Posted on November 4, 2026 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
We welcome the month of November, a time that invites us to lift our eyes toward heaven, give thanks for the witness of the saints, and remember our departed loved ones with hope. May these days help us deepen our friendship with the Lord and renew our desire to walk toward Him.
On this first Sunday of November, we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. Today we honor those who already behold the face of God: the saints recognized by the Church and that great multitude of men and women whose names we do not know, but whose lives were filled with faith and love. We can think of so many ordinary people who served quietly, raised their children in the Christian faith, and remained faithful to the Lord amid their difficulties.
This celebration has ancient roots. As early as the fourth century, Christians held common celebrations honoring the martyrs. In Rome, an important milestone was Pope Boniface IV’s dedication of the Pantheon to the Virgin Mary and all the martyrs on May 13, in the year 609 or 610. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III associated the celebration of all the saints with November 1. Later, in the ninth century, Gregory IV extended this celebration throughout the Western Church. In this way, the solemnity we celebrate today gradually took shape.
But this feast also raises a personal question: Do I truly believe that God is calling me to be a saint? The Catechism teaches that all the faithful, whatever their state in life, are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity (cf. no. 2013). This vocation embraces married couples, young people, priests, workers, the sick, and the elderly. No one is excluded from God’s invitation.
Holiness begins with the grace we receive in Baptism and grows as we allow Christ to transform our hearts. To be holy means learning to love as Jesus loves: forgiving when it is difficult, fulfilling our responsibilities honestly, accompanying those who suffer, and serving without seeking recognition. The Beatitudes show us this path: a heart that is humble, merciful, pure, and willing to work for peace.
That is why we need prayer, the Eucharist, confession, and attentive listening to God’s Word. We do not become holy through our own strength. The Holy Spirit transforms us, inviting our free cooperation and daily response. Even our falls can become opportunities for growth when we return humbly to God’s mercy.
This joy is joined, on November 2, to the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. While on the first day we celebrate those who already enjoy the glory of heaven, on the second we pray for those who have died and still need purification before entering the fullness of that joy. The Church invites us to offer our prayers, works of charity, and especially the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for them (cf. Catechism, no. 1032). Visiting their graves and praying for their eternal rest are expressions of a love that remains alive in Christ.
Turning to another matter, I would like to remind you that this coming Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day. I invite everyone who is eligible and has not already voted to participate responsibly. Take time to learn about the proposals and carefully read the text and implications of any constitutional amendment appearing on your ballot. Cast your vote with a well-formed conscience and a sincere commitment to the common good. Remember that, as Catholics, we must vote NO on the proposed amendments to our state constitution.
Finally, some have asked me why the lights in our church chandeliers are not working properly. The reality is that they are very old and have reached the point where further repairs are no longer possible. The solution will be to replace their entire lighting system. This will be one of our projects for next year, and I hope I can count on your support as we continue caring for and beautifying our house of prayer.
Thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and the love with which you care for our parish. May Mary, Queen of Apostles, accompany us on the path to holiness and help us live with our eyes fixed on eternal life.
With my affection and blessing,
Fr. Diaz
