By Myesha Johnson, mjohnson@detroitnews.com
Detroit — Parishioners who attended Christmas Mass at Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Thursday heard a simple but effective message from the leader of the region’s Catholic community: remember what the holiday represents.
“We always have to remember it’s the context of Christmas that makes all the difference. The context of Christmas, the foundational bedrock upon which our faith is built is that full and holy advent into … redemptive love and we must never forget that context,” Archbishop Edward Weisenburger told the audience.
Weisenburger added: “Redemptive love always takes initiative. … God did not wait until we got our act together. He came to us while we were still broken and sinners. If we’re to receive that kind of love in our hearts and in our lives, then we need to reflect that love to others.”
The theme anchored Weisenburger’s first Christmas Mass at the prominent site on Woodward Avenue.
He was installed at the church early this year and has since seen several Masses filled with parishioners.
Meanwhile, he and the Archdiocese of Detroit are overseeing a restructuring process that involve some crucial decisions for the life of some churches amid lacking attendance.
On Thursday, while surrounded by decorated Christmas trees, lights and red flowers evoking holiday cheer, the archbishop reflected on the dominant sights of the season compared to the origins.
“The secular understanding of Christmas is gravely lacking. However, I’m not totally against it. Santa Claus was good to me this year,” he joked. “As long as that is not the primary paradigm, the essential context of what it is we celebrate, then I’m OK with it.”
To the worshipers in the pews, the message was clear: Dec. 25 centers on their belief in a savior.
“It was really uplifting, made me feel good to be here on Christ’s birthday. Just hearing him talk made me feel good and it makes me remember what Christmas is all about: Christ’s birth,” said Patty Toma of Ferndale, 62, who was baptized and received confirmation at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Linda and Jim Clemens of Royal Oak were admiring the architecture and history of the church as first-time visitors.
“We always attend (on Christmas), but just not here,” Linda Clemens, 73, said. She admired how Weisenburger acknowledged gift-giving and Santa Claus but stressed that Christ’s “redemptive love” should be the focus of the religious holiday.
Linda Gillium attended with her husband Rod, a member in his early years, and said she looked forward to hearing the archbishop’s message. And Rod Gillum said coming on Christmas was their way to commemorate the special day.
“I was very impressed. I really felt the spirituality in the message and it’s the right message for the times. We all need light,” Linda Gillum said.
The house of worship also impressed her with its stained glass and carvings.
Gillum said her husband “uses the term ‘special’ because he grew up here, he was an altar boy here. I was introduced to it through him as we married. And that’s why we wanted to walk around and take it all in because it brings a special light. I feel it.”
Detroit, she added, is “very fortunate to have this church. It’s unlike any other. You go around the country and you look at the various parishes — this one’s very special.”
