St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish | From the Pastor

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:19:29 GMT

Message of Divine Mercy through St. Faustina

“'Proclaim that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.'”

“'My daughter, have fear of nothing; I am always with you. All your adversaries will harm you only to the degree that I permit them to do so. You are my dwelling place and my constant repose. For your sake I will withhold the hand which punishes; for your sake I bless the earth.'”

“The Lord said to me, ‘The loss of each soul plunges Me into mortal sadness. You always console Me when you pray for sinners. The prayer most pleasing to Me is prayer for the conversion of sinners. Know, My daughter, that this prayer is always heard and answered.”

“Jesus: ‘My child, life on earth is a struggle indeed; a great struggle for my kingdom. But fear not, because you are not alone. I am always supporting you, so lean on Me as you struggle, fearing nothing. Take the vessel of trust and draw from the fountain of life – for yourself, but also for other souls, especially such as are distrustful of My goodness.’”

“All grace flows from mercy, and the last hour abounds with mercy for us. Let no one doubt concerning the goodness of God; even if a person’s sins were as dark as night, God’s mercy is stronger than our misery. One thing alone is necessary; that the sinner set ajar the door of his heart, be it ever so little, to let in a ray of God’s merciful grace, and then God will do the rest.”

“Today the Lord said to me, ‘Daughter, when you go to confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul and ennobles it. Every time you go to confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity. The torrents of grace inundate humble souls. The proud remain always in poverty and misery, because My grace turns away from them to humble souls.’”

“'Oh how much I am hurt by a soul’s distrust! Such a soul professes that I am Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My Goodness. Even the devils believe in My Justice, but do not glorify My Goodness. My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.'”

“I realize more and more how much every soul needs God’s mercy throughout life and particularly at the hour of death. This chaplet (of Divine Mercy) mitigates God’s anger, as He Himself told me.”

“Then I heard the words, ‘I am glad you behaved like My true daughter. Be always merciful as I am merciful. Love everyone out of love for Me, even your greatest enemies, so that My mercy may be fully reflected in your heart.’”

“When once I asked the Lord Jesus how He could tolerate so many sins and crimes and not punish them, the Lord answered me, ‘I have an eternity for punishing [these], and so I am prolonging the time of mercy for the sake of [sinners]. But woe to them if they do not recognize the time of My visitation.’”

Happy Easter

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 19:55:10 GMT

“Easter” likely originates from the Old English ‘Ēastre,’ stemming from a Proto-Germanic root ‘aust’ meaning “east” or “dawn,” symbolizing new life. While this Germanic influence persists in English, many European languages use the word “Pascha,” derived from the Hebrew ‘Pesach’ (Passover), emphasizing Christ as the Passover Lamb.

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate an unprecedented event – ‘death ending in life.’ Human language struggles to capture its depth; we attempt phrases such as “an end ending in a beginning,” “hope dispelling hopelessness,” and “life fully enlivened.”

‘Jesus rose from the dead’ is the crux of our faith. Indeed, the very foundation of early Christian worship was the “celebration of the Resurrection.”

Had Jesus been dead and gone, his teachings and values would have survived only as artifacts in archaic scrolls, not in human hearts and spirits. But with Jesus came back to life, what he said and what he did, and remain living realities that continue to transform the world to this day.

While the Resurrection is a core dogma of the Church, it is equally a part of our everyday experience. Its reflections are everywhere: when we overcome temptation, when we conquer feelings of hatred and division, when we leap into the darkness with hope, and when we triumph over the fear of death.

New life arose from the empty tomb. Thousands of people still visit Jerusalem to look inside the empty tomb; some find hope there, while others remain skeptical. When the Apostle John entered the tomb, he SAW and BELIEVED. Let us do the same. Belief in the Resurrection is the foundation of our faith in this life and the source of eternal life in the next.

Good Friday

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 19:53:30 GMT

On this day, humanity awakens from its deep slumber to gaze upon the suffering servant suspended between heaven and earth. It sees the hands once extended in embrace now nailed to the cross, and the feet that walked to heal souls now pinned to the wood.

Believers and atheists, the knowledgeable and the ignorant, optimists and pessimists, Christians and non-Christians all behold this sight, each responding with a different stir of the heart.

Some are moved with compassion while others turn away being weary of the sight. Some are troubled with guilt and others steel their hearts clouded with arrogance. Some pity him and some others stare with indifference. Good or bad this sight has a definite impact on all.

Some are moved to compassion, while others turn away, weary of the spectacle. Some are haunted by guilt, while others steel their hearts behind a veil of arrogance. Some offer pity, while many others stare with cold indifference. For better or for worse, this sight leaves no soul untouched.

We Catholics stand this day at the foot of the cross. We look upon Him. Is He overwhelmed by pain and anguish? No; it seems He offers His suffering wholeheartedly. Does He look forsaken and discarded? No; He prays for His persecutors and pardons a criminal. Does His unending sorrow distance Him from humanity? No; He entrusts His mother to the care of His disciple. Does He die in despair? No; He commends His spirit to His Father in heaven.

Jesus did not fear his persecutors, did not fear his enemies, did not grieve in front of his killers. He did not lose his life, rather he offered it purposefully. Willfully he made his path uprightly straight to the mount of Calvary. Bravely he encountered face to face the epitome of evil only to conquer it.

We learn a lesson today. Mightily crucified, Jesus looks from the heights of Golgotha to the processions of generations, hears the noise of nations, and understands the dreams of humanity. He passes through the threshold of eternity from death to life beckoning us to follow him with the same vigor and grace.

Jesus did not fear His persecutors, nor did He falter before His enemies or grieve in the presence of His killers. He did not lose His life; rather, He offered it with divine purpose. Willfully, He made His path straight to the heights of Calvary. Bravely, He met the epitome of evil face-to-face, only to emerge victoriously.

We learn a profound lesson today. From the heights of Golgotha, the crucified Christ gazes upon the procession of generations, hears the clamor of nations, and understands the deepest longings of humanity. Passing through the threshold of eternity, from death into life, He beckons us to follow Him with that same vigor and grace.

Let us also learn from nature another lesson. Trees whispered among themselves:

“These humans carve millions of crosses out of our wood. Can’t they make, out of themselves, one Christ?”

Maundy (Holy) Thursday

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:28:38 GMT

‘Maundy’ comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning “commandment,” reflecting Jesus’ words: “I give you a new commandment.” That commandment is: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

In Jerusalem, when Jesus sat at table with his disciples, households were celebrating the Passover feast. On the table were unleavened bread (matzah), four cups of red wine, bitter herbs (maror), charoset (fruit/nut paste), a green vegetable (karpas), salt water, and a roasted lamb.

During the meal, the youngest present would ask four questions: “How is this night different from all other nights? Why do we eat only matzah, only bitter herbs, dip our food twice, and recline while eating?” In response, the eldest would retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt.

While all were celebrating the past event of the Exodus, Jesus spoke to his disciples about the future: “Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Jesus alone knew that on the very next day his blood would be shed, while the others remained unaware. He knew that all would abandon him and flee, and that he alone would drink the bitter chalice of his passion and death.

Jesus washed the feet of his disciples to show them the value of humility and service, thereby establishing the sacrament of priesthood. He then broke the bread and shared the chalice of wine, saying, “This is my body… this is my blood. Do this in memory of me,” thus instituting the sacrament of the Eucharist. Christ established the priesthood to perpetuate the Eucharist, creating an unbreakable link between the two sacraments.

On this Holy Thursday, the priest, acting in the person of Christ, will wash the feet of twelve people representing the twelve Apostles. For a priest, ministry so deeply defines his life that without it, his life loses its meaning. Hence the Vatican II defines the priesthood by the descriptive title, 'The Ministry and Life of Priests.”

At the conclusion of the Mass, the procession of the Blessed Sacrament will take place within the church, followed by a time of silent adoration. In the breaking and partaking of the Bread, we experience the presence of God with such intensity and intimacy; it is in that moment that we truly celebrate His Real Presence in and among us.

I invite you all to join us this Maundy Thursday. Together, let us worship God and celebrate the commandment of love, the virtues of humility and service, and the institution of the priesthood and the Holy Eucharist, and the real presence of Christ in our midst.

We Enter Holy Week

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:08:11 GMT

Holy Week

We enter Holy Week. During this sacred time, we celebrate the kerygma of our faith: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.”

On Good Friday, we commemorate the first aspect of the kerygma: Christ has died. As Pope St. Leo the Great teaches, “To pay the debt of our sinful state, a nature that was incapable of suffering was joined to one that could suffer.” The invisible Son of God became visible through the Incarnation in order to suffer and die for us.

The blood of Jesus is the price paid for our freedom – a ransom. He is the propitiation for our sins, meaning that Jesus absorbed the blow of God we deserved and turned away God’s wrath. Through his death, Christ accomplished reconciliation between humanity and God.

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the second aspect of the kerygma: Christ is risen. As St. Paul writes, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” In the Resurrection, Christ’s human soul, intellect, and will are transformed and glorified, just as his body is. He remains forever the God-man – perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity. In short, the Son of God took on our human nature in order to restore it.

Pope Francis paraphrases the kerygma in this way:

• God loves you: “At every moment, you are infinitely loved.”

• Christ, out of love, sacrificed himself completely to save you: he “continues to save and redeem us by the power of his total self-surrender. Look to his cross.”

• Christ is alive: “Alive, he can be present in your life at every moment.”

The mysteries of Holy Week impress upon our hearts that God loves us infinitely, that he saves us through the cross, and that he is alive and present in our lives.

Strengthened by the grace of the Holy Week mysteries, we look forward to the future with profound faith, a renewed hope for holiness, and a sanctified charity that loves both God and neighbor unconditionally.

Reflection - Holy Week

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:04:52 GMT

Holy Week

Holy Week reveals a dual peak: the depth of human suffering and the height of divine glorification. Good Friday marks the extreme suffering of the ‘Son of Man.’ Easter Sunday shows the supreme triumph of the ‘Son of God.’

Pilate brought Jesus, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak, before the crowds, and said, “Behold, the man.”

His appearance was so disfigured by scourging and torture that he scarcely resembled a human being. Yet, instead of showing sympathy and compassion, the crowd cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him.” He was crucified. Those present beheld him praying for his enemies, shedding his blood for salvation, and offering his life to the Father.

On Easter Sunday, the disciples beheld him in glory and power as the Son of God. The risen Jesus revealed himself to those he chose, granting them joy, strength, mission, and guidance. He commanded them to go to the ends of the earth, proclaim the Good News, and make disciples.

In this Holy Week, 2.5 billion Christians worldwide walk this journey with Jesus. On Palm Sunday, they process triumphantly. On Holy Thursday, they sit at table with him at the Lord’s Supper, partaking of the Holy Eucharist. On Good Friday, they stand at the foot of the Cross with Mary, John, and the other disciples, gazing upon the excruciating pain, the ultimate sacrifice, and the perfect offering to God the Father. On Holy Saturday, a deep stillness falls upon them; with all creation, they silently await new beginnings. That night, they participate in the celebration of light and life at the Easter Vigil. At the dawn of Easter Sunday, they rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus, sharing in his joy and peace.

Let us join them—the Church Militant (on earth) and the Church Suffering (in purgatory), together with the Church Triumphant (in heaven)—in our journey with Jesus during this Holy Week. We learn humility at the Lord’s Supper, self-sacrifice at the foot of the Cross, and the power of light over darkness at the Easter Vigil. At the dawn of Easter Sunday, we receive the fruits of salvation.

The Fifth Week of Lent

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:00:06 GMT

Life confronted Death

Jesus stood before the tomb. Life confronted death.

“Lazarus, come out,” Jesus commanded, echoing the primordial “Let there be light.” In the beginning, there was light; here, there was life. The dead man came out of the tomb.

This took place in Bethany. Jesus’ friend Lazarus had been dead for four days, and the village mourned with Martha and Mary. As Jesus entered, the two sisters went out to meet him.

They said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” Jesus urged them to hold onto their belief to see the glory of God. When they saw their brother alive, their faith triumphed over despair.

God’s name is “I am”. ‘Am’ means ‘being,’ ‘existence,’ and ‘life.’ God is the author of life and so God gives life.

All creatures depend on the Creator for their existence. Psalm 104 goes this way: “When you open your hand, they are well filled. When you hide your face, they panic. Take away their breath, they perish and return to the dust. Send forth your spirit, they are created and you renew the face of the earth.”

Jesus the Son of God said, “I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again.”

On the cross, he did not lose his life; he offered it. Death could not destroy him; instead, he destroyed death. Death died that day.

When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, his return to life was temporary. He would die again. It was a quantitative extension of his earthly life. The resurrection Jesus offers us, however, is a qualitative transformation of life. We are called to live forever.

Next week, we enter Holy Week. We will participate in the sacred events, from Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his resurrection from the dead. As St. Thomas said, “Let us also go, that we may die with him”; and with him, let us rise to new life.

