In the heartland of America, the mighty Mississippi runs deep
Upon her banks, pioneers and immigrants harnessed the falls of St. Anthony,
Turning water into electricity and wheat into flour.
With work came faith, with flowing water came finest wine
With bread came the Eucharist.
Sons of German farmers shaped stone and glass into St. Boniface
Proud Poles built the mighty church of the Holy Crossing
“The” Strong Slavs remembered St. Cyril and dedicated him a church
Descendants of French Voyageurs honored Our Lady at Lourdes
Daughters of Ukraine baked pierogis and shaped the beautiful St. Constantine
The fruits of Lebanon turned cedar wood into St. Maron’s.
Today, French African immigrants and hardworking Hispanics join the great
Grandsons of Bavaria and Granddaughters of Italy in a new generation’s
Chorus to praise an ancient Church.
And, at our Lady of Mount Carmel, God’s special children,
Our deaf brothers and sisters,
Honor God not with their tongues but with their hands.
Work combined with faith, duty to God and America,
Loyalty to church and family
These values built the Eastside of Minneapolis.
May the Eastside of Minneapolis always remember the Lord who made the Mississippi River run
May the Eastside of Minneapolis always honor the Lord who made the mouths of many nations
Worship together one God and join together in the great feast of the Eucharist.
May the Eastside of Mississippi always welcome the stranger with Christ,
And respect the worker who seeks a better life with dignity.
Cain Pence is a native of the eastside of Minneapolis. He is a graduate of Georgetown University and is a member of St. Boniface in northeast Minneapolis. Pence is a salesman and has travelled extensively throughout all 50 states. The place he loves the most is the eastside of Minneapolis. He wrote this short prayer to honor the Catholic immigrant spirit found alive and well there.
December 15, 2015
From the Pews