This coming Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Dedication of our Church. This important annual celebration is an opportunity to rejoice in the presence of God who continually “dwells in his holy temple” that is in our church of St Bernadette. The physical solidity of our church reflects the permanence and abiding protection of the Almighty as reflected in today’s psalm: “God is for us a refuge and strength … we shall not fear though the earth should rock, though the mountains quake to the heart of the sea.” A Latin antiphon often used on this day has become a traditional “motto” of the Oratory of St Philip, reminding us how we ourselves should honour this place: Domus mea, domus orationis vocabitur, “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” (cf. Matt. 21:13) Finally, the word of God to the prophet Haggai rings out on this day: “The glory of this new Temple is going to surpass the old, says the Lord of hosts, and in this place I will give peace.” (Haggai 2:9)
Note that on this feast the readings at Mass are taken from the 9th November, marked towards the back of both Sunday and Daily Missals as “The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica”.