Posted on September 6, 2024 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear Parishioners,
Today, the liturgy leads us to contemplate the healing of a man who was “deaf and had difficulty
speaking” (Mk 7:32). As in many other miracles, the Lord accompanies the miracle with a series of
external gestures. In this event, the Fathers of the Church see the mediating participation of Jesus’
Humanity in His miracles. A mediation that takes place in two directions: on the one hand, the “lowering”
and closeness of the Incarnate Word to us, manifested in the touch of His fingers, the depth of His gaze,
His sweet and close voice; on the other hand, the attempt to awaken in man trust, faith and conversion of
heart. The healings of the sick that Jesus performs go far beyond merely alleviating pain or restoring
health. They aim to achieve in those whom He loves the breaking away from blindness, deafness, or the
stagnant immobility of the spirit. And, ultimately, a true communion of faith and love. Let us allow
ourselves to be touched by the Lord, by His love and mercy, which help us transform our lives.
Last Thursday, September 5, we marked a significant milestone in our diocese’s history-the Golden
Jubilee, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its foundation. It was a magnificent celebration, splendid in its
liturgy and with much decorum and dedication. In this celebratory environment, all the priests and a
significant number of faithful also participated in the dedication of the new altar of our Cathedral, which,
by the way, looks splendid, as a cathedral traditionally should be. The Cathedral is the diocese’s main
church or mother church; it is the seat of the Bishop from where he instructs, preaches, and teaches his
faithful. The word is derived from the Greek kathedra through the Latin cathedra, throne, and elevated
seat. The Cathedral is, therefore, a sign of unity of the diocese, a place where the most sublime and sacred
act of the Bishop is fulfilled, manifested in the celebration of the liturgy that he presides, the
sanctification of the people, the worship, and the glory of God. The Cathedral is also a sign of the
magisterium and the power of the diocese pastor. I invite you to visit our new Cathedral when you have a
space and to understand all the catechesis manifested in each of the altars and stained glass windows it
represents.
I also ask for your prayers, this Monday the 9th, we begin our pilgrimage to the Marian sanctuaries in
Portugal, France, and Spain. This pilgrimage is a deeply spiritual journey where we will visit the places
where our Mother Mary has appeared. I will be away from the parish for ten days; be assured that I will
keep you in my prayers during this journey of faith, just as I entrust myself to your prayers. We will be 43
pilgrims, primarily parishioners, who will visit these sacred places. For me, it is always a special grace to
be able to be in these sacred places, and I invite you to join me in spirit through your prayers.
Finally, I ask you to pray for our sick brothers and sisters. There are many who, due to their health or age,
cannot attend the Sunday Eucharist. For them, we offer the Holy Mass at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday, and
the Extraordinary Ministers, a group of dedicated parishioners who have been trained and commissioned
for this service, usually very devoutly bring Communion to their homes. Also, please let us know if
someone has a family member with health problems. Father Ramón is in charge of this ministry, and I
know that he dedicates all his effort and sacrifice to this blessed work.
Let us unite in a powerful bond of prayer, interceding for one another and for those in need. Our
collective prayers are a source of strength and comfort, uniting us in our faith and love for one another.
Fr. Alex
