Pastoral Letter Blog
Pastoral Letter Blog
Dear Brothers and Sisters, This weekend, we will hear the story of the prodigal son—a story familiar to us all. However, I would like to share a few insights with you as we reflect on this powerful parable. A few years ago, while meditating on this passage, I began to wonder why the father would give his money to his son. Perhaps the natural reaction would be to refuse or to send the son away empty-handed. If we were in his shoes, we might think, "Who does this rebellious son of mine think he is, demanding the money I earned through hard work and leaving us behind? If he wants to leave, he knows where the door is." However, that is not the attitude of this father. It took me a while to understand how the father could so gently give his money to his son and allow him to leave. I am no philosopher or theologian, but it seems the father understands that love cannot be forced. Love is an act of the will, and without freedom, there is no love. This principle underlies the gift of free will that God has given us. Despite everything God provides—a world we did not create, families given to us, and the gift of salvation through Christ—we remain free to take our blessings and walk away. In the face of our stubbornness, God can do nothing but love us. Just as the father left the door open for his son's return, God always leaves a door open for us to return to Him. Another element to consider in this story is that the son may have been deceived. We are quick to judge him, but we often fail to understand what led him to make such a drastic decision. What might have influenced him to leave everything behind? Was it the persuasion of friends turning him against his family? Did the allure of worldly pleasures make him believe he would find greater happiness elsewhere? Or perhaps he felt useless in his father's house—comparing himself to his brother or believing he was such a disappointment that he no longer belonged. These inner struggles are difficult to understand, and I realize it is becoming increasingly challenging to comprehend the thoughts of today's youth. Their understanding of reality often differs greatly from our own, making them more vulnerable to feelings of exclusion. The pressures they face—to act or appear a certain way—can become overwhelmingly burdensome. This parable also invites us to be less judgmental of others. If you knew the prodigal son and his family, what would you have said to him as he walked away? Many of us might have spoken harshly or dismissed him. Yet, how would we react if we only encountered him on his return? It is the same person, but our responses would likely be very different. This story reminds us to approach others with compassion and understanding, no matter where they are on their journey. Finally, I would like to reflect on the pivotal moment when the son decided to return home. He endured great suffering and lost everything he had. The weight of shame must have been immense. Yet, nothing prevented him from returning to his house. Deep within, he knew his father would welcome him. I hope we all share this same trust in God's mercy. There is always an opportunity to confess our sins and return to the Father's house. Like the prodigal son, let us rise, leave behind the land of darkness, and speak to the Father. We know how He will receive us—with open arms and the joyous feast of the fattened calf, which ultimately points to the gift of His only Son, Jesus Christ. May we never hesitate to return to the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father. Please consider attending one of our Wednesday Jubilee talks, as we will be covering some of these topics in our upcoming talks. We also have adoration everyday 6:00pm-7:00pm with the opportunity to go to confession with various priests as well. God Bless, Fr. Steven
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Have you ever felt the weight of past mistakes pressing down on your heart, leading to sadness or hopelessness? The sacrament of confession, also known as reconciliation, offers a transformative path toward healing and renewal. As a priest, I assure you, our focus in confession is not on remembering your sins but on offering God’s forgiveness and guiding you back to the light. I want to share with you how to prepare for and experience the grace of confession. The first step is recognizing that Christ entrusted His apostles, beginning with Peter, with the authority to forgive sins. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (Jn 20:23). This power, given to Peter and passed down through the bishops, has been entrusted to us priests. We act in Christ’s name to offer forgiveness. As St. Augustine reminds us, “The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works” (Sermon 13.1). St. John Chrysostom also teaches, “Let us not be ashamed to confess our sins, but let us be ashamed of our sins” (Homily 3 on Matthew). This sacrament invites us to acknowledge our failings, that God may heal and renew us. Preparing for confession is an act of humility and grace. As we approach the sacrament, we should ask the Holy Spirit for help. The Holy Spirit comforts us, dispels our fears, and leads us back to God with hope. Like the prodigal son returning home, we too can experience the embrace of our Heavenly Father. Sin separates us from God, but reconciliation through confession restores us to Him. This sacrament is aptly named because it heals the rift caused by sin and restores our relationship with God. The process begins with