The Fourth Week of Lent

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:58:02 GMT

The Encounter between Light and Darkness

A blind man longed for sight. Enveloped in darkness, he sought the light. Knowing not the source of light, he became miserable.

Some believed that blindness was the result of sin. “Is it his own sin,” they inquired, “or that of his parents?” But he was waiting for the light.

Jesus came by that way and saw him. The light encountered darkness. The light of the world effaced darkness.

As St. John says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it,” the light dispelled darkness.

Jesus mixed the dust with his saliva to create clay, and smeared the clay on the man’s eyes, just as God formed the man out of the dust of the ground. He asked the man to wash in the Pool of Siloam. At the touch of the water, his eyes were enlightened. He could see. He beheld Jesus, the source of light and life.

A divine irony took place. While the eyes of the blind man were enlightened, the hearts of some people drowned in darkness. The very moment he was gaining his sight; they were losing theirs.

The Pharisees of old are a mirror to our present generation. Like many today, they were unwilling to believe, so they constructed rational justifications.

First, they attempted to invalidate the man’s credibility, claiming he had never been blind at all. When his parents proved otherwise, they turned their scrutiny upon Jesus, seeking to tarnish His authenticity. They argued that He could not be from God, for He had healed the man on the Sabbath.

The blind man chose the light, while the pharisees chose to remain in darkness. He moved toward the radiance; they retreated into the dark.

This Lent, the Light beckons, and we must respond. It calls, and we must follow. It shines, and we must draw near. It enlightens, and we must allow ourselves to be transformed by its glow.

The Third Week of Lent

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:53:50 GMT

The Samaritan Woman - Encounter with the divinity of Jesus

“How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” She was amazed that a Jew would ask her for a drink. She saw him only as a Jew.

She was thirsty for water to drink. He was thirsty to give her water.

For her, water would quench her thirst. For him, water would awaken in her a deeper thirst.

Jesus spoke further.

“Go call your husband.” “I do not have a husband.”
“You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband…the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true.”

Now she began to see him as a prophet – a man of God, for he could see through her heart and know everything.

Penetrating sun rays dissolves the mist. The presence of God unveils the soul’s secrets. Everything lies naked and exposed. Divine gaze scrutinizes not;

it quiets.

Their conversation continued.

“God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.”
“I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.”
“I am he, the one speaking with you.”

“I am who am.” The Being, the Life, and the Creator. I am life, and I give life.

Her response was silence. She was transformed. She believed.

She went to her fellow Samaritans and testified, “He told me everything I have done.” Their skepticism soon turned to certainty: “We have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”

First, she saw him as a Jew. Then, she perceived him as a prophet. Finally, she embraced him as the Messiah. What began as an encounter with a human deepened into the sight of a saint, finally reaching its zenith in the belief of the Messiah.

“You Are That man/woman” is our Lenten theme. A soul’s meeting with God, in the stillness of solitude, brings about true conversion. Just as the Samaritan woman’s encounter with the Son of God brought salvation to her and her entire village, we too are called to that personal meeting.

Seek, and miss not these opportunities for your soul to meet the Divine. A prayer before the Tabernacle, meditating on the Word of God, the reception of Holy Communion, a visit to the sick, a kind word to the lonely, or sharing with the needy – all these are moments to encounter God's grace. May this Lent bring about our conversion and draw us ever closer to Him.

The Second Week of Lent

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:49:59 GMT

Transfiguration - Encounter with the glory of Jesus

Our Lenten theme is ‘You are that man / woman’ – a call to a direct encounter with our own soul. This week we reflect on Peter, James and John – their moment of encounter with the divinity of Jesus!

Jesus chose only three apostles – Peter, James and John, and stood atop the mountain with them. They were journeying toward Jerusalem, shortly before His passion and death. Although they had followed Him for three years and witnessed His words and deeds, they remained unprepared for His impending suffering. Jesus knew that the cross could scandalize them.

In order to strengthen their faith in him, Jesus chose to reveal a glimpse of his glory. The flesh assumed by the Son of God had concealed his divine splendor from their eyes. He desired that they see the truth of His nature, just as He taught, “The truth will set you free.” He was transfigured before them.

The apostles encountered the divine glory of Jesus. They beheld Moses and Elijah conversing with him and heard the voice proclaim, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” They were astounded, and the fear of God besieged them. It was an experience both unfathomable and ineffable. For a fleeting moment, they savored the unattainable beatific vision.

Peter’s words gave voice to their inner wonder: “Lord, it is good that we are here.” They longed for the theophany to last for eternity. Yet, when Jesus touched them and said, “Rise, and do not be afraid,” the disciples looked up to find no one there but Jesus alone.

In an encounter with even a glimpse of divinity, we come to realize the truth: the truth about God and our own souls; the truth about the meaning of our lives and their relationship to others and to creation; and the truth about where we come from and where we are going. The truth will set us free.

This Lent, may our encounters with the Divine – before the Tabernacle and in receiving Holy Communion – make us come to our senses, that we may follow the Good Shepherd with contrite hearts.

The First Week of Lent

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:47:53 GMT

The three temptations of Christ - Encounter with the devil

Our Lenten theme is ‘You are that man / woman’ – a call to a direct encounter with our own soul.

This week we reflect on Jesus – his moment of confrontation with the devil!

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. It was a divine destiny. The son of God was to confront the devil. The source of all goodness had to face the archetype of evil.

After fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus was hungry. He was physically exhausted and weakened. At that moment of vulnerability, the devil slithered in, to tempt Jesus.

The devil sought to provoke an identity crisis in Jesus. “If you are the Son of God,” he began, aiming to implant inner conflict and personal disorientation at the very core of who Jesus was.

“Turn this stone into bread, and throw yourself down from the temple’s parapet, if you are the Son of God,” the devil tempted. It attempted to press Jesus into proving His identity through miraculous feats. But should Jesus validate His divinity for the devil? Absolutely not, and he did not.

Jesus faced Satan. He encountered the core of evil. The devil quoted the Bible. Jesus paid him back in the same coin. The demon enticed. Jesus repelled.

Then came the final lure: ‘Worship me, I will give you the glories of the world.’ Can darkness bury the light? Can a pond contain the Ocean? Can a lie falsify the Truth?

Now the Almighty spoke: “Begone, Satan!” “The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.”

Jesus’ encounter with evil ended. Satan left him. Jesus conquered. The devil was vanquished.

We face temptation alone, and alone we must overcome it. Without fleeing, whining, blaming, compromising and conceding, we should fight and overcome evil with God’s power.

Do one Corporal and Spiritual work of Mercy

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:54:09 GMT

Works of Mercy

The Church invites the faithful to practice charitable actions rooted in Sacred Scripture and Catholic tradition (cf. Matthew 25). These are known as the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, seven in each category.

During this Lent, I invite you to commit yourself to one corporal and one spiritual work of mercy.

The first corporal work of mercy is FEED THE HUNGRY – providing food for those in need.

OUR PARISH ACTION: Please consider donating gift cards (for local grocery stores or markets) to assist those who approach our parish for help. You may place these in the offertory baskets during Mass.

The second spiritual work of mercy is COUNSEL THE DOUBTFUL – offering guidance and encouragement to those who are uncertain in faith.

OUR PARISH ACTION: I encourage you to “Bring a Plus One.” Make a prayerful effort to invite someone back to the Church – perhaps a friend, neighbor, or family member who has been away – and accompany them to Mass.

Doing these works of mercy is a primary expression of our faith and a way to imitate the compassion of Jesus Christ.

Come to Church with Plus 1

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:44:20 GMT

Bring one back to Church

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” (Jn 1:45-46)

Philip brought Bartholomew to Jesus, and Andrew brought the Greeks to Christ. During this Lent, I invite you to practice this simple yet powerful ‘spiritual work of mercy’:

‘Bring one person back to Church; Come to Church with Plus One.’

Many hearts are quietly longing for God but are waiting for an invitation. Your personal welcome may be the gentle nudge that opens the door to grace, healing, and renewal. You do not need to have the perfect words – your presence and your invitation are enough.

The following steps are highly recommended:

Engage more deeply in prayer, penance, fasting, and personal sacrifice.
Seek to know, understand, and be firmly grounded in our Catholic faith.
Plant seeds of faith by sending a letter, giving a card or book, or sharing a helpful YouTube link.
Engage in meaningful conversations, especially by listening attentively.
Extend an invitation to a parish event such as a coffee social, the Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration or Mass.
Discern their needs—whether they are seeking Confession, faith sharing, conversation with a faith-filled parishioner or a visit with a priest.

God invites you to bring back the lost sheep. He desires you to be His hands, His heart, and His voice.

Will you undertake this spiritual work of mercy during this Lent?

You are the man / woman

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:39:31 GMT

Lenten Reflection

The prophet Nathan said to King David, “You are the man.”

Those words struck David to the core. They pierced his heart, laying bare the secret lust he had buried and the betrayal of his fallen soldier, exposing it all to the light of day.

Nathan had told David a story. There was a poor man who had nothing but a single ewe lamb. He raised her with tender care; she grew up like his beloved daughter. Nearby lived a rich man, with flocks beyond counting. When a traveler came to him, he spared his own herd. Instead, he seized the poor man’s lamb, slaughtered her, and set her before his guest.

David’s anger blazed. “As surely as the Lord lives,” he declared to Nathan, “the man who has done this must die!” Then Nathan looked at the king and said, “You are the man.”

Confronted by his own judgment, David staggered. When his index finger pointed at a wicked rich man, he was shocked to see three other fingers pointing at himself. He had condemned himself.

Nevertheless, David accepted responsibility for his crime and acknowledged his guilt. Moved by this remorse, he composed one of the most beautiful psalms of contrition. He lamented: “For I know my transgressions; my sin is ever before me. Against you, you alone, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.”

“You are the man… you are the woman!” When we stand as the target of this piercing arrow—unable to flee and unable to shift the blame—the hidden sins that have accumulated within us can finally be truly repented of and mercifully purged.

Let this moment of confrontation become our meditation throughout this Lent. As we pray, fast, and give alms, may we continually nurture this sacred awareness.

In the silence of our hearts, before the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, while making significant decisions, and whenever we encounter the Divine, true conversion takes place.

During these forty days, I urge you to attend daily Mass, participate in the Stations of the Cross, go to confession, and prayerfully read Psalm 51, Chapter 5 of the Gospel of Matthew, and Chapter 6 of the Gospel of Luke.

Reflect deeply, meditate prayerfully, and unite yourself with Jesus in his suffering, death, and resurrection. God will enlighten, strengthen, and guide you.

Welcome to the parish new website

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:26:00 GMT

Welcome

Peace and blessings to you! It is with great joy that I welcome you to the new website of our parish. This virtual space has been created to serve you better. It is a place of connection, communication, and community, reflecting who we are as a people of faith united in Christ and bonded to one another.

Our parish website is designed to be a helpful resource for parishioners and visitors alike. Here you will find information about Mass times, sacraments, ministries, parish events, and opportunities to grow in faith and service. It is also a doorway for those who are searching, curious, or visiting for the first time. You are always welcome here.

As the Church continues her mission in an ever-changing world, this website is one more way we can reach out, stay connected, and share the Good News. I invite you to explore the site, stay informed, and remain engaged in the life of our parish family. May this website help strengthen our bonds as a parish and extend Christ’s welcome to all.

May God bless you and your families.

In Christ,

Fr. Arul Rajan Peter

Epilouge

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:52:00 GMT

Friends,

This video clip concludes my personal reflections on the articles of the Nicene Creed. I sincerely hope these 29 clips have been a worthwhile use of your time and have encouraged you to explore more deeply the richness and profundity of our faith as professed in the Creed.

This project has truly been a blessing for me as well. Writing the scripts and producing these videos helped me to appreciate more fully the faith I received from my family, nurtured by my home parish, formed in the seminary, and lived out through my priestly ministry.

I sincerely thank all who have dedicated some of your precious time to watch the clips. For those who have not yet seen them, they will remain available on YouTube for many years. You can access them through the parish website links whenever you wish.

I am grateful to have dedicated this small portion of my life to this spiritual work. My hope is that, as you recite the Creed in the coming Sunday Masses, you will be able to reflect upon it and pray it more deeply.

May God bless you!

Fr. Arul Rajan Peter

And the life of the world to come

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 20:48:00 GMT

‘The life’ of the ‘World to come’

Contemplating ‘life after death’ brings to my mind depictions of heaven, such as ‘St. Peter at the Pearly Gates’ and ‘The City of God’ by St. Augustine.

Scripture speaks of it in images: Life, Light, Peace, Wedding feast, Wine of the kingdom, The Father’s house, The heavenly Jerusalem, A new heaven and a new earth, and Paradise. I believe my God-given life is eternal, and the earth I inhabit will be transformed into a ‘new earth,’ incorruptible and imperishable.

