From the Pastor's Desk- September 27

Dear Parishioners,

Today, we rejoice in the ordination of Fr. Riley Blanchard, DCJM! A few days before the ordination, his parents shared their testimony with other young parents. His father said that we did not need to make such a big fuss over his son's ordination. While his comment certainly showed humility, it made me realize that a priestly ordination is such a tremendous gift that it absolutely calls for a huge celebration. Once a priest, always a priest! We are marked with an indelible seal that lasts forever, one that not even death can erase. We are anointed by the Holy Spirit to teach, govern, and sanctify the People

of God! We become one with Christ, the high priest, and bring his life, body, blood, forgiveness, and presence to this earth. Wow!

Attending the Mass of Ordination was an incredible grace that was also special because of some parishioners of Our Lady of Angels in attendance, four of them helping as altar servers (see the picture with their heads surrounded by a circle, right before the Mass started). The ordaining bishop was the emeritus Archbishop of Denver, the Most Reverend Samuel Aquila. The disciples are forever grateful to him for also ordaining Fr. Juan Espino as a priest in June 2013.

Fr. Riley is blessed to begin his priestly career serving at our parish, a special gift from the Lord. Consider these words from Pope Leo XIV to the new priests he ordained last April:

In the communities where you will be sent, the risen One is already present, and many have already followed him commendably. You will recognize his wounds and distinguish his voice. You will encounter people who will direct you towards him. These communities will also help you to become saints! For your part, help them to walk together, following Jesus, the Good Shepherd, so that they may become places — gardens — of life that rise anew and share themselves with others. People are often lacking a place where they can understand that it is better and beautiful to be together, and that it is possible to get along. Facilitating encounters, helping to bring together those who would otherwise never meet, and conciliating division is one and the same as celebrating the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Coming together always means planting the Church anew.

These days we also rejoice with the beatification of Bishop Fulton Sheen, a gifted preacher who was born in this beautiful land of opportunity. This son of America was added to the list of the blessed in Heaven. This happened on Thursday, September 24. What a gift on the 250th anniversary of America's founding! As we sing in our national anthem, America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. We are reminded today that we are called to be saints, people who are free and brave in a very special way as we follow Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Yes, we are called to be 100% American and Catholic. Blessed Fulton Sheen reminds us of this beautiful calling and

responsibility.

God bless you!!!

Fr. Álvaro