an examination of conscience. Reflect prayerfully on your actions since your last confession. You can use guides available on our website under the sacraments section to help recall your sins. Whether you focus on the Ten Commandments or the Seven Deadly Sins, the goal is to remember your sins as best as you can. As St. Ambrose said, “Confession is the way to freedom.” Reflecting on our sins is not an exercise in shame, but an opportunity for growth. It’s natural to feel remorse, but we should also be grateful for the grace of recognizing our faults and the opportunity to be forgiven. With a resolve to abandon sin, we are then ready to approach the sacrament. If you have not confessed in a while, I recommend scheduling an appointment. This will give you time to reflect and prepare. When you come to confession, begin with the sign of the cross and say, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been ___ amount of time since my last confession, and these are my sins.” You may also share your marital status and whether you have children living with you, so the priest can best serve you. When confessing, there is no need to go into explicit detail—simply name the sin and its frequency. If you have forgotten any sins, say, “For these sins and the ones I don’t remember, I am sorry.” The priest will offer words of encouragement and may assign a penance. This penance is not a punishment, but a way to heal spiritually and undo the damage caused by sin. It strengthens you to resist sin in the future. Afterward, you will say the Act of Contrition: “O my God, I am sorry for my sins. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.” As St. Teresa of Avila reminds us, “The one who has been forgiven much loves much.” Finally, the priest will pronounce the words of absolution in the person of Christ: “I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” With this, your sins are forgiven, and you are made new, filled with joy and peace. As St. John Paul II said, “Confession is the door through which we enter into the embrace of God’s mercy.” Confessions are available here at the parish Monday through Friday from 6 to 7pm (along with adoration), Saturdays from 1–3 pm (in the lower church), or by scheduling an appointment at the office. May you experience the peace and freedom that come with reconciliation, and may your hearts be filled with renewed hope as you begin anew. God Bless, Fr. Steven
Dear Brothers and Sisters, When we die, how do you want to be remembered? What will people say about our character? I’m not sure if you ever had this thought. Certainly we have spoken about others. Now, how will God remember our lives? What will Christ speak of us? What must we do to change the course of our lives? Quite often, I meet a lot of people who are good people. They are good spouses, parents, and children. However, do they resemble God in their lives? Do people see their faces glowing? Are they slow to anger and quick to forgive? Do they have an intimate life with Christ in prayer and sacrament? We are not called to be good people. Our calling is to be a saint, and to bear the image of Christ in our lives. This weekend we hear the passage of the transfiguration. Peter sees the glory of God as this dazzling white light. It is the same light that the women see in the angels announcing the resurrection. Moses after seeing God on Mt. Sinai, would also have this glow on his face. Some of the saints are also said to have this same glow of the love of God when caring for others. One good starting point is to look at the corporal works of mercy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes it “consists especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.”(CCC2447). Jesus Christ says that when we clothe the naked, visit those in prison, feed the hungry, it is Christ himself that we help (Mt 25:31-40). Now there are many ways to be charitable towards others. Here in the Church (on the side of the church) we have the community fridge, where it is a great way to feed the hungry. Have you ever considered cooking dinner for an extra person and putting it out there? Or even take from what is yours and share it with them? It is not a matter of giving the leftovers, or even things that you don’t like. You can fast from candy, cookies, or chocolate and share it with them. Those in need also enjoy good things. You can also contribute to Our Father’s Table and the food pantry, which also accepts donations of clothes. Imagine if our effort could reach out to people not just in Marlboro, but throughout the whole Archdiocese of Boston. The Catholic Appeal is a way to help those in need on a larger scale, from the poor, to priests, those getting married, prison ministry, struggling parishes, and so many other ways. I have seen firsthand the impact of this campaign. It is amazing what can be done with so little. If we do so much with so little, how much more could we do with more? This weekend, the 2025 Catholic Appeal will officially launch here in our parish and across our Archdiocese. As your pastor, I hope and encourage you to join me in making a gift to this year’s Catholic Appeal. As we celebrate the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, our participation in the Catholic Appeal signifies an important way that we can share Christ’s promise, care, and love with others. For those who have already made a gift, please know that I am deeply grateful. We are hoping to have a strong participation from our parish! Our goal this year is $ 55,500, of which we already have 27% of it. Please pray during this week for God to speak to you and help your heart to be generous next week in our pledges. Thank you for moving us “Forward in Faith”! God Bless, Fr. Steven