The literal meaning of this doctrine is “the life of the age (or world) to come.” The Hebrew expression ‘ Olam ha-ba’ (“the world to come”) refers both to the messianic age and the heavenly estate to which the righteous ascend at death.

Reflecting on ‘eternal life’ and ‘life in heaven’ brings hope and joy to my soul. Catholicism teaches that those who die in the state of grace will enter into the eternal joy of heaven, where they will dwell with the Lord, joined by angels, saints, and departed loved ones who have been counted among the just. After the final judgment, the righteous will reign forever with Christ, glorified in body and soul.

This is Heaven: The perfect life and love with the Most Holy Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angels, and all the saints. It is the ultimate end and fulfillment of the deepest human longings, the state of supreme and definitive happiness.

Because of his transcendence, God cannot be seen as Ηe is, unless God himself opens up his mystery to humans’ immediate contemplation and gives them the capacity for it. The Church calls this contemplation of God in his heavenly glory ‘the beatific vision.’

For human bodies, unlike spirits, have to be somewhere. They don’t exist in a void, but are made to fit the rest of creation. Therefore, the Church looks forward to “the world to come,” a “new heaven and a new earth”

The book of Revelation says, “I saw a New Heaven; and a New Earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.”

The transformed world refers to the eschatological vision of a renewed creation, often described as ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ where God dwells with his people in perfect communion.

The Catechism of the Church teaches that the visible universe is destined to be transformed, so that the world itself, restored to its original state, facing no further obstacles, should be at the service of the just, sharing their glorification in the risen Jesus Christ. We know neither the moment of the consummation of the earth and humans nor how the universe will be transformed.

The Church’s position is that the new creation is a renewal of the old creation, in which Christ’s work, and particularly his death and resurrection, remove the effects and source of sin and thereby bring restoration, not only to human beings but to all God has made. Thus, the creation shall be free from the bondage of corruption, to pass into the liberty of the children of God.

I believe in the immortality of my soul and the resurrection of my body on the last day. The entire creation, including the earth — a mere speck in the vast universe — will be transformed into a perfect, sinless abode, free from suffering and death. By the grace of God, it will become a dwelling place for the blessed, sanctified in soul and glorified in body.

The resurrection of the dead

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:30:00 GMT

Resurrection of the dead

When I was conceived, God created my soul and infused it into my body. My soul, being immortal, will live forever.

Upon my death, God will judge my soul, while my body will return to the earth, decay, and wait for the last day when Jesus Christ will raise it.

In my faith, I hope to enter heaven or, by God's mercy, await the beatific vision in the purgatory. I trust in His mercy, as the psalm declares: “If you, Lord, keep account of sins, Lord, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness, and so you are revered.”

I believe that, upon Christ's return, all the dead will be raised. While most religions and philosophies affirm the soul’s eternity, they often deny the body’s immortality.

But, Scripture teaches that when Jesus returns, the souls of believers will reunite with their resurrected bodies. Our faith proclaims not only the soul’s immortality but the resurrection of the whole person.

God created both the material and spiritual realms, and as beings composed of both body and soul, we humans share in both.

When we die, our soul stands before God in the particular judgment, and we have to account for our lives – good and bad, omissions and commissions. God will then judge the soul worthy of heaven, hell, or purgatory.

The body, committed to the earth, will decay. At the end of time, however, we too will share in the resurrection of the dead, also known as the resurrection of the body.

The general judgment occurs at the end of time when all the dead are resurrected. The righteous inherit the new world, and the wicked are condemned to hell.

What will happen to our mortal bodies at the resurrection of the dead? Our material bodies will be transformed into spiritual bodies. As St. Paul says, “What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable.

It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Cor 15:42-44).

The resurrection of Jesus serves as both a model and a cornerstone of faith, offering believers hope for their own future resurrection. Just as Jesus’ body was glorified at His resurrection, so too will the bodies of the faithful be raised in glory.

A “glorified body” refers to the transformed, immortal, and spiritual body that believers are promised after death, reflecting the resurrected body of Jesus Christ.

What are the qualities of a glorified body?

Identity, entirety, and immortality will be common to the risen bodies of the just and the wicked.

But the bodies of the saints shall be distinguished by four transcendent qualities:

Impassibility: Freedom from physical evil, death, and sickness. The glorified body is incapable of suffering and pain.

Subtlety: The glorified body is not bound by the limitations of space and time, as seen in Jesus' post-resurrection appearances.

Agility: The body will be freed from the heaviness that now presses it down, and will take on a capability of moving with the utmost ease and swiftness. It is under the complete control of the soul, allowing for effortless movement and transcendence.

Clarity: Freedom from defects and an endowment with beauty. It is a brightness or a radiance reflected on the body from the supreme happiness of the soul. The body will be glorious, as seen in the Transfiguration of Jesus.

Like you, I was created for immortal life, destined to find eternal joy and peace in the new heaven and new earth, my soul purified and my body glorified.

One Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:04:00 GMT

One Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

I was baptized as an infant, a moment that set me free from original sin and began my new life in Christ. It bestowed sanctifying grace and left an indelible mark on my soul.

I believe in one baptism. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark of belonging to Christ. Given once and for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.

St. Paul says, “One Lord, one faith, one Baptism.” By confessing in “one Baptism,” we confess, or state our faith that there is only one way to enter the Church.

Following the Second Vatican Council, the Church recognizes the validity of baptisms performed in most Christian denominations, provided they use water and the Trinitarian formula with the intention of baptizing into the Christian faith. This recognition underscores the doctrine of one baptism.

A “conditional baptism” occurs when there are doubts about whether a valid baptism took place, perhaps due to uncertainty about the correct formula, the use of the right matter (water), or the intent of the baptizer and the baptized.

I profess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. This doctrine is rooted in Our Lord's words: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

He who believes and is baptized will be saved,” demonstrating the connection between baptism and forgiveness.

The Creed links ‘the forgiveness of sins’ with its profession of faith in the Holy Spirit, for the risen Christ entrusted to the apostles the power to forgive sins when he gave them the Holy Spirit.

St. Peter says, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

According to St. Paul, through Baptism, the believer enters into communion with Christ's death, is buried with Him, and rises with Him.

By descending into the water, one participates in Christ’s death, dying to past sins. Emerging from the water, one rises to new life, sharing in the resurrection of Jesus.

For the baptized, neither Adam's sin, nor personal sin, nor the consequences of sin impede their entry into the Kingdom of God, though certain temporal consequences of sin remain in the baptized, such as suffering, illness, death, weaknesses of character, as well as concupiscence – an inclination to sin.

By Christ's will, the Church possesses the power to forgive the sins of the baptized and exercises it through bishops and priests, normally in the sacrament of Penance.

The sacrament of confession, a 'second baptism,' draws its power from baptism and renews the original baptism. It is the means by which the baptized are cleansed, preserving the white garment of their Christian dignity.

To sum up, in Catholic theology, baptism is the sacrament through which God forgives sins, including original sin, and grants the baptized person new life in Christ, making them a member of the Church.

By confessing in “one Baptism,” we confess, or state our faith or adherence to, that there is only one way to enter the Church.

One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 20:17:00 GMT

One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church

In the Nicene Creed, we identify the four marks of the Church. They are qualities that Jesus Christ shares with his Church through the Holy Spirit.

The four marks of the Church are that it is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. It is Christ who calls her to realize each of these qualities.

The Church is One:

The Church in which I serve as a priest is one. This worldwide Church of Christ, entrusted to Peter for its extension and governance, subsists fully in the Roman Catholic Church, much like the sun's gravity holds the solar system together.

The church is one through its source, founder, and soul. The source is the unity of the Trinity. Its founder, Jesus, reconciled humanity to God through the cross. Its soul, the Holy Spirit, unites the faithful in Christ and sustains them in communion.

Unity in diversity defines my Church, which embraces both God's many gifts and the large number of receivers. It is home for different skin colors, speaks a multitude of languages, expresses itself through unique styles, and holds countless citizenships.

The church professes one faith and celebrates divine worship together. The apostolic succession from St. Peter to Pope Leo XIV unites the faithful in communion.

Human sin causes ruptures – heresy, apostasy, and schism. They wound the unity of Christ’s Body. While Christ bestows the gift of unity, the Church is called to pray and work towards its perfection.

Achieving full unity transcends human effort alone; it demands the involvement of the entire Church – both the faithful and the clergy.

The Church is Holy:

The one Church is holy because Christ loved her as His Bride and gave Himself to sanctify her. He united her as His Body and gifted her with the Holy Spirit.

With Christ as her Head, the Holy Spirit her Soul, Mary her Mother, and the multitude of saints in heaven her kin, the Church is truly “the holy People of God,” and its members are called “saints.”

The Church exists to sanctify humanity in Christ, and it is in her that we attain holiness. Within the Church, sanctity is real, though imperfect. The Lord calls all the faithful to strive for perfect holiness.

The Church continually needs purification, following a path of penance and renewal. All members, including its ministers, must humbly acknowledge their sinfulness.

Canonized saints reveal the spirit of holiness in the Church, serving as models and intercessors. In the Virgin Mary, the Church has reached perfect holiness, making her a sign of hope.

The Church is not defined solely by its sinful members – all 1.3 billion of us. Rather, its holiness stems from its closeness to the Lord. She is the Mystical Body of Christ, with Christ as her head, the Holy Spirit as her soul, Mary as her mother, and the myriads of saints in heaven.

The Church is Catholic:

Fundamentally, I am a Christian. But I am a universal Christian because I am a Catholic.

The word “Catholic” is derived from the Greek 'katholikos,' meaning 'universal.' This originates from 'katholou' ('on the whole'), itself composed of 'kata' ('about') and 'holos' ('whole'). St. Ignatius of Antioch provides the earliest known use of 'Catholic.'

The church is catholic in a double sense: First, Christ is present in her and in her subsists the fullness of Christ's body united with its head.

She receives from Christ the fullness of the means of salvation: correct and complete confession of faith, full sacramental life, and ordained ministry in apostolic succession.

Second, it holds Christ's mission to unite all humanity. This universality, a gift from the Lord, drives the Catholic Church's continuous pursuit of bringing humanity under Christ's head in the unity of His Spirit.

Each particular church or diocese, is also catholic, representing a community of the Christian faithful in communion with their bishop, ordained in apostolic succession. They hold the Roman Catholic Church as their basis and foundation.

The Church's catholicity is expressed through diverse ecclesiastical disciplines, liturgical rites, and theological and spiritual heritages proper to the local churches.

The Catholic Church encompasses the Catholic faithful, other Christians, and ultimately, all of humanity.

The Church is Apostolic:

The Church is apostolic in three ways: it is built on the foundation of the apostles; it transmits their teachings; and it is taught, sanctified, and guided by them through their successors – the college of bishops, assisted by priests, in union with Peter's successor.

Jesus appointed the twelve apostles to be with him, and to be sent out to preach. Jesus granted them both the mandate and the power for their mission. In them, Christ continues his own mission.

While the apostles' role as witnesses to the Lord's Resurrection is unique and non-transferable, their enduring mission to spread the Gospel, the lasting source of all life for the Church, continues to the end of time. Therefore, they appointed successors.

Just as Peter's office, entrusted by the Lord, is permanent in his successors, so too is the apostles' shepherding role, continued uninterrupted by the bishops, who take their place.

The Church remains apostolic by staying connected to its origins through the successors of Peter and the apostles, and by being sent into the world. All members share in this mission, each in their own way.

Charity, drawn from the Eucharist, is always the soul of the whole apostolate. The Church is ultimately one, holy, catholic, and apostolic in her deepest and ultimate identity, because it is in her that "the Kingdom of heaven," the "Reign of God," already exists and will be fulfilled at the end of time.

He has spoken through the prophets

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:02:00 GMT

He has spoken through the prophets

The Holy Spirit worked in the hearts and minds of the prophets of the Old Testament, just as He did among the early Christians and continues to do in our lives today. This article of the Creed highlights the connection between the Spirit’s presence in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.

The English word prophet is a transliteration of the Greek word prophētēs, which means “to say beforehand.” Besides foretelling the future, the prophets also spoke God’s judgment on things – to evaluate the affairs of the world from the perspective of God’s purposes.

In the Creed, the Greek word lalësan (spoken) is used to indicate the production of audible sound. Further, the word ‘dia’ (through) does not just mean ‘through’ in the sense of “by way of” but “through to the other side.” It connotes the breaching of a barrier, passage from one realm to another, or movement across extreme limits.

So, the phrase “spoken through the prophets” identifies the Holy Spirit as, “the one having spoken to us audibly from heaven, the prophets as his media.”

The Holy Spirit communicated God’s word through chosen human instruments, the prophets of the Old Covenant (like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel) and the apostles and evangelists of the New Covenant. The Spirit inspired their words, guiding them to proclaim divine truth faithfully.

The Holy Spirit has acted throughout time, not only in the New Testament, but from the very beginning of salvation history. He is the divine author and inspirer of God’s revelation. He inspired not only the prophets but also the Scriptures, the Tradition handed down by the Church Fathers, and the Magisterium of the Church.

