Dear Parishioners,

It is a great delight to know that after all the lockdown and weeks of stay at home to save lives and comply with the government’s guidelines, our Church is now open for personal and private prayers on certain days and limited hours. We must follow the directives from the CDC and ensure that we are not in violation of any policy. Historically speaking and until the present days of our lives, the Church is the place where we can find comfort, peace of mind, and the tranquility of soul because we believe that God is in our midst at this sacred place. Yes, God’s omnipotent presence is in this holy place. It is in the Church we pray, listen to God, speak to Him, and most especially celebrate the sacraments, primarily the Holy Eucharist. We are glad to invite you to come and make a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus is waiting for and longing for you!

For me, coming from the other part of the world, spring days are such a welcome relief after the cold and wet of winter. They create the opportunity for a time when we can sit, pause, and relax and look around. The green shoots of the new life surrounding us are encouraging, and we might even feel the heat of the sun on our faces. Such signs of Easter have been with us since we celebrated that beautiful feast. We are forty days later, and the feast of the Ascension of the Lord is an excellent time to pay a visit to a graveyard and reflect on those we have loved and who have gone before us. All have influenced our lives in different ways. Some memories may be joyful and evoke memories of love, care, and of course, friendship. Others might be more painful as we recall friction, arguments, and breakdowns of relationships.

The lives lost are entrusted to God, who redeems the world and promises the creation of a new heaven and earth. This feast is full of hope and joy. The Ascension of the Lord is a feast on which we pray for them because God promises an eternal future in heaven. Jesus’ ascension is the promise of an inheritance given to those who believe in him, whether throughout their lives or only at the very end. We can enter into the mystery of Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension to the Father’s right hand.

My friends, when Jesus ascends into heaven, we have the temptation to think that he has left us. We might then think of absence rather than presence. The mystery of this feast is that it is more about presence than absence. Jesus ascends into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. The Holy Spirit is sent into our hearts so that we can respond to the invitation of God and follow Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. Christ remains ever-present to us through the Holy Spirit and walks with us on our pilgrimage of life. Christ remains present in his body which is the Church. He gives us his word in the scripture and tradition of the Church. He is mostly closer to us in his body and blood in Holy Communion. His final command to his disciples is to go forth and spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. At baptism, we become members of His body, the Church.

This feast gives hope to those who are dying or bereaved. It reveals to us the promise of life in heaven. It promises the mercy of God and forgiveness of sins when we recognize them and repent. It guarantees that God will never abandon us, even though we may abandon God. This feast is an excellent reminder for us, especially those who feel and think that God has forsaken us due to this COVID-19 pandemic. No. Keep in mind that God is with us all the time, especially during this time of crisis. We must show our undying faith in God, belief in Him, trust in Him. Amen.

As your Pastor, I am continually here for you as you are always with me as well. I am pleased with our generous and cognizant parishioners’ response as they continue to give their offertory gifts manifested through the monetary donations for the maintenance and upkeep of the parish. Thank you so very much for your efforts to submit your donations each week by mail, in-person drop off or online giving. May God bless you for your selflessness. For those who have not yet responded to our pleas for some reason, we understand if your means cannot allow it, for now, we are praying for you. Until we see each other at Mass again, please visit our parish website for our live streaming Mass on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Our nation’s traditional weekend, Memorial Day, should not be put aside despite of the ongoing world-wide Covid-19 pandemic. We must continue remembering and praying for our men and women in uniform who has offered the ultimate sacrifice of their lives not only for our country but for the whole world. Together with their families, loved ones and friends let us join our hearts and minds as we salute and honor them. May God’s blessing and peace be with them.

May God bless you and keep you safe and healthy,
Father Angelito

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