Dear Brothers and Sisters, It’s the most wonderful time of the year — I’m so excited for Lent this year! Lent is more than just a time when we give up our treats; it’s an opportunity to fall in love with the Lord all over again. It’s a time for deepening our relationship with Him and with one another. The traditional Lenten practices of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are meant to help us do just that. But how do we live them out? What do each of these practices truly mean? Every Christian is called to follow in the steps of Jesus, which means that, like Him, we will experience both passion and resurrection. Included in this journey is the experience of temptation, just as Jesus faced temptations. The first temptation we hear about in the Gospel this Sunday is the devil’s offer for Jesus to turn stones into bread. According to the Fathers of the Church, this temptation is about avoiding suffering. After fasting for 40 days, Jesus was hungry. The devil took advantage of this by offering Jesus the chance to end His suffering by filling His belly with bread. But we know that bread is not the true source of life. While it satisfies us for a time, we will hunger again. I often think of how children sometimes fill up on junk food and then have no appetite for their main meals. The solution is to resist the snacks, and in time, real hunger will return for what nourishes us. In the same way, Lent is a time for us to fast and discover our true hunger for the Lord. Whatever source of comfort, peace, or joy you turn to outside of God, consider fasting from it. This could be something like coffee, chocolate, gossip, or complaining. Jesus invites us to hunger for Him — to discover that He is the TRUE BREAD FROM HEAVEN! Instead of spending time on screens, playing games or watching shows, take time to read and meditate on the Passion of Christ. Read the Bible. If you don’t know where to start, consider using the free subscription to Formed.org (just sign up as a parishioner, then enter the Marlboro ZIP code, and our parish name will appear). This site offers a wealth of resources, from audiobooks to movies about saints, meditations, and even content for children. The second temptation in Matthew’s Gospel is idolatry. I once heard a definition of idolatry that helped me understand it better: “Idolatry is anything outside of God where we seek happiness.” This could be affection from family members, money, possessions, sports, drinking, or anything else. The devil tries to deceive us, offering to fill what’s missing in our lives and make us happy. But Christ responds that only God is worthy of our worship and adoration. We, too, are invited to adore the Lord. Starting this week, we will have daily adoration — from 6:30-7:30 AM in the Lower Church and 6:00pm-7:00 PM in the Upper Church. God wants to give you what will truly make you happy — Himself. After adoration, we will also offer talks and confession from 7:00pm-8:00 PM in the Upper Church on Wednesdays. In the third temptation, the devil tries to convince Jesus that He could be different from the way God made Him. He could achieve fame and power instantly, but Jesus chooses to remain faithful to God’s plan for His life. He puts God first, accepting the fragility of His own earthly existence. We, too, can follow Jesus by putting God first in our lives. One way to do this is through almsgiving. Almsgiving isn’t just about giving away spare change; it’s about choosing God over worldly comforts. For instance, instead of buying that coffee, you could give the money away to someone in need. Here in Marlboro, many people are struggling, and we’re giving out piggy banks this weekend at church to help you collect money for those in need. All the proceeds will go to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP), which desperately needs support to provide for those suffering. Almsgiving can also involve giving your time and talent. Consider greeting people at church or reaching out to others in your life. Take time to pray for them. Let us all choose to put love of God and our neighbor as top priority in our lives. Lastly, I encourage you to participate in our Trilingual Bingo on Saturday, March 22nd . It will be a wonderful opportunity for the whole parish to come together and show love for one another. Let’s make this Lenten season a time of deep transformation as we draw closer to the Lord. God Bless, Fr. Steven
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Church is not about “me”…it is about “us”…at least it should be. In a recent conversation this topic came up. We all know about it, however, we don’t do anything to change it. We walk into church, we smile to those around us, and we sit, we say our prayers, and leave. Maybe when we leave, we smile back at that person and that’s it. Look how many people have been sitting next to you for years and you still don’t know their names. You know who they are, but you don’t KNOW them. Isn't that true? If so, what can we do to change it? Maybe it is time to come out of our comfort zone. Maybe this would be a good Lenten practice. In 1979 Pope Saint John Paul II visited the US shortly after becoming pope. In one of his speeches, he said that in the modern world, especially in cities, there is a tendency to anonymity. There is no longer a community, but rather a collection