The Bishop’s Note
Since being in Mexico, I am not sure what news to tell about the cats, other than Fr. McKenna accidentally stepped on Fat Cat. It was told to me that Fat Cat was steering clear of Fr. McKenna the rest of the day and wouldn’t have anything to do with him. Father did feel bad about it, and Fat Cat eventually forgave him. So all’s well that ends well.
I have a story about how important the Spiritual Works of Mercy are and how much good they can do. One of the Sisters chose a random person to visit in a nursing home and would regularly go to visit her. Together they would say the rosary and perhaps do some other devotions. Eventually, this led to the lady’s wanting to receive the sacraments. She had been receiving the sacraments devoutly for a number of months now. Well, we just got word that she died on November 12th. These sorts of things do happen. Our Lady keeps her promises to save souls by the Rosary and the Scapular. These types of souls are often found in nursing homes and it is up to us to try and find them. I believe that the lady saved her soul because of this. If you could, please remember to pray for the repose of the soul of Isabelle Brandenburg.
You have all heard about the danger that Bishop Nkamuke, his priests, and Faithful are in over in Nigeria. Different hostile groups have invaded Owerri, the town where they have a mission and in which they just held the Forty Hours Devotion. It makes me wonder if the devil is so angry at the good work that was done there that he has sent men to cause havoc. Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is more powerful than any enemy, and we trust that He will take care of things. Bishop Nkamuke is very thankful for all of the prayers that have been offered for their safety. Keep praying!
My trip to Mexico was a very good one. Fr. Arnoldo Villegas has a chapel in Tijuana and another in Mexicali, where we visited for Confirmations. The work he does with the young people in Tijuana is most edifying. Each Saturday from 9am to 1pm he and a few other volunteers teach catechism. The students are very enthusiastic and it was clear to see that they really love their pastor! Father used to run a seminary, but had to stop because of all the work to be done pastorally. He is all by himself and has been so for the last 18 years, I think, since leaving the Trento group. Father would like to visit sometime in May, if possible. It has been a number of years since he was here last, so I hope it can work out!
Below you will see pictures from my trip to Mexico. One road from Tijuana to Mexicali goes through the most beautiful and rugged mountains. It is truly amazing! So we stopped to take a look at the view. Mexicali is right on the boarder to California, thus the name Mexi-Cali. In one picture you can see a black line—that is the border wall. Mexicali is the hottest place in the world, with summer temperatures up to 120; but it does snow in the mountains right outside of the city. It is quite unusual.
Advent begins today. Make it a good one! Stay with Our Lady and St. John the Baptist, the two patrons of this sacred season.
– Bishop McGuire