From the Pastor's Desk - April 26, 2025

Dear St. Martin’s Parishioners,

          We mourn the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, even as we rejoice in the victory that Christ won for us—for him, in particular—by his Passion, Death and glorious Resurrection. I have certain vivid memories of Pope Francis that I recall at this time. One is his sending forth of the million-plus youth gathered in Rio de Janeiro for World Youth Day with the instructions “Make a mess.” Although some were scandalized by this, I saw in those words that the Pope completely trusted the Holy Spirit, so we didn’t have to worry about messing up or failing as we tried to go out of ourselves in serving him. The Pope didn’t like over-cautiousness or a fear-based living out of our Christian vocation. Instead, he trusted in the power of the Holy Spirit, who inspires us to act boldly and freely in service of God. He often employed the Greek term “parrhesia” as the ideal Christian attitude. According to the Catechism, parrhesia means “straightforward simplicity, filial trust, joyous assurance, humble boldness, the certainty of being loved.” 

          I also have fond memories of Pope Francis at the canonization Mass of St. Junípero Serra outside of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. His powerful homily summarized so many themes of his pontificate: a joyful Church, a Church that is not self-referential but goes out to the world who needs her. I especially recall his warning that we not let our hearts become anesthetized. Those words have frequently come back to me. How easy it is to let ourselves become cynical, disillusioned, hard-hearted and weighed down by the world. We must constantly return to the source of life and love, the risen Lord Jesus. In this season of Easter, I want to focus especially on that reality, discerning where my heart has become numb to grace and love. The Lord desires us to love fully and live fully, unhindered by the pain that comes with that stance before the world. Thank you, Pope Francis, for that teaching and so many others that have enriched my priesthood. May you now see God face to face.

          I would like to invite you to our Divine Mercy holy hour this Sunday from 3:00pm-4:00pm in the church. According to Jesus’ message to St. Faustina, this is one of the most powerful moments of the year, when the mercy of God is poured out measurelessly upon sinful humanity. Know that a powerful Divine Mercy indulgence is available to all those who go to confession within a week of this Sunday, receive Communion and pray for the intentions of the Pope (in this case, for the repose of his soul). A relic of St. Faustina will be available for veneration, and we will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet in English, French and Spanish. Sr. Yelitza will also give a reflection on Divine Mercy.

 In the Risen Christ,

 Fr. Dave