of individuals. He opposed that view urging the Church to become a community where individuals are not just faceless members of society, but are known, loved, and valued by God. The only way to accomplish this is through getting to know each other. There are many new faces in the Church recently that I’m afraid are not welcomed by those sitting next to them. It is not only a matter of social ethics, but why wouldn’t we welcome someone new who comes to our house? I just hope they don’t dare to sit on your spot. But, again, why wouldn’t we give our place to someone who feels a bit lost and afraid of taking someone’s seat. Let us welcome them and help them to make IC their new home. I would like to share a story with you of how this happened here at the parish. There was a man who always came by himself and sat at the same pew next to a couple who also came by themselves. One day this couple reached out to him and asked his name. Since then, they became “pew-mates,” and there a friendship was formed. This couple also reached out to the family sitting in front of them, and more friendships were formed. So much so, that they became almost a big family, participating in each other’s important moments. Recently, he passed away. He was not a stranger or anonymous. Them, along with a couple of other people were the only ones who showed up at his funeral. Isn’t that sad? Shouldn’t more people have participated in his life? This is one story, but I dare to assume that this is the case with most of us. Let this be our Lenten Mission here at IC. Let us get to know our pew-mates and beyond. Starting this week, WHEN YOU COME TO CHURCH, GREET AND INTRODUCE YOURSELVES TO THOSE AROUND YOU even if you have to slide a couple of feet to talk to the person at the end of the pew. Let us no longer be a collection of individuals who come to the same place to do the same thing. Instead, let us become a community of brothers & sisters and not strangers. You never know what kind of friendships would be formed. Maybe you get to know a person who one day will be the governor, a nun, the pope, or even a saint. And you can contribute to their journey fulfilling their mission. Lastly, I would like to encourage you to take advantage of the upcoming Jubilee talks we will have this upcoming year. We will begin on Wednesday March 12th 7-8pm. Check the website for more updates! We will have a tab with the information about Jubilee activities. God Bless, Fr. Steven
Dear Brothers and Sisters, This week’s readings urge us to love our neighbors. It is certainly not easy, but not impossible either. Let us reflect on what God is asking us and how we can do it. The greatest and most important tenet of our faith, and the first commandment is to love God and Him alone. The other day someone came to my office asking how we can love God. There are many ways to love God, talking to Him, listening to what He has to tell us, and putting into practice what He revealed to us. Another way we have to love God is to love everything that he created and to love Him in other people. Sometimes we don’t see God in other people. We forget that every single person was created in His image and likeness. Therefore, God can be seen in each person. Surely if we look at a person’s actions, we might not see God. However, He is present in that person in one way or another. Then, it flows from there what Christ will tell us what the other commandment is, “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt22:39) One important observation is that these are not merely laws or suggestions which we can follow or break. The Jews see the 10 commandments as the “words of Life.” That is, these are the words that give us (eternal) life. Sometimes we understand only the legality of the law. We don’t understand the spirit through which it was passed onto us. A father does not have to create a law for his children saying that it is wrong to stick the finger into a power outlet. He teaches his children that it will hurt them if they do that. God in his pedagogy with the people of Israel and by extension with ourselves, he also teaches us what to do and what to avoid. These teachings that are meant to help lead us to heaven are handed down to us through the optic of the legal/judiciary mentality of the Roman Law. It is no longer a matter of doing the will of God or following the path to holiness, but rather to follow the dictate of the law. Returning to the original topic of our reflection, we can now read that through a different way. The love of the other person, it is no longer a matter of personal preference, but rather, it is a path to salvation. It is interesting to observe that Christ will say to “love” one another. He never said that we have to like other people. Then he adds on, love “as I have loved you.” (Jn 13:34). Here we qualify what kind of love we are to give, that is, the same that we have received. Then the moment that we understand that by loving each other is the path to salvation, why should we not do it? What could prevent us from loving the other? Of course, to love the people that love us is easy, and to love the ones that are good to us is also natural. However, what about loving the people that persecute, hurt, and despise us? Let us look at St. Stephen while he is being stoned, or St Paul as he writes to the persecuted Christian community of Rome “bless those who persecute you.” (12:14). There are so many other testimonies of countless Christians that showed love to their executioners. Then, again, why should we not follow