Pastor's Messages from 2025

My dear sisters and brothers, Merry Christmas! As we continue to celebrate the joy of Christmas, we turn our hearts to the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—who show us what it means to live with love, faith, and trust in God, even when life is not easy. Let us begin with a short prayer together: O Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, bless our families. Make our homes places of love, patience, and faith. Help us to care for one another and…

My beloved sisters & brothers, A Blessed Christmas to all! In the midst of our world’s darkness, a great Light has dawned. Christmas proclaims a truth our hearts long to hear: God has not abandoned His people. Into the shadows of fear, sin, grief, and weariness, the Father sends not an army or a command, but a Child. “To us a child is born, to us a son is given.” This is the miracle of Christmas—salvation received as gift, not…

My sisters and brothers, Come, Lord Jesus Christ! This year, through our St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper program, our parishes were blessed to reach more than 360 families and individuals in need—a beautiful and tangible sign of God’s love made visible through our faith community. I witnessed many generous hearts at work: parishioners offering their time, energy, and care to prepare the hampers, and our dedicated members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society serving faithfully to ensure that…

My sisters and brothers, Come, Lord Jesus Christ! This week, Holy School and St. Carlo Acutis Legacy Academy gathered as one family to celebrate our Christmas Concert, beautifully centered on the theme of Joy. What a fitting grace for a season that invites us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). From the delightful Christmas Pageant presented by our kindergarten students to the inspiring songs and dances of the older grades, the event overflowed with light, laughter, and wonder.…

My sisters and brothers, Come, Lord Jesus Christ! As we continue our Advent journey, our parish retreat with Br. Jeff reminded us of the transforming power of God’s Word, inviting us to embrace the acronym WORD—Welcome, Obey, Receive, and Do—as our guide for the season. Advent calls us to welcome the Word by making space for God amid the noise and rush of December, allowing the surprising grace that visited Mary and the shepherds to visit us as well. We…

My beloved brothers and sisters, Praise to you Lord Jesus! Last Monday at 5pm, we gathered for our annual Advent Wreath-making event at St. John Vianney Parish, welcoming families from our Catechism classes and parishioners from both Parishes in Penticton. The hall was filled with laughter, creativity, and the warm energy of families working side by side. Watching the children and parents design their wreaths—each one vibrant, unique, and full of meaning—was truly inspiring. I want to extend my heartfelt…

My beloved brothers and sisters, Praise to you Lord Jesus! This week, I witnessed a hit-and-run in a parking lot—something I never expected to see so closely. An elderly man backed out of his space, hit the car beside him, and then continued to pull away. I tried to signal to him that he had struck the other vehicle, but he simply waved as if to say, “I’m leaving,” and drove off. I’m still not sure whether he understood me…

My dear sisters and brothers, Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ! Each year on Remembrance Day, we pause to honor those who served and sacrificed for our freedom and to pray for peace in our world. It is a time to reflect on the cost of war, the gift of peace, and the courage of those who answered the call of duty. We remember to give thanks for the fallen, to acknowledge the resilience of veterans, and to learn from…

My dear beloved brothers and sisters, Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ! Every year in November I do a blessings of the graves. This year I missed it because of the fundraiser for Seton House of Prayer in Kelowna. Our two Deacons, Peter and Dale, did it on my behalf. A cemetery visit is a spiritual practice and a traditional act of love, in honoring and respecting our deceased loved ones by praying or simply sitting in quiet remembrance with…

My beloved brothers and sisters, Praise to you Lord Jesus! A parishioner asked me about “halloween,” and in my research, I found that it originates from the Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of summer and the harvest. Then, in the 8th century Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as “All Saints Day,” honoring all saints; the preceding evening became “All Hallows Eve.” November 2 was later established as “All Souls Day” to honor the dead; remembering the deceased.…