The Greek word for “inspired” (theópneustos) literally means “God-breathed,” and this idea of “breath” is intimately connected to the Holy Spirit.

Moses is regarded as an important prophet in the Old Testament. During the Exodus, God took some of the spirit that was upon Moses and bestowed it on the seventy elders. When the spirit came to rest on them, they began to prophesy.

On the day of Pentecost, the first disciples were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

The Spirit brings the prophecies of the Old Testament to their complete fulfillment in Christ whose mystery he reveals in the New Testament.

The Apostle Peter's second epistle sheds some insight: “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”

St. Paul writes, " All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”

I believe the Holy Spirit inspired those who spoke in the name of God. He has continued throughout history to guide the faithful, by the inspiration of Scripture and the Magisterium, to grow in holiness, living as confessors of the faith and even dying as martyrs for it.

He is Adored and Glorified

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:47:00 GMT

He is adored and glorified

The direct translation of this phrase from the Greek is, “Together with the Father, He is worshiped and glorified.”

In the Creed, “Who” refers to the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity. “With the Father and the Son” indicates that the Holy Spirit is not separate or inferior, but shares the same divine nature as the Father and the Son. The word “with” emphasizes the unity and equality of the three divine Persons.

“Is adored and glorified” shows that the Holy Spirit is the proper object of worship, just as the Father and the Son are. In Christian theology, worship belongs to God alone.

Therefore, if the Holy Spirit is to be adored and glorified together with the Father and the Son, He must truly be God.

In this profession of faith, the Creed solemnly declares the divinity of the Holy Spirit, affirming Him as the third Person of the Most Holy Trinity, consubstantial, coequal, and coeternal with the Father and the Son, who is rightly adored and glorified together with them.

The early church thought so and even preserved prayers to the Holy Spirit from the fourth century until today. The Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and most mainline Protestant denominations still use hymns and prayers to the Holy Spirit.

Macedonianism, a 4th-century heresy denied the full personhood and divinity of the Holy Spirit. According to this heresy, the Holy Spirit was created by the Son and was thus subordinate to the Father and the Son. The Creed defines the Holy Spirit as God and hence ‘With the Father and the Son he is adored and glorified.’

To the Samaritan lady Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.” Worship is a definite act of the creature in relation to God. To deny worship to the Holy Spirit is to deny His deity.

Hence believers ought to, will, and do adore and glorify the Holy Spirit as co-equal with the Father and Son.

Worship means “adoration” of God which can be expressed in many different ways: through prayer, sacrifice, solitude, and penance.

The main idea in adoration is that man recognizes his creaturehood and therefore his total dependence on almighty God.

Before I begin my prayers, I always invoke the Holy Spirit to come into me, to pray within me, and to enable me to pray without distraction, in union with the Holy Trinity.

During the Holy Mass, whenever I say, “Father, we ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever,” I renew in a special way my profession of faith in the third Person of the Most Holy Trinity.

He Proceeds from the Father and the Son

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 12:02:00 GMT

He proceeds from the Father and the Son

The original Creed of Nicaea (A.D. 325) concluded with the declaration of belief: “And in the Holy Spirit.” Later, the Creed of Constantinople (A.D. 381) expanded this statement, affirming: “And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father.”

The Eastern Orthodox Church maintains this original wording of the Creed, while the Roman Catholic Church and many Protestant traditions adopted the phrasing: “who proceeds from the Father and the Son (‘ Filioque’ in Latin).”

This concept ‘and the Son’ had been in existence in the West for a long time. However, the addition of the word filioque to the Creed first appears in the acts of the Synod of Braga (A.D. 412), and in the third Council of Toledo (A.D. 589).

This wording ‘and the Son’ was later incorporated into the Roman Mass (Latin Rite) and formally approved by Pope Benedict VIII in 1014.

It is striking to realize that the single word Filioque resulted in the Great Schism between the Eastern (Greek) and Western (Latin) Churches in 1054. This invites us to delve into the meaning of the word “procession.”

The Creed mentions two processions: The Son proceeds from the Father, by way of emanation of the intellect; and this procession is called generation. Thus, the Creed says, “Begotten, not made.”

But the Spirit proceeds from the love of the Father and the Son through an act of their unified will. Together, the Father and the Son breathe forth the Holy Spirit. And the Creed says, “Proceeds from the Father and the Son.”

The Son is called the Wisdom of God, proceeding from an act of the intellect. Meanwhile, the Holy Spirit is the love of God—the very breath of God—proceeding from an act of the will: an act of love.

The Athanasian Creed, which originated in Southern France (Gaul) around the mid-fifth century, further explains:

The Father is made of none: neither created, nor begotten.
The Son is of the Father alone: not made, nor created, but begotten.
The Holy Spirit is of the Father and of the Son: neither made, nor created,
nor begotten, but proceeding.

This means that a single act of the will, shared through the consubstantiality of Father and Son, results in the spiration of the Holy Spirit.

‘Unbegottenness’ is the unique personal property of the Father, ‘Begottenness’ is the unique personal property of the Son, and ‘procession’ is the unique personal property of the Holy Spirit.

Reconciliation on the filioque involves modern dialogues and agreements between Catholic and Orthodox churches. An "Agreed Statement on the Filioque" by Catholic and Orthodox theologians in 2003, declared that the Filioque was no longer a "Church-dividing" issue that would prevent full communion, provided there is further review.

Pope Francis omitted the Filioque during his 2021 pastoral visit to Greece. Pope Benedict XVI also omitted the Filioque while reciting the Creed with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I during the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul in Rome.

As a Catholic, I believe that the Holy Spirit is consubstantial with the Father and the Son, and proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son, not by two spirations, but by one single spiration.

The Lord the giver of Life

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:22:00 GMT

The Lord, the giver of Life

The prayer card from my ordination in 1984 featured this Scripture passage: 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me.' The bishop laid his hands upon my head and anointed my palms with the oil of Chrism. My priestly life began with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life.

The Council of Nicaea concluded with the phrase, “And in the Holy Spirit.” In the following decades, theological debates arose regarding the Holy Spirit, known as the Pneumatic heresies, with Macedonianism being among the most prominent.

Macedonianism did not deny the existence or divinity of the Spirit but denied its full divinity and consubstantiality with the Father and the Son. It taught that the Holy Spirit was created by the Son and therefore subordinate to God.

To counter its growing influence, Emperor Theodosius I convened the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD, which affirmed the Holy Spirit as “The Lord, the Giver of Life.”

The Lord:

The Greek term Kyrios (Lord) translates the Hebrew Yahweh. To call the Holy Spirit “the Lord” is, therefore, to ascribe to Him the very name and attributes of God Almighty, affirming His sovereignty and co-equality with the Father and the Son.

The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or power of God, but a person. While the Greek word for “Spirit” (pneuma) is grammatically neuter, Scripture consistently refers to the Spirit with personal pronouns—He and Him, not it.

The Bible also describes the Spirit in personal terms: He teaches, guides, comforts, and intercedes. He can be grieved, He has a will, He searches the deep things of God with His mind, and He shares fellowship with believers. Clearly, the Holy Spirit is God, just as the Father and the Son are God.

Giver of Life:

This title articulates the Holy Spirit’s indispensable role in both creation and salvation, highlighting his active, life-imparting power.

The Spirit is the source of all life. For ancient people, breath was a sign of life and vitality. Over time, the Spirit came to represent the very source of life, both physical and spiritual.

At creation, God's divine breath gave life, and "man became a living being." The Spirit of the Lord repeatedly intervened throughout the history of Israel, saving and guiding its people through patriarchs, judges, kings, and prophets.

Psalm 104 declares, “Send forth your spirit, they are created and you renew the face of the earth.” Just as on the sixth day, Adam was a lifeless vessel until the Lord of life breathed into him, so too the Church was like a lifeless vessel until the Lord of life breathed His Spirit into her.

Ezekiel's vision powerfully illustrates the people's renewal after exile: a vast valley of dry bones brought back to life when the spirit "came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet."

The Holy Spirit came upon Mary, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her, so that the Word took flesh to bring life to the human race.

The Spirit is the source of spiritual life and salvation. To have eternal life, a person must be born “of water and the Spirit” (Jn 3:5).

St. Paul says, “the Spirit brings life” and fills our hearts with charity. He is the source of true life in God. That’s why, in the Creed, we say the Holy Spirit is “the giver of life.”

Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” He imparted to them the life giving Spirit.

The third person of the Trinity is my Lord. Being the source of my life He continues to fill me with both physical and spiritual life.

I believe in the Holy Spirit

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 10:31:00 GMT

I believe in the Holy Spirit

Without awareness I was sanctified at baptism. With growing awareness, I was sanctified at confirmation. With full awareness, dedication, and openness, I was sanctified at my ordination to the priesthood. Through it all, the Holy Spirit sanctified me.

He has been guarding me in my struggle against evil, directing my desires toward goodness, helping me discern my choices, guiding me through the countries and cultures I have encountered, and granting me the gift of wisdom in pastoral ministry. He has been my consoler in my trials, and my advocate in my yearning for divine life.

The Creed of Nicaea (A.D. 325) concludes with "And in the Holy Spirit." When the Creed was being developed, the concept of the Holy Spirit's consubstantiality was still under dispute. Consequently, the authors chose to remain neutral on the matter.

However, the Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381) expanded this article of Faith by including further attributes of the Holy Spirit.

There are created spirits that are angels. They are ‘all ministering spirits.’ But the Holy Spirit is not a created spirit: The Holy Spirit is Divine.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Most Holy Trinity, consubstantial with the Father and the Son. Jesus gave this name. The Hebrew word Ruah means wind, like the Spirit, it is invisible, free, and felt though unseen.

‘Spirit’ and ‘Holy’ are divine attributes common to the three divine persons. The Spirit is called the Paraclete, which means consoler and advocate.

From creation, the Spirit of God hovered over the waters. It empowered patriarchs, judges, kings, and prophets. In the fullness of time, the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, and John the Baptist leapt in the womb for joy.

Today, as temples of the Spirit, we receive help in prayer, adoption as God's children, and baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is at work with the Father and the Son from the beginning to the completion of the plan for our salvation.

It is impossible to see God's Son without the Spirit, and no one can approach the Father without the Son, for the knowledge of the Father is the Son, and the knowledge of God's Son is obtained through the Holy Spirit.

At his Incarnation, God's Son was made Christ (Messiah) by the Holy Spirit. Through his Death and Resurrection, Jesus became glorified as Lord and Christ.

From his abundant grace, Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to his apostles and the Church. This same Holy Spirit builds, animates, and makes the Church holy.

We know the Spirit only in the movement by which he reveals to us the Word. It is Christ who is seen, the visible image of the invisible God, but it is the Spirit who reveals the Son.

The many symbols of the Holy Spirit illustrate the depth of His presence among us:

Water signifies both birth and the fruitfulness of the new life given to us through the Spirit.

Anointing, a symbol of the Spirit, consecrated Jesus as the Christ, empowering him to heal and save.

Just as the Spirit anointed Old Testament kings and prophets, He now confers His power through the sacraments of Confirmation, Holy Orders, and Anointing of the Sick.

FIRE symbolizes the Holy Spirit's transforming power. John the Baptist announced a baptism of "Holy Spirit and fire," and at Pentecost, the Spirit descended as tongues of fire.

CLOUD and LIGHT signify the Spirit's presence. The cloud veiled God's glory on Mount Sinai, in the tent of meeting, and during Israel's desert journey. At the Transfiguration, the Spirit appeared in a cloud overshadowing Jesus, and a cloud also took Jesus from sight at the Ascension.

The SEAL is a symbol of the indelible mark of the Holy Spirit, impressed upon the soul through the sacraments of Baptism , Confirmation , and Holy Orders .

THE LAYING OF THE HANDS, used by Jesus for healing, was continued by the Apostles. This imposition of hands, still used today, signifies the giving of the Holy Spirit.

The FINGER OF GOD enabled Jesus to cast out demons, just as it wrote the Old Law on stone. Now, the "letter of Christ" is similarly written by the Spirit upon human hearts.

The DOVE symbolizes the Spirit. A dove brought an olive branch to Noah, signaling the new life after the flood. At Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descended and remained with Him as a dove.

The fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

His gifts are Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.

Within the Church, we come to know the Holy Spirit through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, the Magisterium, the liturgy, prayer, ministries, missionary life, and the witness of the saints. From the beginning of creation to the fulfillment of God's plan, the Holy Spirit works inseparably with the Father and the Son to bring about our salvation.

In this Holy Spirit, I believe – my consoler and my advocate.

And his kingdom will have no end

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 08:56:00 GMT

And his kingdom will have no end

All kingdoms of the world rise and fall. The Creed teaches that the kingdom of Christ will have no end.

The Bible uses images of God as a ruler to show His reign over creation. It compares God to the most powerful rulers of ancient times.

