FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK - NOVEMBER 18, 2022

Dear St. Martin’s Parishioners,

This Sunday, which begins the last week of the liturgical year, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. In the gospel we see Jesus establishing his everlasting Kingdom from the cross. All those who believe in him, repent, and are baptized are welcomed into Paradise, as was the repentant thief. This solemnity gives us an unshakable faith that no matter what may befall us in this life, a kingdom of perfect justice, mercy and peace awaits us.

Blessed Miguel Pro was a Jesuit priest who lived under a fiercely anti-Catholic dictatorship in Mexico in the 1920s. He was forced to flee Mexico to study for the priesthood, and he was ordained in Belgium in 1925 at the age of 34. Shortly after ordination he returned to Mexico, knowing that he put his life on the line ministering as a priest. He had various disguises which allowed him to bring the sacraments to those most in need. For instance, he disguised himself as a police officer to gain access to the police station, where he would give the sacraments to those awaiting execution. After a failed assassination attempt on the Mexican president, Fr. Pro was falsely accused of being involved, and he was sentenced to death. Before the firing squad, he refused a blindfold. He stood with arms outstretched, a rosary in one hand and a crucifix in the other. After forgiving his enemies, he cried out “Long live Christ the King!” before the shots rang out. This Sunday we stand with Bl. Miguel Pro and all those who have heroically faced persecution to give witness to our Lord, whose Kingdom is not of this world.

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving is “Giving Tuesday,” where people across the country give to their favorite causes in a spirit of gratitude. St. Martin’s is participating and I urge all our parishioners to take part. All the money we receive will be donated to the Dominican Sisters of Fatima in Puerto Rico. They suffered heavy damages to their houses from a September hurricane, and we want to help Sr. Mariana and Sr. Providencia’s congregation. You can donate through a link you will find on the parish website. Thank you for your generosity towards the Dominican Sisters of Fatima!

Our bilingual Thanksgiving Day Mass is at 10:00am on Thursday, November 24. I wish all of you a blessed a restful Thanksgiving holiday

Gratefully,

Fr. Dave