Posted on May 2, 2025 View all Pastor's Letter
Dear brothers and sisters in Jesus and Mary,
We have embarked on the sacred month of May, a time dedicated to honoring the virtues of our beloved Mother Mary. As Catholic Christians, our devotion to Our Lady is of utmost importance, for she, as a mother, continually intercedes for us, her children. Saint John Bosco’s words echo in our hearts, ‘devotion and love for Mary Most Holy is a protection and a powerful weapon against the devil’s snares.’ Let us, therefore, intensify our prayers this month, especially with the Holy Rosary, and place all our intentions at the feet of our Mother.
Today, the Gospel shows us the risen Jesus meeting his disciples again amid their daily tasks. The story takes us by the Sea of Tiberias. After the events of the Passion, Peter and the others have returned to fishing. They have worked all night without success. And it is precisely there, amid their tiredness and frustration that Jesus makes himself present. This scene teaches us that Christ doesn’t limit himself to appearing in extraordinary moments but encounters us in our daily lives, work, efforts, and toils. He transforms our emptiness into abundance, just as He transformed the fruitless catch into a full net. The most beautiful thing is to see how Jesus doesn’t reproach Peter for his denials but asks him: “Do you love me?” He doesn’t ask for explanations; He only asks for love. Because what sustains our faith and mission is not perfection but a sincere love for Christ. Let us ask today for the grace to love Jesus more and to demonstrate that love by joyfully serving our brothers and sisters.
This past week, we as a Church have mourned the death of Pope Francis, a Pope who carried out his pontificate differently but who, in that difference, marked the Church and left a legacy that will endure for a long time. Perhaps we don’t value or understand it now, but the Church will surely appreciate it much more in the future. Now, after these nine days of mourning and prayer, the Church invites us to pray for the election of a new successor to Peter. May the Holy Spirit choose a new shepherd to guide and direct the Church and, above all, to confirm our faith. Just as Jesus confirmed Peter’s faith in this Sunday’s Gospel and asked him to shepherd the sheep, the new Pope may do the same for everyone. The conclave will begin this coming Wednesday, May 7th. Let us join in prayer for this intention. We will likely have a new Pope by next week. May the Holy Spirit enlighten the cardinal electors in this spiritual and historical process.
Changing the context, we have noticed that lately, some parishioners have come to leave items they no longer use in the vestibule, such as clothes, books, and even a metal bench to sit on last week. The vestibule is not a place to leave items that, in most cases, we have to throw away because they are no longer usable. I would appreciate your asking us if we can use them. Please call or come to the parish office.
I can’t help but invite all golfers to register for our third parish Queen’s Cup tournament. The tournament will be held on the 15th of this month at Westfields Golf Club, starting at 8:00 am. The funds raised from this tournament will support our school and parish. You can also become one of our sponsors. For more information, contact the parish office or visit our website.
Happy Easter!
Fr. Diaz
