This past weekend, I had the joy of leading a group of pilgrims to Rome and the Vatican to celebrate the Jubilee of Artists and Culture. We gathered with others from around the globe to encourage and honor artists in their crafts, recognizing their profound role in shaping culture and faith. Pope Francis was unable to give us an audience as he was admitted to hospital for treatment for his pneumonia. Every day in Rome we prayed for him, and we continue to pray for his recovery to full health. As he could not preside at the Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica as scheduled, we were blessed to hear Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça deliver the Pope’s powerful homily. He conveyed Pope Francis’ message for the Jubilee of Artists and Culture, challenging artists to be revolutionaries and prophets of our time. We have heard those words of the beatitudes so many times, and yet they never cease to amaze us: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh” (Lk 6:20–21). These words overturn our worldly mentality and invite us to look at reality with new eyes, with God’s gaze, so we can see beyond appearances and recognize beauty even amidst frailty and suffering.
The second part of this Gospel passage contains harsh and admonishing words: “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep” (Lk 6:24–25). The contrast between “blessed are you” and “woe to you” reminds us of the importance of discerning where we find our security. He concluded his remarks with these beautiful words:
“Dear artists, I see in you guardians of beauty who are willing to attend to the brokenness of our world, listen to the cry of those who are poor, suffering, wounded, imprisoned persecuted or refugees. I see in you guardians of the Beatitudes! We live in a time when new walls are being erected, when differences become a pretext for division rather than an opportunity for mutual enrichment. But you, men and women of the world of culture, are called to build bridges, to create spaces for encounter and dialogue, to enlighten minds and warm hearts.”
The Holy Father invited artists, and all of us, to shine a light on the suffering in our world, expressing truth through beauty and goodness. This call to creative prophetic witness resonates deeply, urging us all to open our eyes to those on the margins.
In this coming Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us with words that are both familiar and radical: to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. As disciples, we are called to stand with those who suffer and to extend love beyond boundaries. Another powerful challenge to us in our time.
Our world faces significant challenges, with migrants seeking refuge and countless others affected by global cuts in aid. Many people are afraid of their current status in our country and fearful for their family’s safety. Jesus’ words compel us to reach out with compassion and justice, embodying His love for the most vulnerable. It is important we find our voices and speak up for those who have no voices anymore. Woe to us who remain silent!
I am grateful to Fr. Dat and Fr. Chris who ensured things ran smoothly while I was away. Last weekend at all the Masses we had the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and they anointed over 70 people. It was a moving witness of our parish family’s care for those facing illness and suffering. Let us continue to pray fervently for the healing of our brothers and sisters, mindful of those carrying burdens of illness and woundedness and those that care for them.
This spirit of community and support extends to all members of our parish, and I especially encourage you to reach out to the young adults in your lives and encourage them to join us for two special events this weekend: Line Dancing on Saturday night after the 5:00 pm Mass, and our “Holy Happy Hour“ following the 5:00 pm Sunday Mass. These gatherings offer a joyful space to build community, share faith, and enjoy fellowship. Invite the young adults you know and encourage them to bring a friend, come to Mass, and stay for the fun and connection.
Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome author, Julianne Stanz for our upcoming Lenten Retreat, Living the Hope of the Cross on March 15th – 17th, Saturday & Sunday evenings we will have 5pm Mass followed by wine & cheese reception at 6:00pm and the retreat session at 6:30pm. On Monday, the session will start at 4:30pm – 5:30pm as the Parish Life Group hosts the St. Patrick’s Day dinner at 5:30pm for all ages (this event sells out so buy your tickets soon). These retreat evenings will be a blessed opportunity to deepen our faith and explore how to encounter God in the everyday moments of our lives. I encourage you to mark your calendars and join us for this time of reflection and renewal.
In a world filled with uncertainty and longing for peace, how can we embrace the hope and joy of the Cross in our daily lives? As Pope Francis continues to remind us during this Jubilee Year, we are called to be people of hope—walking together in faith and love, no matter what we go through in life. Julianne will draw from her Irish heritage and pastoral wisdom, to guide us through four essential practices of H.O.P.E.—Healing, Openness, Prayer, and the Eucharist—offering spiritual tools for personal renewal and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Please join us for Living the HOPE of the Cross—a transformative journey that will inspire and equip you to walk more closely with Jesus Christ, embracing a life of faith, courage, and hope! Invite a friend to join you and please RSVP so we can cater for the receptions.
Let us continue to be a parish that celebrates beauty, stands with the suffering, and welcomes all with open arms. Retreat RSVP form click here and learn more about Julianne Stanz here.
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan