MAHOPAC- In Catholic tradition, the blessing of Easter baskets, or “Swieconka,” is a Holy Saturday ritual where families bring baskets of food to church to be blessed, symbolizing the end of Lent and the joy of Christ’s Resurrection.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of the New York Diocese, traveled to Mahopac Saturday and at the invitation of St. John’s Church Pastor Father Szymon Kurpios led a prayer service during which he blessed hundreds of baskets and bags filled with holiday fare brought to the parish by some 750 worshippers who filled the church overlooking Lake Mahopac.
Cardinal Dolan described St. John’s as a “church universal by welcoming people from around the world speaking many languages including Polish, Albanian, Spanish and others. Today is a sign of God’s lavish generosity to us with his mercy and grace and hope for spring. It also reminds us that the Lord feeds not only our bellies but our heart and soul.”
The baskets were adorned with ribbons and lined with white cloth, holding symbolic foods representing the end of Lent and the joy of the Resurrection. Cardinal Dolan’s humor became evident while walking through the parish blessing the baskets by sprinkling them with holy water and offering prayers when he came upon a large box of Reese’s Pieces. With his infectious smile and a broad grin, the high priest picked up the sweet treats and motioned to place them in his gown to which the congregation burst into laughter.
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