I want to let the parish know about some very happy news. The priest of the Coptic Catholic community in Nashville, Fr. Saied, is now living here at Holy Rosary. He moved in last week. You may see him around the parish, and you will probably even see him from time to time at Mass. You will be sure to be greeted warmly when you do meet him. Even his name in Arabic means “happy.” It certainly fits him! He has graciously offered to help me with duties in the parish when he is able to, in addition to serving his own community. We welcome him to Holy Rosary.
The Coptic Church traces its roots to St. Mark in Alexandria, Egypt. It is therefore a very ancient Christian community. Most Coptic Christians are Orthodox, but there are also Catholic Copts. This is the community that Fr. Saied serves here in Nashville. The community meets for liturgy in one of the chapels in the Catholic Pastoral Center on McGavock Pike so living at Holy Rosary is very convenient. There are families from Father’s community whose children are in Holy Rosary Academy so we already have many connections. I know that you join me in welcoming Fr. Saied!