their example? One may add that he does not have the graces or he is not a saint like them, which is a valid response. I insist on asking the same question, what prevents us from being like them? We were all created in the same image and likeness of God. We all received the same Holy Spirit. We all received the same blessings through the sacraments. In this Jubilee year, God wants to give many special graces. These graces are all means to help us to go to heaven by putting into practice that which God has called us. That is why we will be doing many activities this year to help flourish the graces in us and reject sin and the disordered desire for worldly things. I would even dare to say that God allows difficult people in our lives as a way to help us, not the contrary. In the life of St. Therese of Lisieux, we learn how challenging her mother superior was and how providential she was to make her a saint. Then, starting in Lent, we invite you to come to adoration and take advantage of the sacrament of confession Monday, Wednesday, Friday in English, Tuesday in Spanish, Thursday in Portuguese (Monday to Friday 6-7pm). We are also preparing talks every week where everyone is welcome to attend. God Bless, Fr. Steven
Dear Brothers and Sisters, I hope these recent bulletins have helped you look forward to this Jubilee Year. Many exciting events are coming up to help us receive the special graces that this year offers. Before diving into what we, as a parish, have planned, I would like to make one final observation. The Church has restored the Jubilee to help us receive the graces necessary for our sanctification. However, these graces are not given magically - they require a disposition of heart, an openness to receive them, and a willingness to put them into action. These special graces are meant to help us grow in the divine nature we received at baptism and continue to nourish through the sacraments. But as the challenges of the spiritual life increase, so does our soul’s need for strength and renewal. Indulgences and the other spiritual opportunities we will have this year serve as a means to detach ourselves from worldly distractions and remove what hinders our full communion with God and one another. In a way, they are like spiritual supplements that help our souls function properly and bear the fruits that God has planted in us - the fruits of the Spirit. As Archbishop Henning has chosen our parish to be a pilgrimage site, we will have both regional and parish-level events. I have been asked to help guide parishioners in their desire to draw closer to the Lord and to provide meaningful opportunities to satisfy that longing. As a parish, we will launch the Jubilee Year with a trilingual Mass on March 1st at 4:00 PM , followed by a brief time of adoration and a fellowship gathering with appetizers. As we enter Lent the following week, starting March 10th , we will begin offering daily adoration from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (in addition to our morning adoration from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM). Confessions will be available during adoration. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in English, Tuesdays in Spanish and Thursdays in Portuguese. Note: This will be our new confession times and will replace the Tuesday, 5:00pm - 6:00pm confession for the time being. Additionally, we will have a weekly talk every Wednesday after adoration on various topics. These talks will be led by different members of our parish and the archdiocese. Spanish talks will be held on Tuesdays, and Portuguese talks on Thursdays. The goal is to encourage participation, rekindle our faith, and deepen our spiritual lives. We have three committees - one for each language - working on more events, including a Parish Recollection Day and retreats. We will have a 24Hr Adoration at the end of March. We are also exploring the possibility of organizing a local pilgrimage later in the year. To foster fellowship and strengthen our community, we are planning a trilingual bingo night on March 22nd. While some details are still being finalized, we encourage you to save the date! We also hope to host two Fish Fry events during Lent, with dates to be announced soon. Brothers and sisters, all of these efforts are meant to draw us closer to Christ. They help us recognize our deep thirst for His love, and by satisfying that thirst, we can share it with others, no matter who they are. We are all called to spread God’s love and fulfill the mission Christ gave us: “Go and make disciples of all nations!” Let us take advantage of the opportunities before us and make the most of them! I also invite you to pray for these initiatives, that they may bring many people back to the Lord and reignite His fire in our hearts. God Bless, Fr. Steven