That Jesus participates in God’s rule over creation through his resurrection is confirmed by his exaltation, glorification, ascension, and enthronement at God’s right hand.

The idea of an everlasting kingdom is rooted in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with the Davidic Covenant. God promises David that his throne will be established forever.

In the book of Daniel God’s kingdom is described as everlasting kingdom, everlasting dominion, and it will never be destroyed.

In the New Testament, the eternal kingdom is closely associated with the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The angel Gabriel at the annunciation said to Mary, “He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Lk. 1:33).

Jesus’s kingdom is spiritual and eternal. His kingdom transcends time and culture, remaining relevant throughout history and into eternity.

The book of Revelations says, “The kingdom of the world now belongs to our Lord and to his Anointed, and he will reign forever and ever;” and “To him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever.”

This article of faith was first defined at the Council of Nicaea. Marcellus of Ancyra, who was present at the council, later refuted this article.

Citing St. Paul’s words “When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected... so that God may be all in all” he argued that Christ’s mediating role began with the Incarnation and at the consummation of all things, however, Christ would return to the Father and the Godhead would be an absolute unity again

Thus, the reign of the incarnate Christ would come to an end. For this, Marcellus was condemned and deposed.

In reality, Paul teaches that when all is placed under Christ’s authority, the Son will then submit to the Father, not from weakness, but to reveal the perfect order and harmony within the Trinity.

The Church lives between the first and future comings of Christ, walking the fine line of being in the world but not of the world.

She bears witness to the true kingdom, offering earthly kingdoms both a vision of their ultimate destiny and a standard by which the coming Judge will measure them.

We pray each day ‘thy kingdom come’; and we need to re-engage with the insight that we are presently pilgrims, travelling in the hope of arrival, where we will find the fulfilment of the kingdom in union with Christ.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:52:00 GMT

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead

Jesus will come. How? In glory. Why? To judge.

Jesus will come again in glory, not in the humility and simplicity of his first coming. Instead, he will appear in power to judge.

Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him.”

Again and again, Jesus reminded us to always be prepared, for no one (not even the Son) knows the time of the Second Coming.

Jesus Christ is Lord: he possesses all power in heaven and on earth. Christ is Lord of the cosmos and of history.

Though already present in his Church, Christ's reign is nevertheless yet to be fulfilled "with power and great glory" by the King's return to earth.

In the Creed, explicit reference is made only to the Second Coming of Jesus. According to the Council of Florence (1439), the particular judgment of each individual takes place immediately after death.

Those leaving the body in the state of grace, but in need of purification, are cleansed in purgatory. Souls that are perfectly pure are at once admitted to the beatific vision of the Holy Trinity.

The General Judgment will take place at the end of the world, or the Second Coming of Christ, concluding the historical process. This public, communal event will fully reveal God's justice and love, and determine each person's eternal destiny.

The verdict from the Particular Judgment will be confirmed at the General Judgment.

Who will be judged? The living and the dead. Jesus will judge all people – past, present, and future. No person will escape his judgment.

Those who are alive at the time of his coming (the living) and those who have previously died (the dead, whether they were in Heaven or Hell) are all resurrected, reunited with their bodies, and brought before the judgment seat of Christ.

Like the steward in the Gospel who must give an accounting of his stewardship, we must give an accounting to God.

God’s judgment is based on faith and good works or charity. Those who believe and live out their faith will be saved.

However, those who believe but do not love God and their neighbor, those who reject Jesus as the Christ, and those who refuse God’s grace will be lost.

At the Second Coming of Jesus, our bodies will be raised and reunited with our souls. The bodies of the unjust will receive identity, immortality, and entirety (body united with soul).

The bodies of the just, however, will be glorified with these same qualities, along with the additional gifts of impassibility (no suffering and pain), clarity (luminosity),

agility (movement with ease and swiftness), and subtlety (no limitation of time and space).

This judgment will determine the eternal destiny of individuals, with some receiving eternal life and others facing eternal punishment.

I pray that I may be able to say ‘YES’ when Jesus asks whether I cared for Him by loving and serving my brothers and sisters.

I place my trust more in God’s mercy than in His justice, and I receive redemption as His gracious gift.

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:41:00 GMT

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father

“So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God” records the gospel according to Mark.

Christ's body was glorified at the moment of his Resurrection.

But during the forty days when he ate and drank with his disciples and taught them about the kingdom, his glory remained veiled under the appearance of ordinary humanity.

Jesus' final apparition ends with the irreversible entry of his humanity into divine glory.

Thus, the ascension signaled a decisive transition. Christ’s earthly ministry is complete; his heavenly ministry has begun. Ascension is the culmination of Jesus’ glorification.

Who can ascend to heaven? Jesus himself said, “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man.”

The son of God descended in humility and ascended in victory. He descended, became visible, and ascended, becoming invisible. He descended into mortality and ascended with immortality.

He descended, assuming a physical body, and ascended, making it a spiritual body. He descended, stripping off his glory, and ascended, robed with glory.

Left to its own natural powers, humanity does not have access to the "Father's house." Only Christ can open to humans such access.

Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father's glorious kingdom so that we, the members of his Body, may live in the hope of one day being with him forever.

Luke says, “As they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.”

The cloud is the same cloud which descended upon the Tabernacle constructed by Moses and the Temple built by Solomon. To enter the cloud was to go into the holy of holies, the immediate presence of God.

Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. "By 'the Father's right hand' we understand the glory and honor of divinity, where he who exists as Son of God before all ages, is seated bodily after he became incarnate and his flesh was glorified."

This image of sitting “at the right hand of the Father” is influenced by Psalm 110: “The Lord said to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool.’

Our Lord went up Body and Soul into heaven in the sight of His apostles, to take possession of His glory, and to be our Advocate and Mediator in heaven with the Father.

He ascended as Man, as Head of the redeemed, and has prepared a dwelling in heaven for all those who follow in His steps.

With the Ascension of Jesus, Paradise, once lost, was regained. Humanity had given mortal flesh to the Word of God, and He, in turn, immortalized and glorified that flesh.

Thus, His Ascension marked the definitive entrance of humanity into God’s heavenly realm. Human nature now shares in God’s life in a new way through Christ.

This fills me with hope that, one day, God willing, I too will share in the divine life, with my body and soul reunited.

Αnd rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 10:28:00 GMT

Αnd rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures

“If Christ has not been raised, then empty (too) is our preaching; empty, too, your faith,” says St. Paul. Christianity began as a resurrection movement.

The Creed affirms a historical fact: the person of Jesus, truly killed, actually dead, and really buried, rose again into a newness of life at a specific time (on the third day) in a particular place (Jerusalem).

This resurrection differs fundamentally from other biblical instances of the dead being raised, such as the widow's son by Elijah, Lazarus, Jairus's daughter, and the son of the widow in Nain.

While these individuals experienced a quantitative extension of their earthly lives, Jesus's resurrection represents a qualitative glorification of life.

The Creed’s word choice “rose again” highlights Christ’s own power to rise from the dead.

Scripture, however, also affirms that the resurrection is the work of the Father and the Spirit. St. Paul writes that Jesus was raised by the Father (Rom 6:4; Gal 1:1) and by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:11).

St. John’s Gospel, in turn, emphasizes the Son’s role: “I lay down my life, that I may take it up again” and “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

The Catechism clarifies that the resurrection is the work of the Holy Trinity. In this mystery, the three divine persons act together as one and manifest their own proper characteristics.

So, there is no contradiction but a revelation of the mystery of the Triune God acting in perfect unity and distinction.

At the resurrection, Christ’s human soul, intellect, and will remain fully present and perfectly united to His glorified body and divine person.

These faculties are no longer subject to weakness or limitation but are transformed and glorified, just as His body is. He remains the God-man forever – perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity.

Jesus's first followers were convinced of his resurrection as God bore witness to them through both word and deed, and, crucially, through their own direct experiences of seeing, hearing, and touching the risen Lord.

According to Paul, the body of Jesus was ‘sown’ in one manner and ‘raised’ in another. "What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory.

It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual body.”

The phrase 'on the third day' refers to the third day after Jesus’s death. The disciples going to Emmaus said to Jesus, “It is now the third day since this took place.” The early church commemorated the breaking of the bread on Sunday.

The Didache (the teaching of the Apostles) instructs: “Every Lord’s Day… gather together, break bread, and give thanks after confessing your sins.”

Similarly, Justin Martyr testifies: “On Sunday we hold our common assembly… for on this same day Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead.”

Jesus was not dead for 72 hours, as most modern people would understand the phrase. According to the common first-century Jewish reckoning of time, if something occurred during even a part of the day, it was attributed to ‘the day.’

Thus, Jesus died on Good Friday (day one), was dead all of Holy Saturday (day two), and remained dead for the early hours of Easter Sunday before He rose (day three).

A common Jewish belief held that a person was not truly dead until three days had passed. Thus, counting Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as three days posed no issue, since even part of a day was regarded as a full day.

The phrase “in accordance with the Scriptures” was added at the Council of Constantinople to affirm Christianity’s continuity with Israel’s story.

This directly countered Marcionism, which rejected the Hebrew Scriptures, viewing the Old Testament God as cruel and incompatible with Jesus's Father and sought to sever the faith from its Jewish roots.

Jesus himself foretold: “The Son of Man must suffer… be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Lk 9:22), echoing St. Paul’s testimony that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures (1 Cor 15:3–4).

To say Jesus rose ‘in accordance with the Scriptures’ is not merely to quote a set of ancient texts; it is to say that Jesus stepped into, inhabited, and brought to fulfillment the entire redemptive story written in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.

It means that the entire biblical narrative had at last reached its climax, its appointed and God-ordained goal, in these astonishing events.

Jesus Christ’s true capacity to suffer, to the point of undergoing death and burial, binds him to space and time in a real, and not merely apparent way.

In his resurrection, it will not be history to render him eternal; rather, He will render history eternal.

He suffered death and was buried

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:13:00 GMT

He suffered death and was buried

The original Greek (pathonta kai tafenta) and Latin (passus et sepultus est) texts of the Nicene Creed both use the phrase "He suffered and was buried."

In English, this is translated as "He suffered death and was buried." Without "death," the phrase could misleadingly suggest Jesus was buried alive. In the Gospel of Luke and other biblical contexts, the word “suffer” is used in an absolute sense, meaning “to suffer death.”

The word death was deliberately added to refute heresies that denied the actual physical death of Jesus.

Various theories and heresies emerged to deny the reality of Jesus’s death. The ‘Swoon Theory’ claims that Jesus did not truly die but merely lost consciousness. The ‘Mistaken Identity Theory’ asserts that someone else was crucified in His place.

Several heresies also challenged the fact of Jesus’s death. Docetism argued that Jesus only appeared to have a body, thereby denying his actual suffering and death on the cross. Many Gnostic sects rejected his true humanity and the reality of his crucifixion.

‘Cerinthianism’ taught that the divine Christ was united with the human Jesus at His baptism, and departed before the crucifixion, leaving only the human to suffer and die. ‘Theopassianism’ asserted that God himself suffered on the cross, while ‘Patripassianism’ held that the Father suffered vicariously through the suffering of the Son.

On the contrary, Jesus endured excruciating suffering during his Passion. The Latin word ‘crux’ means cross, and the verb ‘excruciare,’ from ‘ex’ (out of) and ‘cruciare’ (to torment), literally means “to torment out of the cross.”

As the prophet Isaiah foretold: “It was our infirmities that He bore, our sufferings that He endured,” and “He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins,” Jesus suffered, died, and was buried.

At the incarnation, Jesus stripped off the glory of his divinity. As a human, he went even further to shed even the dignity of his humanity.

He dared to sacrifice his reputation, self-respect, and even modesty in laying down his life. Willingly, he endured the unjust verdict, the humiliation of scourging, the crowning with thorns, the public degradation of self-esteem as a convicted criminal, the shame of being nailed virtually naked to the cross, and a cruel death by crucifixion.

Christ's sufferings were twofold: in his body and his soul. Physically, he endured the pain of scourging, being crowned with thorns, carrying a heavy cross, and finally, being nailed to the Cross and dying from blood loss. In his soul, he suffered the pain of rejection, humiliation, opposition from enemies, and abandonment by friends.

Jesus was buried in a tomb. It signified his full participation in the human condition. The curse of Adam's sin, that we ‘return to the ground,’ applies to all, and Jesus too experienced death as the separation of body and soul.

Following his death, his body was placed in the tomb. This burial definitively proved the reality of his death.

His soul descended to Sheol, Abaddon, and the Pit in the Old Testament and Hades in the New Testament. Both the righteous and the unrighteous were in Hades. This realm of the dead is distinct from the ‘Lake of Fire’ and serves as a holding place for the dead until the final judgement.

That means He did not descend to Hades only as a human soul; rather, it was the Person of the Son, in His human soul united to His divine nature, who went to liberate the righteous dead.

