Pastor’s Messages

What a surprise it was to me to hear that the new Pope was from the United States. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became Pope Leo XIV. He is the 267th Bishop of Rome. He is also the first Augustinian Pope (meaning he was a religious priest like Pope Francis was a Jesuit priest, also religious). He was born in Chicago, his father is of French and Italian descent, and his mother of Spanish descent. He spent many years as a…

As you know the conclave begins on the 7th of May. By next Sunday we will have the name of the 267th Pope in the history of our church. I am very excited about the new Pope and who he will be. This is going to be the biggest conclave (133 cardinals attending) as two eligible cardinals will not be their on account of their health problems. When the conclave enters the Sistine Chapel to elect the successor to Peter’s…

Today we celebrate the Sunday of Divine Mercy. Too many of us are suspicious of mercy because we do not understand it. We pit mercy against justice. We think justice means holding people responsible, so mercy means not holding them responsible. No consequences! This is a perverse distortion both of mercy and of justice. Mercy is not opposed to justice. Properly understood, mercy promotes justice. When you see people suffering injustice, and you want to help them to see things…

My dear brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1: 3) Now, Lent is over and it is time to celebrate the victory of Jesus over death. May the joy of Jesus’ Resurrection fill our hearts and urge us to share…

My dear friends, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. The Palm branches, are a traditional and universal image that speaks of the joyful celebration; the heartfelt welcome to the coming of the most awaited one. Men, women and children who, for centuries have been patiently awaiting the coming of the promised Messiah, spill out in full force onto the streets, bidding welcome to Jesus, “who comes in the name of the Lord.” It also commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry…

My dear friends, Praise be Jesus Christ now and forever! My dear beloved sisters and brothers, I wanted to ask you, my sisters and brothers about your experiences this week. Did God surprise you or challenge you? Nowadays, people are experiencing “indifference”. Indifference, also known as apathy, is a lack of interest, concern, or enthusiasm, resulting in a feeling of detachment or unconcern for something or someone. I experienced that “indifference” this week. While I was walking my dogs at…

My dear friends, Praise be Jesus Christ now and forever! As you know, I just came back from my holidays, and some of you asked me, “How’s your holiday?” “Where did I go?” etc. Honestly, it was one of the best holidays. I had the opportunity to reflect on my life’s journey; God’s calling & mission, God’s goodness & love and God’s mercy & compassion. It was an occasion for me; to listen to more on audiobooks, podcast, watch some…

Pope Francis, from his sick bed has asked all Bishops of the world to promote the vision of the recent Synod gathering in Rome for the future of the parishes. This is an enormous step forward for the Church. All of us as members of parishes are part of the mission of the Church and if we can believe that and take our “baptism” seriously we can make a real blessing to the people of the world. It has to…

What do parishioners think or dream about this time of Lent – to enrich our souls and the mission of the Church in today’s world? May this 40 days be a great blessing to all of us. Are you eager to work with Jesus in building a better world, so that it can listen to His Church and His Gospel of peace for all? How would you describe who Jesus is in your life? This question can be a great…

My beloved sisters and brothers Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!  As we start our 40-days Lenten journey this question will always come out: What are you giving up for Lent? For me, this question leads me to reflect on how I would spend my 40 days of Lent and what can I add more to deepen my relationship to Jesus. “Giving up” things this Season of Lent, is to remind us of the pain and suffering Jesus experienced at…