Dear Brothers and Sisters,

When considering the history of the nations of the world, the United States is a very young country. This July Fourth marks only 249 years from the signing of our Declaration of Independence, where the 13 American colonies initially established by Great Britain declared their independence to the world. But even though we are considered a young nation, there are already many Americans who have been recognized by the Catholic Church as canonized saints and blesseds, and it is important to remember that the Catholic Faith came to America long before our Declaration of Independence was signed. In many ways, our beautifully decorated apse in St. Bernadette Church tells the story of our nation through the lives of our American Catholic saints who contributed to making this great nation what it is today.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Church is blessed to celebrate this special Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ also known as Corpus Christi. So what are we celebrating? Today we celebrate the fact that Jesus is the Bread of Life. The Gospel reminds us that Christ feeds multitudes with bread. In the Mass, Our Lord feeds us with His own Body and Blood! Christ Himself gave us the Eucharist on the night of the Last Supper.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As human beings, we need one another. We are united as God’s children. We are family. As such, it is good to understand that being a beloved child of God the Most High, we are called to seek a holy and lifegiving relationship with God and one another. Since each of us is created in the image and likeness of God, we are able to be a sacred reflection of the Most Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Today’s Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity celebrates the most powerful mystery of who God is as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As I give thanks to Our Lord for calling me to follow Him as a priest, my heart is filled with gratitude to God for my loving and supportive parents, my amazing brother and sisters, their devoted spouses and energetic children, my devout grandparents, cousins, friends, teachers, students, parishioners, brother priests, deacons, religious; and others, all who have blessed me and supported me throughout my life.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, which is something that is beyond comprehension. First, Our Lord triumphs over death and sin through His resurrection and now we celebrate His glorious ascension to the Father! With all that in mind, one can forget the important words that Our Lord left us before His return to Heaven. Jesus entrusted His disciples with a mission to spread the Gospel. In this great commission, Our Lord invites all to believe in Him and join Him in the of work of going “into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk. 16:15-16).

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I have tremendous respect and pastoral concern for those who have stepped forward to defend our country. Some carry the wounds of war for the rest of their lives, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They deserve our prayers, respect, and service.

Observing Memorial Day is a way of recognizing the ultimate sacrifice men and women have offered in protecting and defending our freedom. What we remember and honor on Memorial Day is heroic sacrifice, much like we honor martyrs in the Church. We acknowledge those who nobly gave of themselves, unto death, for a purpose that was greater than themselves.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We are in the month of May, a month when Catholics traditionally pray for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Of all the talk about what popes have had in common and what separates them, it seems that devotion to Our Lady is an essential aspect of the spirituality of many popes throughout history.

Popes have promoted Marian devotion through various means, including writing encyclicals, Apostolic Letters, proclaiming dogmas, and visiting Marian shrines throughout the world. Mary is a comfort and a guide to Her Son Jesus Christ. Let’s look at the most recent popes and their Marian devotion.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“The most important person on earth is a mother. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral—a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body… The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. Only a human mother can. Mothers are closer to God the Creator than any other creature; God joins forces with mothers in performing this act of creation… What on God’s good earth is more glorious than this; to be a mother?” - József Cardinal Mindszenty

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In the Catholic Church, the month of May is dedicated to Our Blessed Mother. The May crowning is an act of popular devotion in honor of our Blessed Mother that is repeated every year as an expression of our love for Our Lady, and it is usually done during the month of May. Perhaps you or someone you know has some confusion about Mary and the role she has in our life.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The beauty of the Catholic faith is our emphasis on Divine Mercy. God’s mercy is available in abundance. No matter how great our sins, the mercy of God is greater than our sins. Just look at King David (who committed adultery and murder). Look at Peter, who denied Jesus three times, or the good thief, St. Dismas who asked for mercy from the cross. What about the Prodigal Son who wasted his inheritance and dishonored his father? These are just a few examples of the many sinners who called upon the mercy of God. Our Lord wishes us to recognize that His Mercy is greater than our sins so that we call upon Him with trust, receive His Mercy and share that mercy with others.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Happy Easter to all of you and a special welcome to all of our visitors! I pray as you celebrate Easter Mass with us that you may come to know the peace of God in your hearts now and always. You are always welcome to come and to thank God for His many blessings, most especially His Son who has risen from the dead and offers forgiveness for our sins! I find that people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and loneliness may have a difficult time relating to God. That relationship with God can be restored through His mercy.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Welcome to Holy Week! Today we begin the holiest week of the year for the Catholic Church. This week, the Church commemorates Christ’s death and burial. Ancient writers called this the Great or Holy Week of Our Lord’s Passion. The custom of keeping the Holy Week goes all the way back to the time of the Apostles. When the early Christians spoke about Jesus to others, they started with the Passion of Our Lord. Scholars believe that the Passion of Our Lord spread before the other parts of the Gospel were even written down. The Passion of Our Lord is really the starting point for building our relationship with Jesus.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Maybe you have heard the critique that is lodged against Catholic parishes that goes something like this: “I went to Mass at that parish for many years and no one even said hello to me.” One could ask why an isolated person didn’t say hello either. But still, hospitality is an essential charism for any community that wishes to grow and flourish! I have heard from many visitors how blessed they felt by the warm welcome that they have received at St. Bernadette. Whether it be by the usher who welcomed them at the doors of the church, or a parishioner who welcomed them as they sat down, or at The Grotto for some coffee while looking for that perfect gift.