Jesus descended into Hades in His human soul that was inseparably united to His divinity — so both His humanity (soul) and divinity were present in that descent, though His human body remained in the tomb.

The Catholic Catechism describes Christ's descent as going to the realm of the dead in his human soul, united to his divine person, and opening the gates of heaven for the just.

The death and burial of Jesus were witnessed by many. A centurion saw him die, and a soldier confirmed it by piercing his side with a lance. When Joseph of Arimathea requested Jesus’ body, Pilate had an officer verify his death. Nicodemus participated in the burial, alongside Mary Magdalene and other women present at the tomb. Christ’s burial is the bridge between his death and resurrection, and attests to the reality of both.

The Son of God took on a human body to suffer, die, and rise again, securing our redemption and salvation.

The tomb, once humanity’s final resting place, has been transformed into a profound symbol of hope. This invites me to reflect and look beyond death and the grave, towards the promise of eternal life.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:39:00 GMT

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate

Why did Jesus die? Who caused his death? What was the main accusation against him?

The Jewish leadership sought false witnesses to accuse Jesus of destroying their religion and traditions.

When that failed, they told Pilate that Jesus opposed the Roman emperor. However, Pilate found no basis to convict Jesus of any crime against Rome.

So why did Jesus suffer crucifixion? The Creed provides the answer. Jesus suffered and died not for His own sake, but for us and our salvation.

Humanity was separated from God and deprived of His grace because of the first sin of Adam and Eve. Jesus willingly took upon Himself the task of making ‘satisfaction’ for our sins, restoring our relationship with God.

In Greek, the preposition ‘hyper’ (for) means ‘on behalf of,’ ‘for the benefit of,’ ‘for the sake of,’ or ‘because of.’ This captures the essence of the sacrifice of Christ: He suffered for our sake.

Three key aspects of Jesus' death are Redemption, Propitiation, and Reconciliation.

The Bible describes the blood of Jesus as the price paid for our freedom, a ransom. Through His redemptive sacrifice, Jesus purchased us with His own blood.

God sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins, meaning Jesus absorbed the blow of God we deserved and turned away God’s wrath.

Finally, the death of Christ accomplished reconciliation between humanity and God. By reconciling us to the Father, Jesus brought us peace.

It was common in antiquity to use rulers’ names to denote time periods. By mentioning the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, the Creed locates Jesus’ passion and death in human history, so to make it clear that we are not dealing with some abstract event that may or may not have taken place.

Unlike ancient myths, often set in vague and distant 'olden times,' the Church has always emphasized the concrete historical setting of Jesus's life.

Jesus was sentenced to crucifixion, a form of execution reserved for slaves, rebels, pirates, and society’s most despised enemies and criminals.

As fully divine and fully human, Jesus experienced real pain and was subject to death.

Crucifixion was not only a brutal physical punishment but also a public humiliation, considered the most shameful and disgraceful way to die. Roman citizens were exempt from such a fate, highlighting its severity.

For the Jews, crucifixion echoed the curse described in Scripture: “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” For the Romans, it represented the ultimate judgment rendered by the state’s authority.

Jesus entered human history in real time, as a real person, to suffer and die. Through His sacrifice, he redeemed me and reconciled me with God.

My use of 'I believe' rather than 'we believe' highlights my personal relationship with God. Likewise, though Jesus died for humanity, I treasure it as a personal sacrifice for me.

By the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 20:12:00 GMT

By the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man

We bow our heads when we recite this article of faith during the Mass.

Literally translated from the Greek, the phrase is: “He took flesh from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and was made human.”

Did the Son of God assume merely human flesh or the entirety of human nature?

The Alexandrian theological school followed the Logos – Sarx (Word – Flesh) pattern, as seen in the Prologue to the Gospel of St. John: “The Word became flesh.”

However, this approach can be misleading. The Son of God not only took flesh from the Virgin Mary, but also fully assumed human nature, including the human soul, intellect, will, and psyche.

To more fully articulate the reality of the Incarnation, the Antiochian school preferred the Logos–Anthropos (Word – Human) pattern: “The Word became man.”

Some early heresies can help highlight the truth of the Church’s teaching on the Incarnation of the Son.

Docetism claimed that the Son of God did not truly take on flesh but only appeared to do so.

Adoptionism taught that Jesus was born fully human and later adopted by God as His Son, typically at his baptism or resurrection.

Monophysitism held that the divine nature absorbed the human nature, so in Jesus Christ, there was only one nature, the divine nature.

Nestorianism posited that there were two separate persons in Christ, one human and one divine.

Monothelitism asserted that Christ had only one will, the divine will, effectively denying the human will.

In contrast, the Nicene Creed affirms that the Word united to himself, in his divine person, a true human nature:

As a person of the Holy Trinity, the Son of God possesses both divine and human natures – having a divine intellect and will, as well as a human intellect and will, animated by a rational soul.

According to his divinity, the Son is begotten of the Father before all ages; and according to his humanity, he was born of the Virgin Mary.

Mary’s virginity is of paramount importance. Jesus was conceived solely “by the power of the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mary”, without the intervention of a man.

God is the only Father of Jesus. On behalf of God himself, it is the angel Gabriel who names Mary’s son: Jesus.

Mary is the second Eve. Through the word of the Annunciation, the second creation takes place. The early Fathers preached, “The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by Mary’s obedience; what the virgin Eve bound through her unbelief, the Virgin Mary loosened by her faith.”

The early Church gave Mary the title " Theotokos," meaning "God-bearer." She is called the ‘Mother of God,’ not that the nature of his divinity received the beginning of its existence from the holy Virgin,

but because the holy body, united to the Word of God in the hypostatic union, was born from her. Therefore, the Word is said to be born according to the flesh.

The Incarnation is not an idea to ponder or a spiritual principle to admire. It is a reality. It happened. Faith is not something we feel on Sundays.

It is something we live. So, when you stand this Sunday, and say the words: “Was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary…”

Pause. Let yourself feel the weight of it, and take that blessing into your day-to-day life.

For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:18:00 GMT

For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven

For us men? The Greek ‘anthropos’ translates to ‘human being’ or ‘mankind’ in a gender-inclusive sense.

A Greek-speaking person in the first century saw almost no male connotation in ‘anthropos,’ since ‘aner’ was the word used precisely for a male human.

The Latin wording is “propter nos homines,” and in Latin, the word “homo” is generic, meaning “person” or “human being.”

So, for us, humans, the Son of God became the Son of man. The purpose of the Incarnation is our salvation.

Through original sin and our personal sins, we were separated from God, and we could do nothing to bridge the gap between God and humanity.

We needed a savior to restore our relationship with God. To fulfill God’s plan for our salvation, Jesus came down from heaven and took on human nature.

The crucifixion paid the penalty for our sins. The Resurrection opened the path to Paradise.

And the Incarnation paved the way for both the crucifixion and the Resurrection because Jesus could not die for our sins and be resurrected from the dead if He did not assume our human flesh.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us four reasons why Jesus became man:

To save us by reconciling us to God; that we might know God’s love; to show us the way to Heaven, to be our model for holiness; and to make us partakers in God’s divine nature through grace and the Sacraments.

In particular, concerning those who denied the true humanity of the Son of God, the soteriological argument was presented in a new way: for the whole man to be saved, the whole humanity had to be assumed in the unity of the Son.

The Incarnation is the descent of God into the world. The ancient tradition of the Church described it in two ways:

The Alexandrian theological school used the Logos – Flesh (Sarx in Greek) pattern, as seen in the Prologue to the Gospel of St. John: “The Word became flesh.”

However, this approach can be misleading. The eternal God not only took flesh from the Virgin Mary; but fully embraced human nature, including the human soul, will, reason, and psyche.

Therefore, the Antiochian school preferred the Logos-Man (Greek: Anthropos) pattern ("the Word became man") to more fully describe the Incarnation.

The comprehensiveness of Christ’s assumption of human nature is astounding. In Christ, God united himself with the concrete realities of human existence—developmental stages, emotional experiences, intellectual processes, volitional struggles, and physical limitations.

If Christ did not assume some aspect of human nature (mind, will, emotions, flesh), that aspect remained unredeemed.

He came down from heaven. The Incarnation is the descent of God into the world. In the words of St. Augustine, “Man fell miserably, but God descended mercifully.”

In Jesus’ own words: “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me,” and “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man.”

St. Paul explains, “Though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance.”

“Coming down” does not mean that he ceased to be God. In becoming man, he did not forsake his divine nature. Rather, what it means is that he became man by taking on human nature in addition to his divine nature. Addition, not subtraction.

Saint Irenaeus said, ‘God took our humanity in order that our humanity might become divine.’

For us, and specifically for me, Jesus came down from heaven. He subjected himself to the limits of time and space, took on corruptible human flesh, and pitched his tent in our world. He experienced hunger, thirst, temptations, and pain, all to teach and guide us on how to elevate humanity to its full potential, to receive freedom from sin and death, and to gain divine life.

Before all Ages

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:44:00 GMT

Before All Ages

I was born on December 18, 1958. My life began at conception, but my age is counted from my birthday – both within the bounds of time.

We divide time into B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini). In B.C., we count backward from year 1, and in A.D., we count forward. Both periods stretch beyond memory and are regarded as immemorial. Time itself began with creation, preceded by eternity.

Jesus was begotten before creation, before time, and therefore before all ages. The word ‘ages’ refers to the cosmos viewed in terms of its extension through time.

The phrase ‘born before all ages’ does not denote Christmas or the Nativity of Jesus to the Virgin Mary. Rather, it speaks of a period predating time itself, affirming that Jesus was eternally begotten of the Father.

The opening phrase of the Book of Genesis and the Gospel of John is ‘In the beginning.’ This phrase finds its counterpart in the Greek ‘ En arche ’ and the Hebrew ‘ bereshit ,’ where ‘ be ’ signifies ‘in’ and ‘ reshit ’ denotes ‘the beginning,’ revealing a strong biblical foundation.

The Old Testament ‘wisdom’ is the New Testament ‘logos’ or the ‘word.’ Proverbs 8 focuses on the place of wisdom in creation: ‘Before the mountains had been shaped, before the hills, I was brought forth’…’When He established the heavens, I was there.’ One early translation, known as Targum, rendered Genesis 1:1 this way: “In Wisdom, God created the heavens and the earth.”

John, referring to Christ the Word, says, “All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be.” Hence, ‘the beginning’ is not simply the start of time. ‘In the beginning’ means ‘in Wisdom, in the Word, in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, God created the heavens and the earth.’

The words ‘before all ages’ were added to the Nicene Creed at the First Council of Constantinople in 381 A.D. to refute several heresies.

“There was a time when he was not,” Arianism claimed. It was a heretical doctrine that contrasted the self-existent, immutable, and infinite God with the Son, whom it depicted as created, mutable, and finite.

Alexander of Alexandria countered this argument with the following statement: “If the Son is the Word, Wisdom, and Reason of God, how can there be a time when He was not?”

Adoptionism, another heresy, argued that Jesus Christ became the Son of God through a process of adoption, denying his eternal sonship.

To directly counter the erroneous belief of these heresies, the Church Fathers inserted the phrase ‘before all ages’ into the Nicene Creed, highlighting the Son’s Co-eternity with the Father. Athanasian Creed (400 AD) declares, “He (Jesus) is God, begotten of the substance of the Father before time, and he is man, born of the substance of his mother in time.”

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul records a first-century Christian hymn: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation…all things were created through him and for him.” Some interpret the term ‘firstborn’ to mean the Son of God was created. However, the title ‘firstborn’ is used for Jesus to denote his preeminence. If all things were created through Christ, and he existed before all things, he cannot be a created being.

So, Paul should be understood to mean that the Son was the first being God generated. Because He was ‘begotten, not created,’ the Son is the exact image of the Father's essence.

Jesus himself says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” In another place, he says, “I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”

Catholics have consistently cherished the pre-existence of Christ. When establishing the first Christmas as a replacement for the Roman Saturnalia celebrations, early Catholics held three Masses in honor of Christ: one celebrating his ‘birth before all ages,’ another his ‘birth from the virgin’s womb,’ and a third his ‘birth in the hearts of the faithful.’

While the nature of ‘the ages before creation’ and ‘the pre-existence of the Son of God’ remains beyond my full comprehension, I willingly embrace them as mysteries. In the spirit of Mary, I hold these profound truths in my heart and contemplate them.

Through him all things were made

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:41:00 GMT

Through him all things were made

Most religions proclaim God as the Creator. Christians, in particular, believe that God the Father created everything.

However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church declares, ‘Creation is the common work of the Holy Trinity.’ The Church’s ‘Rule of Faith’ affirms, "There exists but one God... He is the Father, God, the Creator, the author, the giver of order. He made all things by Himself, that is, by His Word and by His Wisdom."

In the book of Genesis, during the account of creation, God (the Father) speaks the Word (the Son) while the Spirit (the Holy Spirit) is hovering over the waters.

