March 12, 2010
Hundreds of Scouts honored at religious emblems ceremony
Parents and family members of Scouts being honored from Our Lady of the Greenwood Parish in Greenwood snap photos as Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger greets the Scouts. (Photo by Brandon A. Evans) Click for a larger version.
By BRANDON A. EVANS (The Criterion)
Hundreds of boys, girls, men and women — all involved in Scouting — gathered at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis on Feb. 28 to be honored for their dedication to the Catholic faith.
The annual religious emblems ceremony included songs, readings from Scripture, a homily, and the blessing and presentation of scouting awards to those who have earned them during the last year.
The religious emblems, which vary from Boy Scouts to Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Webel-os, honor hard work and the living of Catholic values.
This year is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America.
Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger of the Diocese of Evansville presided over the ceremony, and also blessed the religious emblems and medals. The bishop is the episcopal liaison to the National Catholic Committee on Scouting.
“Bless these awards,” he said, his hands outstretched over a large table filled with cases and envelopes. “May they always be a sign of peoples’ striving to grow in faith. And may they represent our commitment to learn continually your divine truth and serve lovingly all your people.”
Before handing out the honors, Bishop Gettelfinger reflected on the Gospel reading for the event, which retold the parable of the faithful steward who, being given five talents, multiplied them for his master (Mt 25:14-30).
Through a series of questions and images, the bishop had the young people reflect on the five senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.
“Those are the five talents you’ve been given,” he said. “Those are the five talents that you’re going to be held accountable for at the end of time.”
We are called not to abuse our senses, he said, but instead to make the most of them and enjoy them.
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