My heart is full—overflowing, really—with gratitude after the incredible celebration of my 25th anniversary of priesthood last weekend. The liturgy was nothing short of magnificent: stunning music, a beautifully prepared church, and a congregation fully present in voice, spirit, and love. Every pew was filled, every song sung from the heart, and the presence of…
DetailsThis Sunday, we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord—Jesus’ return to the Father—marking the moment when the Risen Christ moves from the visible world back into the invisible realm of the Spirit. In many ways, this mirrors the circle of life that John O’Donohue, the Irish poet, philosopher and theologian, so beautifully described through the…
DetailsThis Sunday’s Gospel brings us some of the most tender and reassuring words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you.” (John 14:27) These words—spoken just before Jesus’ Passion—are not wishful thinking. They are a promise. A promise rooted…
DetailsThis past week, I had the privilege of attending our annual Clergy Study Week in the historic and peaceful setting of San Juan Bautista. It was an energizing and uplifting experience, not only because of the beautiful surroundings, but more so because of the opportunity to reconnect with fellow priests from across the Diocese. We…
DetailsThis weekend’s Gospel reminds us of one of the most powerful truths of our faith: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). As we continue our Easter journey, we are invited to tune our hearts once more to the voice of the Good Shepherd, Jesus, who calls each…
Details“Feed My Sheep” — Called to Forgive, Called to Love In this Sunday’s Gospel (John 21:1–19), we witness a tender and powerful moment between the Risen Lord and Simon Peter. Around a charcoal fire—so reminiscent of the fire near which Peter once denied Jesus three times—Jesus gives Peter a chance to undo his betrayal. Three…
Details“Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” — John 20:19 The Gospel for this Second Sunday of Easter brings us into the upper room with the disciples. Locked in fear, unsure of the future, grieving what they thought was lost—until the Risen Lord appears among them with…
DetailsHappy Easter! Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen! Alleluia! This is the high point of the Church year. Easter Sunday is not just a celebration of something that happened—it is the “defining moment” of who we are. As Christians, we are not just followers of a teacher, a healer, or even a prophet.…
DetailsEvery life is shaped by defining moments. Sometimes, they are joyful. Sometimes, they are painful. But they leave a mark — not just on our memories, but on our character. This Sunday, Passion Sunday, we enter into the defining moment of Jesus’ life — the Passion. Everything in his public ministry was leading to this…
DetailsThis Sunday’s Gospel brings us face-to-face with one of the most moving encounters in all of Scripture: the story of the woman caught in adultery. She is humiliated, shamed, and dragged before Jesus by people ready to condemn her. But Jesus doesn’t join in the condemnation. He simply says, “Let the one among you who…
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