God's language shifts from the impersonal command, “Let there be light,” to the more intimate expression, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”

Similarly, regarding the Tower of Babel, God says, “Let us go down and there confuse their language.” Again, in the book of Isaiah, God’s voice asks, “Who will go for us?”

While some consider this plurality as a ‘majestic plural,’ Catholics interpret this plural sense as a direct reference to the Holy Trinity.

St. John speaks of Jesus, the Word, writing: “He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him, nothing came to be.” From the very start, creation is an act of divine speech. God could have created the world with a gesture, a nod, or a motion.

But instead, Scripture tells us, God spoke. “Let there be light,” and there was light. The phrase ‘God said’ appears ten times in the first chapter of Genesis, emphasizing that creation evolves through the power of His Word.

Jesus, the Son, is the Wisdom and Thought of God, also known as the Logos. While the Father is the source of all things, it is through His Word, the Logos, which proceeded from the Father’s mouth, that the universe came into being. As the Psalmist writes, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth.”

God’s ‘speaking’ was equivalent to God’s ‘decreeing’ or God’s ‘willing’. In other words, the Word of God and the will of God are synonymous here.

This concept of the Logos was not unique to Hebrew thought. In the fifth century BC, the Greek philosopher Heraclitus spoke of the ‘logos’ as the rational principle that governs the universe, the foundation of knowledge and order.

In this sense, both Greek philosophy and Hebrew Scripture recognized the universe as being called into existence by a word.

Later, St. Paul affirmed this truth: “All things were created through him and for him.” Jesus was the agent by whom all things came into existence. He was not merely present at creation; creation happened through him.

This affirms the pre-existence of Jesus and his intimate relationship with the Father. The phrase "for him" reveals that creation has a purpose centered in and ultimately directed towards Jesus Christ.

Each time I whisper, “Through him, with him, and in him,” my soul recalls the mystery: through him, all things came to be. I, too, was shaped by his hands — made through him, made for him.

Consubstantial with the Father

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:32:00 GMT

Consubstantial with the Father

In 2011, the third edition of the Roman Missal was introduced in the United States. In the Nicene Creed, the phrase ‘one in being with the Father’ was replaced with ‘consubstantial with the Father.’

‘Consubstantial’ is a transliteration of the Latin ‘ consubstantialem ,’ itself a faithful rendering of the original Greek ‘ homoousion .’

This single word, ‘Consubstantial,’ summarizes the essence of the Nicene Creed. The Greek ‘ homos’ translates to ‘same,’ and ‘ousios’ means ‘substance’ (from Latin sub = ‘under,’ and ‘ stans ’ = ‘standing’). It emphasizes the doctrine that the Son is of the same substance as the Father.

This article of faith, ‘consubstantial with the Father, ’ centers on the relationship between the Father and the Son. Questions such as ‘Do they share the same or similar essence?’ and ‘Is the Son subordinate to the Father?’ stimulated significant controversy in the early church.

In ancient Greek thinking, there were only two substances in the universe. One is God, and the other is matter. Even angels and the spirits of men were considered matter.

Thus, the real question was, ‘Is Christ of the substance of God, or is he made of matter like us and the angels?’

According to St. John, the Son is the Word of God. The Greek term for 'Word' is ‘ Logos’ , a concept far more expansive than the contemporary English ‘word.’ This is the root of our word ‘logic.’ The early church Fathers were inclined to translate ‘ Logos’ as ‘reason’ as they were to ‘word.’

A Father of the church, Tertullian (200 A.D.) says, “Before the creation of the universe, God was not alone, since he had within himself both Reason and, inherent in Reason, his Word,” and continues, “Now as soon as it pleased God, he first put forth the Word … in order that all things might be made through him.”

This context perhaps led Arius, a heretic, to erroneously conclude, “There was a time when the Son did not exist.”

Arianism asserted that the Son was not of the ‘ same’ substance as the Father, but only of a ‘ similar’ substance, and therefore was not equal to the Father. The Greek ‘ homos’ translates to ‘same,’ homoios means ‘similar.’

The Council of Nicea was convened in 325 A.D. to determine whether, in the beginning, God begot the Son by emitting his own Logos or whether God formed the Logos from nothing, the way He created everything else.

There were two main opposing views: Subordinationists believed the Father and the Son were of ‘similar’ substance, employing the term ‘homoiousios.’ Anti-subordinationists maintained that the

Father and Son were of the ‘same’ substance, using ‘homoousios,’ translated into Latin as ‘consubstantial.’

Arius's teaching fundamentally undermined the redemptive work of Jesus on the Cross. If, as he proposed, Christ was merely a creature, then His capacity to accomplish our salvation would be impossible. Only God, after all, can redeem fallen humanity.

Hence, the Nicene Creed teaches that the Son is of one substance with the Father or consubstantial with the Father.

I believe in one God in three persons sharing the same divine substance.

God from God Light from Light

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 12:39:00 GMT

God from God Light from Light

The phrase ‘God from God’ comes from the original version of the Council of Nicaea. Subsequent developments at the councils of Constantinople (381 A.D.) and Chalcedon (451 A.D.) removed those words.

Thus, the Greek Nicene Creed states, "Light from light, true God from true God." However, the Latin translation preserved ‘God from God,’ and as a result, it also appears in the English version of the Nicene Creed.

Light from Light:

We are used to lighting a candle from another. The very essence of the light is transferred. By giving, the light of the source candle is not diminished. By accepting, the light of the receiving candle is not lessened. The Creed employs this metaphor to assert that the Son originates from the Father and shares the same substance as the Father.

The Bible presents Jesus saying, “I am the light of the world.” The letter to the Hebrews refers to Jesus as the “radiance of God's glory,” and the Book of Wisdom describes Wisdom (Logos or word in the New Testament) as ‘the radiance of the everlasting light.’

‘Lighting from light’ has been a powerful metaphor through the centuries. ‘Starting a small fire from a big one’ is a quote in Justin Martyr's "Dialogue with Trypho" in the 2 ^nd century.

In the 3rd century, a philosopher named Plotinus used ‘light from light’ to explain that some souls and parts of creation were like ‘dim lights from a brighter light.’

Similarly, a Gnostic theologian wrote about a divine origin, stating, “The author of pure light begot a spark of light with a light resembling blessedness.” Yet, immediately following this description, he stressed that the created light is inferior to the creator.

Against this backdrop, the phrase ‘Light from light’ in the Nicene Creed affirms that the light of the origin and the light of the destination are one and the same. Jesus, being ‘light from light,’ is therefore truly God.

True God from true God:

Jesus is God. He is not merely a divine messenger, intermediary, or exalted being, but very God, equal in substance to the Father.

When the Creed professes the Son as ‘true God from true God,’ it emphasizes the Father's begetting of the Son, clearly implying that ‘God is begotten from God.’ This act of begetting, or generation, lies at the nucleus of Sonship

‘Generation’ means the Son comes forth directly from the Father's very being. It's not like human birth, where someone new appears at a specific time.

Instead, it's an eternal process where the Father communicates His entire, undivided divine essence with the Son.

As St. Augustine puts it, it's not that the Father existed before the Son; rather, the Son exists from the Father, but both have always existed together.

Illuminated by the light of Christ revealed in the Gospels, we endeavor to fathom his relationship with God the Father.

Like a blind person trying to trace the shape of an elephant with searching hands, we reach for the divine with fragile images. Though they fall short, these glimpses are our only lanterns into the mystery of God.

Hence, Jesus is ‘God from God,’ uncreated; ‘light from light,’ in sharing the divine essence; and ‘true God from true God,’ for he is not a lesser god.

The Only Begotten Son of God

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 11:57:00 GMT

The Only Begotten Son of God

Jesus is the Son of God. I am also God’s son. What is the difference between me and Jesus as sons of God?

The difference is this: Jesus is the Father's Son by nature. We are God's children by grace. Our sonship is a gift, a gracious act of God. The key difference between me and Jesus as "sons of God" lies in the nature of that sonship.

The Hebrew word for ‘only son,’ ‘Yahid’ , was translated in the Greek as either beloved ( Agapetos ) or only begotten ( Monogenēs ).

‘ Monogenēs’ combines the Greek words ‘ monos’ for only, single of its kind, and ‘ genos’ for race, family, offspring, and kind. This word is translated into English as ‘only,’ ‘one and only,’ or ‘only begotten.’

The word ‘Begotten’ is often misunderstood to mean ‘born.’ A heresy known as Arianism taught that God the Father created Jesus at a specific point in time. Another heresy, Adoptionism, suggests Jesus became the Son of God sometime during his earthly life, at his baptism, resurrection, or ascension.

In contrast, the theological view is that Jesus was begotten in eternity, not within time. He was the Son even before he came to Earth.

The Son was begotten of the Father. This ‘begottenness’ or ‘generation’ never had a beginning. God the Father eternally generates or begets God the Son in such a way that the substance (the divine essence) of God is not divided.

The Creed declares that Jesus is the Son of God. St. Augustine of Hippo says, “Christ Jesus, the Son of God, is God and Man: God before all worlds, man in our world.”

We are children by grace. Prior to baptism, we were held captive by our enemy, Satan, as slaves within the distorted family of this world. After baptism, we were freed, removed from that family into the Father’s family, not as slaves, but as adopted children.

In the Old Testament, ‘son of God’ is a title given to the angels, the chosen People, the children of Israel, and their kings. It is a relationship of particular intimacy between God and his creature.

God declared Jesus his "beloved son" at both his baptism and transfiguration. Jesus consistently called God "my Father," a distinction from his disciples, to whom he would say, "your Father."

Jesus approved Peter’s confession, “You are the Son of God.” When asked if he was the Messiah, Jesus said, “I am.” After the Resurrection, Jesus said, “I ascend to my Father and to your Father.” He never said ‘our Father’ in a way that included himself with us. By calling himself the ‘only Son of God,’ he affirmed his unique, eternal pre-existence.

Paul differentiates between the ‘Son of God’ and the adopted ‘children of God, ’ while John distinguishes between the ‘only Son of God’ and the ‘children of God.’

The divine sonship of Jesus becomes manifest in the power of his glorified humanity after his resurrection. So the apostle John could confess: "We have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

In essence, Jesus' sonship is part of his divine identity from eternity, while our sonship is a bestowed relationship through God's grace and adoption.

The only begotten Son of God has made me an adopted son of God. He has granted me the privilege to call God my Father and to ask anything of Him as His child.

I remain deeply grateful to the Son of God for my life, my Christian faith, and especially for the privilege of being a priest to continue His ministry.

And in One Lord Jesus Christ

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 11:02:00 GMT

And in One Lord Jesus Christ

I believe in Jesus, the Son of Man, ‘Jesus Christ,’ the Anointed One, and ‘Jesus the Lord,’ the Son of God. Jesus is his name, Christ his title, and Lord his divine nature as God.

The Word became flesh for me, entering the realm of my senses and reason. He was like me in all things except sin. Living as a human, He elevated humanity to its highest potential and remains my constant model.

Jesus:

Jesus is God who stepped into human history. He submitted to the constraints of time and space, taking on human form in Palestine, within the context of the Jewish race, Hebrew culture, and the Aramaic language.

The Word took flesh and dwelt among us. The Son of God assumed the human body, allowing people to see, hear, touch, and experience divinity.

Jesus is his name: The name given by the angel Gabriel at the Annunciation.

The name given at his birth as the son of Mary, and

The name of the God who became human.

The English name “Jesus” derives from the Greek ‘ Iēsous .’ This Greek form is a translation of the Hebrew name Joshua, which evolved from Yehoshua to Yeshua. The Hebrew root of Joshua means 'to save,' and its noun form means 'salvation.'

The name of Jesus is at the heart of Christian prayer. All liturgical prayers conclude with the words "through our Lord Jesus Christ". It is the divine name that alone brings salvation.

Therefore, the name Jesus expresses both His identity and His mission. God alone can forgive sins. So it is God who, in Jesus His eternal Son, 'will save His people from their sins.'

Christ:

In His hometown, Nazareth, Jesus declared His mission: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.”

‘Christ' is a title, not Jesus' last name. It is a title given by early Christians. This title, 'Christ,' is a transliteration of the Greek 'Christos ,' which translates the Hebrew 'Mashiach ,' meaning 'the anointed.' It is rendered in English as 'Messiah.'

Among all the titles given to Jesus in Scripture, 'Christ' holds the richest meaning because it integrates the three offices of prophet, priest, and king and all that they signify. It was in this threefold office that Jesus fulfilled Israel's messianic hope.

The name ‘Christ’ signifies three aspects: ‘the anointer,’ ‘the anointed,’ and ‘the very anointing.’

The anointer is the Father, the anointed is the Son, and the Son was anointed with the Holy Spirit, who is the anointing itself.

Lord:

Seeing the risen Christ, Thomas exclaimed, ‘My Lord and my God!’

