The Bishop’s Note
The clergy retreat given at St. Joseph’s in Mount Vernon, Washington, ended on Thursday evening. There were 6 priests and 3 seminarians in attendance. Fr. McKenna was there, but had to return a day early because of the YAG, of which he is the chaplain. Fr. Ercoli, the rector of our seminary, and Fr. Romero, one of the professors, attended as well. Fr. Ahern came over from Michigan, and Fr. Lavery from Maine. It was good to see them both. Of course, Fr. Simpson was there, too, and was a big help with the ceremonies which took place after the retreat. The retreat was very fruitful for the priests, I hope. Preparing the retreats for them is quite the task, but I end up learning a lot from all the research. So I think it was good for all!
Friday was the day of Tonsure and the beginning of clerical life for Alphonso Capetillo and Joshua Balancio. One author explained that at Tonsure the young man officially enters the family of the Church…as far as clergy goes. That is an interesting thought. The Church is our mother, after all, and the priests are spiritual fathers to their parishioners, while we priests are brothers. At baptism, we were all adopted into the family of God. We Catholics really have it nice when you stop and think about it. All three of the seminarians (Christopher Brueggemann is the third) are spending some time with us here at St. Gertrude’s and will be assisting with some of the pastoral work.
Sr. Regina became Sr. Magdalen of the Holy Relics just yesterday as she made her first Oblation, offering herself and her services to God and to the Church. One might say that it was the Offertory in the lives of these seminarians and Sister. What a grace filled weekend it has been for the Church!
Fr. Lehtoranta departs for his vacation tomorrow. I sure hope he has a relaxing time. He is always on a tight teaching schedule for most of the year and finally gets a chance to breathe. Vacations are necessary so that after the body and mind get some rest the soul will be better able to serve God.
Tomorrow, I am departing for Mexico to visit Fr. Martín Gomez at his chapel in Dos Rios. The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patronal feast of his church and he always puts on a big celebration—the Mexicans are very good at that! Confirmations will be administered on the feast day and then Father and I will be able to spend a little bit of time getting caught up on all the news of the apostolate.
Fr. Arnoldo Villegas and his Faithful in Mexicali celebrated their patronal feast on June 29th, the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. He sent some pictures which you can see below. The plan is to do confirmations at his chapels in Tijuana and Mexicali later this year. I very much enjoy hearing about his work with the youth.
This month is passing quickly. Try to slow down a bit and come find rest for your souls by attending an extra Holy Mass this week. We do have some pretty wonderful feast days coming up!
– Bishop McGuire