worthy of our church’s grandeur; and the conversion of our existing altar candlesticks from wax to oil—a simple retrofit that is more elegant, sustainable, and cost-effective. Each memorialized item will bear a plaque inscribed with the name of the donor or the loved one being honored or memorialized, ensuring that their generosity and devotion will be remembered in prayer for generations to come. Further details will be shared with you in the coming days.
May the zeal of Christ for His Father’s house consume us with love, reverence, and generosity. Together, let us build upon the faith of those who came before us, so that our children may look upon this church with pride and gratitude, and find here a living temple filled with the glory of God.
With prayerful gratitude and affection,
Msgr. “John” Cuong M. Pham