Happy Thanksgiving!

As we prepare to enjoy Thanksgiving and begin Advent, I wanted to express my thanks for all of you, know of my prayers for you and how grateful I am for your enthusiasm; as well as my anticipation of our time together, I am looking forward to this December schedule and coming to know the Lord with you more as we anticipate Christmas!

Today, I would like to share with all of you some of the wisdom of Pope Francis, from World Youth Day Rio 2013, directed especially to Youth:

§        “Jesus is calling you to be a disciple with a mission! … Careful, though! Jesus did not say: ‘If you would like to, if you have the time,’ but: ‘Go!’”  (Homily at closing Mass)
 

§        “The Church needs you, your enthusiasm, your creativity and the joy that is so characteristic of you. … Do you know what the best tool is for evangelizing the young? Another young person. This is the path to follow!” (Homily at closing Mass)
 

§        “Bringing the Gospel is bringing God’s power to pluck up and break down evil and violence … selfishness, intolerance and hatred, so as to build a new world. Jesus Christ is counting on you! The Church is counting on you! The Pope is counting on you!” (Homily at closing Mass)
 

§        On marriage in the face of a culture that thinks a lifelong commitment is “out of fashion”:  “Be revolutionaries. ... Yes, I am asking you to rebel against this culture that sees everything as temporal and ultimately thinks you are incapable of responsibility, incapable of true love. I am confident in you, and I pray for you. Have the coverage to swim against the tide!” (Speech to volunteers)
 

§        On vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life:  “I will never forget that day, Sept. 21 – I was 17 years old – when, after stopping in the Church of San José de Flores to go to confession, I first heard God calling me. Do not be afraid of what God asks of you! It is worth saying ‘Yes’ to God. In him we find joy!” (Speech to volunteers)

I hope your Thanksgiving Holiday is safe and full of joy!

May God continue to bless you abundantly,

Fr. W