Dear Friends,
Today is Ash Wednesday and with the smear of ash on our heads and a penitential practice in our hearts the great Season of Lent begins. Below are two very brief quotes pertaining to Lent from Pope Francis and below those is a slightly longer quotation from
The Imitation of Christ, at one time the most published religious work, second only to the Bible and a timeless treasure. With a hopeful heart I kindly invite you to set off with me on this spiritual journey. May the pilgrimage of Lent bring us to our great destiny of Easter Resurrection.
“God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy.” Pope Francis
"Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; we would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty. Let us not forget that real poverty hurts: no self-denial is real without this dimension of penance. I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt." Pope Francis
“Jesus has many lovers of his heavenly kingdom but few bearers of his cross. He has many seekers of comfort but few willing to face troubles and trial. He finds many companions at his table but few with him in fasting. Many desire to rejoice with him, but few are willing to undergo adversity for his sake. Many follow Jesus that they may eat of his bread, but few are willing to drink of the cup of his passion. Many are astonished at his miracles, but few follow after the shame of his cross. Many love Jesus so long as no troubles happen to them. Many praise him and bless him, so long as they receive comforts from him. But if Jesus hides himself and seems to withdraw from them for even a little while, they immediately begin complaining or feel a great sense of dejection.
“But those who love Jesus for Jesus’ sake—and not for the comforts he gives to them—praise him in all suffering and sorrow just as they do in the greatest blessings. And if he should never give them another blessing, they would nevertheless continue to always praise him and give him thanks.” –
The Imitation of Christ, by
Thomas a Kempis, James N. Watkins Editor, Worthy Media Inc., Franklin, TN, page 16-17.
Congratulations! To our Vocations Department, Father Jorge Farias Saucedo and the team involved in the decoration and participation in the Tucson Rodeo Days Parade on Thursday, Feb. 20. The float, pictured here, won First Place in the Historical Category #17, and included banners, actors and dancers.
School visit I will celebrate Mass and visit with the students and faculty at St. Joseph School in Tucson on Friday. The school on the near east side of Tucson is led by Kathy Van Loan and Father Robert Rodriquez, pastor of the parish, and has 220 students.
Visit to Yuma The Rite of Election is a grand way to begin my week in Yuma. Following the Rite of Election on March 1, I will confer the sacrament of confirmation on young people at St. John Neumann Parish. The following evening, I will enjoy the company of members of the Knights of Columbus and brother priests for the annual Priest Appreciation Dinner.
On Tuesday (March 3), I will present St. John Paul II Awards to youths in the Yuma/La Paz area at Immaculate Conception Parish. The Diocese recognizes teenagers who are active in their faith. Award winners can be selected either from their home parish or from their school. Winners are selected from three categories: Community Service and Social Justice, Prayer and Worship, Catechesis and Evangelization.
On Wednesday, (March 4) I will confer the sacrament of confirmation on people at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Somerton, followed by confirmation for students at Immaculate Conception School in Yuma the next day (March 5). Then, I will be back at Immaculate Conception Parish for a confirmation of parishioners. The final confirmation will take place at St. Francis Assisi Parish on Friday, March 6.
Rite of Election On Sunday I presided over the Rite of Election at St. Augustine Cathedral. We had 88 Catechumens and 115 Candidates.
As I reported last week, the Rite of Election usually is held near the beginning of Lent. One group of those who will become “the elect” are Catechumens (those who have never been baptized in any church) who prepare for baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Another group are known as Candidates - those who have been baptized in another Christian community and who will continue their journey to receive confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
This rite is a major step toward joining the Catholic Church for those who have been involved in parish Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults programs.
Please pray for those seeking full participation in the Catholic Church.