Living Out the Jubilee Year: A Call to Renewal and Hope Dear Brothers and Sisters, As we prepare to celebrate the extraordinary Jubilee Year of 2025, proclaimed by Pope Francis under the theme Pilgrims of Hope, we are invited to embark on a spiritual journey that goes beyond grand public celebrations. This Holy Year is not just about pilgrimages to sacred sites, indulgences, or large gatherings, it is about living a deep and personal renewal in our daily lives. At its heart, a Jubilee Year is a time of grace, reconciliation, and transformation. The Church invites us to seek God’s mercy, embrace forgiveness, and be bearers of hope in a world that desperately needs it. While communal expressions of faith are essential, living out this Jubilee personally is where its true power lies. 1. A Time to Strengthen Your Relationship with God The Jubilee Year offers a unique opportunity to renew our relationship with God. In the busyness of life, it’s easy to lose sight of His presence. Take time each day to pray, reflect on Scripture, and listen to what God is saying to you. Consider attending daily Mass when possible, going to Confession more frequently, and setting aside moments of silence to cultivate a deeper awareness of His love and mercy. 2. A Call to Conversion and Reconciliation Pope Francis emphasizes that hope comes from reconciliation with God, others, and ourselves. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is central to the Jubilee Year. Let us not be afraid to approach God with our weaknesses and failures, trusting in His boundless mercy. In your private life, reflect on relationships that may need healing. Extend forgiveness to those who have hurt you and seek forgiveness where you have caused harm. 3. Be a Beacon of Hope Living as Pilgrims of Hope means being agents of positivity, compassion, and encouragement in a world often marked by despair. In your family, workplace, and community, choose words and actions that build up rather than tear down. Offer a listening ear, speak with kindness, and be a source of joy to those around you. 4. Practice Works of Mercy The Jubilee Year reminds us of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, counseling the doubtful, and more. Find ways to integrate these acts of love into your daily routine. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures; simple acts of kindness, such as checking in on a neighbor or volunteering at a local shelter, can make a significant difference. 5. Care for Creation Pope Francis encyclical Laudato Si calls us to be stewards of God’s creation. As part of your Jubilee journey, reflect on how you can live more sustainably and respectfully toward the environment. Small changes, like reducing waste and conserving resources, honor God’s gift of creation and promote hope for future generations. 6. Foster Gratitude and Joy The Jubilee Year is a time of celebration and gratitude. Cultivate a habit of recognizing the blessings in your life, no matter how small. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply pausing each day to thank God for His gifts can transform your outlook and bring peace to your heart. 7. Share the Jubilee Message Finally, share the joy and message of the Jubilee with others. Invite family members and friends to join you in prayer, acts of charity, or simply a conversation about faith. As Pope Francis reminds us, hope is contagious let’s spread it far and wide. In this Jubilee Year, may we all be renewed in faith, filled with hope, and transformed by love. Let us journey together, living out this sacred time in our hearts, homes, and communities. May God bless you and guide you on your path as a true Pilgrim of Hope. We have a lot of events planned starting in the beginning of March. More information will be in next week’s bulletin. God Bless, Fr. Steven
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Please see the letter below from Father Gabriel. God Bless, Fr. Steven ———————————— Hello Parishioners, Last week I had the opportunity to accompany 49 youth from our parish to the March for life in Washington D.C. While making our way down, we visited the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia where the remains of Saint Katherine Drexel are kept. There was a particular instance in her life that stood out to me. Once, while visiting St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, she was enchanted by a painting of the Virgin Mary. While kneeling in reverence to the image, she suddenly had this sense that Our Lady was speaking to her, inaudibly she received the message: “Freely give to others what you have received.” It resonated with me, because my initial calling shares something similar, I had an experience of an inaudible voice that compelled me to leave everything behind to follow Christ, and though I did not hear a thing, this voice was more compelling than any physical voice, it cried out to me in my innermost being. Reflecting on Mother Drexel’s call, my own, and all of this in the context of the March for life led me to remember how the Lord, slowly but surely, softened my heart to heed this call which I initially ran away from. I began to remember my formators at the seminary preaching that there were many people that the Lord had appointed for us to reach in due time. Those words frustrated me then, I felt pinned between a rock and a hard place, wanting to leave behind the seminary, but knowing that if I did I’d be lying to myself. Nevertheless, this last pilgrimage made it apparent that in the youth that we took to the March, I was with those very people that my formators once spoke of. But far from frustrating me now, it was with great joy that I accompanied them. I was elated to see how they were moved by the experience, from the life of Mother Drexel, to the time in confession and Adoration, to the March itself. It was all impactful one way or another, and the Lord allowed me to be an instrument to bring this joy to these youth. This experience brought me even deeper, because I also remembered that much of my resistance towards the vocation sprouted from my unmet desire to have a family of my own. I had felt that the Lord cheated me out of that life by sticking me with a vocation to the priesthood. However, on the pilgrimage to the March for Life, by ministering to these youth who received so much joy, I witnessed for myself the realness of spiritual fatherhood, and the fruitfulness of a celibate life, which is no less fruitful than that of married life. It brought me to see openness to life is not just a matter for those with a vocation to marriage, because when I was resisting and saying no to the Lord’s will before, I was saying no to the gift of life that would come in the form of those spiritual children that the Lord desired to entrust to me. I was refusing to lead these youth to happiness. This realization to some degree is painful, but also encouraging, because by seeing the abundance of grace that has come forth from trusting the Lord a little, it readies me to be less resistant and more eager to do His will in the future, even when I may not understand it. God Bless, Fr. Gabriel
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Please see the information below about the Jubilee Year 2025 which officially opened on December 24, 2024, with the rite of Opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter by the Holy Father, who then presided over the celebration of the Night Mass of the Lord's Birth inside the Basilica. The year will end in Rome on January 6, 2026. Archbishop Richard Henning officially opened the Jubilee Year in Boston on December 29, 2024 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. The year in Boston will end on December 28, 2025. Our parish has been selected as a place of Pilgrimage for this Jubilee Year! We have a lot of exciting things planned so please stay tuned. God Bless, Fr. Steven What Is the Jubilee Year and How Can We Embrace Its Graces? Every so often, the Catholic Church invites us to celebrate a special period of grace and renewal called a Jubilee Year. This tradition, deeply rooted in Scripture, is a time of spiritual growth, mercy, and renewal, offering us a chance to draw closer to God and one another. But what exactly is a Jubilee Year, and how can we participate in its blessings? The idea of a Jubilee comes from the Old Testament. In the Book of Leviticus (25:8-13), God instructed the Israelites to observe a Jubilee every 50 years. During this time, debts were forgiven, slaves were freed, and land was restored to its original owners. It was a time of liberation, justice, and renewal—a way for God’s people to start fresh, trusting in His providence. The Church has adopted this concept in her own way. The first Christian Jubilee was proclaimed in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, and since then, the Church has periodically declared Jubilee Years, sometimes every 25 years or for special occasions. The most recent Jubilee was in 2015-2016, called the Jubilee of Mercy by Pope Francis. A Jubilee Year is meant to help us experience God’s boundless mercy and love. It often includes: • Opportunities for reconciliation: Special emphasis is placed on the Sacrament of Confession, where we can encounter God’s forgiveness in a profound way. • Holy Doors: During a Jubilee, certain churches (often cathedrals or basilicas) have Holy Doors that are opened for the faithful. Walking through these doors is a symbolic act of leaving sin behind and entering into a new life of grace. (This year the Pope designated Holy Doors only in Rome. However the bishops have chosen parishes and shrines to be places of pilgrimage where pilgrims can receive the same blessings/indulgences). • Indulgences: The Church offers indulgences during a Jubilee Year, which are special graces that remove the temporal punishment due to sin. These graces can also be offered for loved ones who have passed away. The Jubilee Year isn’t just a historical or theological concept—it’s a real opportunity for each of us to encounter God in a deeper way. Here are a few ways we can take advantage of the graces offered during a Jubilee Year: 1. Seek Reconciliation: Make time to go to Confession. This sacrament is one of the greatest gifts of the Church, allowing us to start fresh with a clean heart and renewed spirit. 2. Visit a Pilgrimage Site: If a church in our area has a designated a Pilgrimage site (like ours and others), go there on a pilgrimage. Reflect on this as an act of spiritual renewal and commitment to living in God’s grace. 3. Deepen Your Prayer Life: A Jubilee is a time to reconnect with God through prayer. Whether it’s attending daily Mass, praying the rosary, or spending time in Eucharistic Adoration, these practices help us grow in holiness. 4. Perform Works of Mercy: Use this time to care for others, especially those in need. This can include visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the sorrowful, or simply offering kindness to those around you. 5. Offer Indulgences for Loved Ones: Pray for the souls in purgatory and offer indulgences for them. This act of charity connects us with the communion of saints and reminds us of our shared journey to heaven. A Jubilee Year is an open invitation from God to experience His mercy in a deeper way. It’s like a spiritual reset button, a chance to leave behind the burdens of sin, forgive others, and live in greater harmony with God’s will. As we embrace the Jubilee, let us remember the words of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). May this special time be one of renewal for our parish, our families, and our own hearts. Let’s take full advantage of this holy time and draw closer to the One who loves us more than we can imagine.
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