Jesus Christ was honored by His disciples as ‘the Lord’. In the Greek Old Testament, the ineffable Hebrew name ‘ Yahweh’ (YHWH) is rendered as ‘ Kyrios ,’ ‘the Lord.’

One popular ‘creed-like slogan’ of the early church was ‘Jesus is Lord.’ Such first confessions confirm that the power, honor, and glory due to God the Father are also due to Jesus. Throughout his public life, he demonstrated his divine sovereignty by works of power over nature, illnesses, demons, death, and sin.

St. Paul says, “Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.”

The Roman emperors commonly adopted the title "Lord." ‘ Kyrios’ signified divinity when used for Caesar. But Emperor Domitian went further, insisting on being addressed as "Our Lord and God."

Paul emphasizes the ‘One Lord,’ distinguishing this from the ‘many lords’ of pagan worship. The title Lord is a defining characteristic of Christian prayer, appearing in the opening invitation, "The Lord be with you," and the closing affirmation, "through Christ our Lord."

I believe in the Son of God as fully human when I call Him Jesus. I believe in Him as the Anointed One when I acclaim Him as Christ. I believe in Him as fully divine when I pray to Him, ‘O Lord.’

Of All things Visible and Invisible

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:38:00 GMT

Of All Things Visible and Invisible

The universe is incredibly vast, yet my experience of it is limited. I haven’t even seen most of the places and people in this world. How then could I possibly grasp the immense expanse of the sky, the planets, the galaxies, and the dark matter that permeates the cosmos? If I struggle to comprehend the tangible, how can I grasp the intangible, the spiritual realm?

God created everything, both visible and invisible, including the spiritual realm of angelic beings and the corporeal realm of material creatures.

First, God created the spiritual world of angels, who are persons with an intellect and will.

The spiritual realm includes beings such as angels, cherubim, and seraphim. The devil, the slanderer (In Greek, diabolos ), and demons, the evil gods (In Greek, daimon ), also exist in this realm. They were originally good angels. Because they were in rebellion against God, they became evil by misusing their free will. The spiritual realm remains unseen.

Afterward, the material world was created, which is perceptible to the senses. God then formed man, a being reflecting the angels in thought and love, yet grounded in the tangible world of earth and air. Man's soul is spiritual and immortal, while his body is material and mortal.

Genesis chapters one and two describe the creation of the corporeal world, populated with planets, humans, animals, and plants.

The spiritual domain is invisible, while the corporeal realm is visible. However, even within this visible realm, not everything is observable. Surprisingly, the visible, ordinary matter we interact with accounts for only 5% of the universe's energy density.

The vast majority, about 95%, is attributed to unseen dark matter ( 27%) and dark energy (68%). In practical terms, humanity has directly explored less than 0.0000000000001% of the universe.

Despite technological advances, humanity has only managed to examine roughly 5% of the oceans.

Earth, the third planet from the Sun, resides in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way Galaxy. Our galaxy is one among hundreds of billions, if not trillions, scattered across the observable universe. Yet, only three galaxies among them are visible to the naked eye.

Despite our insignificance in the immense cosmos, we dare to question the wisdom and power of the Creator.

Psalm 8 depicts our human nature in these words:

“When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and stars that you set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him?”

I believe in the immense power and wisdom of God, my creator. God has placed me in a tiny particle of the vast universe and provides for me as He sustains the entire cosmos. I trust in God’s providential love. I will be open to and enjoy the continual unfolding of the beauty and secrets of the universe.

Maker of Heaven and Earth

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:10:00 GMT

Maker of Heaven and Earth

Is God a maker or a creator? The Creed teaches that God is the ‘Maker of heaven and earth.’ The Greek word poiētēs means "maker" in English. It appears in both the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. However, when translated into Latin, it is different: in the Apostles' Creed, it becomes Creatorem ("Creator"), and in the Nicene Creed, it becomes Factorem ("Maker").

In Genesis chapter one, the same Greek verb ‘ epoiesen’ is used to mean both "to make" and "to create." Why? The reason is the following: In Ancient Greek, the verb poieō ("to make") covered both creating something and the one who creates it, because they didn’t have separate words for "to create" and "creator."

The phrase "heaven and earth" does not appear in the original Creed of Nicaea. It was added later at the Council of Constantinople in 381 A.D. to counter the teachings of the Gnostics and Marcionites. They maintained that God the Father created only the spiritual realm, while an "evil" god, known as the ‘demiurge’, created the corrupt material world.

The Bible opens with, 'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.' The biblical phrase 'heaven and earth' encompasses all of existence, signifying the totality of creation.

Through divine wisdom and love, God brought all of creation into existence from nothing.

This creation is an ordered and good world, and God transcends creation and is present simultaneously within it.

Creation is not a singular, past event. It is an ongoing process throughout history, culminating in a “New Creation” at the end of time. God is both the creator and sustainer of the universe, continuously upholding all things.

It's important to distinguish between creation and scientific discovery, and invention. Creation, in its theological context, is the act of making something out of nothing. Science, in contrast, engages in discovery and invention. Discovery reveals what already exists, while invention crafts something new from existing matter.

The Bible states that God created everything out of nothing. The Greco-Roman world, at that time, believed matter was eternal and that matter had always existed. So pervasive was this idea that even some Christians assumed that God formed things from pre-existing matter.

Theophilus of Antioch explained that Scripture clearly states God created matter itself. Genesis 1:1 asserts that God created everything: “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth…” Genesis 1:2 further clarifies that the created earth, in its initial state, was ‘without form or shape.’ God then shaped and ordered this matter to form a habitable world.

Scientific inquiry has long grappled with the origins of the universe and humanity. Fundamental questions concerning the timing and mechanisms of life's development, the emergence of the universe, and human evolution have driven scientific exploration, resulting in various evolutionary theories.

Christians respond to scientific theories in different ways. Some Creationists, who interpret the Bible literally and support ideas like the ‘Flat Earth’ or ‘Geocentrism’, reject modern science. Others, like Theistic Evolutionists, embrace science and believe God works through evolution and natural laws.

The origins of the universe and life are difficult to test or observe. Therefore, rather than focusing solely on the 'when' and 'how' of physical origins, it is crucial to explore the 'why': Is the universe governed by chance, necessity, or a transcendent, benevolent God?

Scientific discoveries, rather than contradicting faith, can inspire greater awe for the Creator's majesty, prompting gratitude for both creation and the intellectual gifts bestowed upon scientists.

Heaven is the dwelling place of God, angels, saints, and the blessed. It is also the ultimate destination of the righteous.

The Hebrews divided heaven into three regions. The word for heaven, Samayim , refers to: first, the region above the earth where birds fly; second, the realm of the stars, sky, and air; and third, the invisible dwelling place of God.

The Greek word Ouranos (heaven) is defined in three ways: first, as heaven, the sky, air, or firmament, any area above the earth; second, as the heavens, the realm of the sun, moon, and stars; and third, as the highest heaven, the dwelling place of God.

Our catechism teaches, “The communion of life and love with the Trinity, the Virgin Mary, the angels, and all the blessed is called ‘heaven.’

As heaven is God’s realm, earth is the human realm. Earth, in Hebrew, pronounced ‘ eh´rӗts ,’ can refer to the inhabited earth, the earth as a whole, the land of a particular territory, simply the ground, as well as the realm of the dead (Sheol).

At the second coming of Jesus, a new heaven and a new earth will be created for the blessed. God’s reign will fill the new creation.

God created me and the universe in which I live. As a creature, I naturally love, obey, and worship my creator. I see the glory of God in creation and receive sustenance from His providence. I respect the laws inscribed within creation. As a creature, I will strive to exist in interdependence with others, to complement one another, and to be in service to each other.

The Father Almighty

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 08:17:00 GMT

The Father Almighty

God the Father is the first divine person of the Holy Trinity. The term ‘Father’ denotes a loving and powerful creator, and the term ‘almighty’ emphasizes his power and authority. Let me first explain the meaning of ‘God the Father.’

Religions view the reality of God in two ways: as an impersonal being or a personal being, reflecting God's transcendence and immanence.

The transcendence of God means He exists beyond human experience, perception, or understanding. Conversely, God’s immanence means He is knowable and approachable.

Hinduism embraces both perspectives. God, as impersonal, is an abstract principle beyond sensory perception. God, as personal, is the Lord, embodying boundless energy and love.

Islam rejects the notion of a personal God, considering it anthropomorphic – attributing human traits to the divine.

Jainism and Buddhism regard liberated souls as gods or devas, since they possess infinite bliss, knowledge, and power. They typically reject the concept of a personal God.

In Judaism, God is primarily seen as transcendent. For many of them, the term "Father" is used figuratively, emphasizing reverence rather than a personal relationship.

Though God is both transcendent and imminent, my God is more Personal to me. Jesus gives me the right to call God my Father, which is why we pray the “Our Father.” Calling God ‘Father’ is an acknowledgment that God is by nature relational.

The concept of God as "Father" signifies two main things: that God is the first origin of everything, and at the same time, God is infinitely good and lovingly cares for His children.

The Old Testament describes God as loving, faithful, forgiving, and the Father of the poor, the orphan, and the widow.

St. Paul says, “In love he (God) destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ.”

We are God’s children by grace and adoption. As adopted children, believers are considered sons and daughters of God, with a new identity and purpose.

Jesus, however, reveals God as Father in a distinct way: as Father to His ‘only begotten’ Son. The Greek word ‘ monogenes’ means ‘unique’ or ‘one of a kind,’ not a literal begetting, highlighting that Jesus shares the Father's divine nature and essence. The Nicene Creed confirms this by stating that Jesus is one being with the Father.

Abba , an Aramaic word roughly translated as "Daddy," shows us how intimate our relationship with God the Father is.

God is Almighty. In Greek, ‘almighty’ is ‘ pantocrator .’ It is translated as “All Ruler” or “All Sovereign” or “Holding everything together.” God’s sovereignty and lordship are expressions of perfect, eternal, and divine love, through which God reigns as almighty over creation.

This does not mean, however, that God will do anything and everything. According to the Bible, God can never think evil; He is unable to lie, deny Himself, or change His essential character.

In Hebrew, God is ‘ El Shaddai ,’ the God who is all-powerful. All God’s divine attributes – omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, self-existence, and immutability – are summed up in this one word, Almighty. The Father spoke into being all things in ‘heaven and earth.’

Scripture calls God the “Mighty One of Jacob,” and the “LORD of hosts.” In the book of Isaiah, we see Seraphim cry to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts.” In the book of Revelation, the four living creatures, day and night, do not stop exclaiming: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty.”

God’s almighty authority over heaven and earth stems from His role as Creator. Nothing is impossible for God, who governs all according to His will. As Lord of the universe and master of history, He directs hearts and events.

In God, power, essence, will, intellect, wisdom, and justice are identical. Therefore, everything within God's power is also in His just will and His wise intellect.

Under the providence of God the Father Almighty, I am an adopted son of God. God created me, loves me, provides for me, and forgives me. Because all of us have one Father, all people are my brothers and sisters.

I always rely on God’s love and strength as I journey toward His Kingdom.

In One God

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:37:00 GMT

In One God

I believe in God. I hail from India, where I have encountered many religions and their followers: Buddhists who do not speak of God; Hindus who believe in many gods and goddesses; Muslims and Jews who are monotheists; Sikhs and Jains who strictly adhere to the teachings of their founders; and Parsis who embrace the dualistic principles of good and evil, to name a few.

I am not an atheist. Disbelief in God is not in my nature. The term “atheism” came into use in late 18th-century Europe as a descriptor for those who did not believe in the monotheistic Abrahamic God. It simply refers to “disbelief in God.”

I am not an agnostic. I do not hold the view that God is unknowable. The term “agnostic” was coined in 1870 by the biologist T.H. Huxley (1825-1895), combining the Greek prefix “ a ,” meaning “without,” and “ gnostos ,” meaning “known.” It was meant to propose the idea that the existence of God is unknown and unknowable.

I do not believe in lesser divine beings – gods and goddesses. I am not an animist. I do not believe that natural objects, phenomena, or the universe possess souls and deserve worship. I abhor practices such as sorcery, black magic, witchcraft, and divination.

I believe in one God, in contrast to henotheistic beliefs that acknowledge a supreme deity alongside lesser divine beings. My belief moves me toward God, and into God, leading me ever deeper into the mystery of God.

Specifically, I believe in one God in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity. I believe in the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as one God in three persons: Each one of them possesses the same divine nature, while remaining distinct in their roles and relationships.

It is the Father who generates, the Son who is begotten of the Father, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and the Son. But the Godhead of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty coeternal.

By the grace of Baptism, we are called to share in the life of the Blessed Trinity, here on earth in the obscurity of faith, and after death in eternal light.

One of the four great doctors of the church, St. Augustine of Hippo, writes, “I began as a very young man, and have published in my old age some books concerning the Trinity.” Can this dogma, which surpasses even the loftiest intellectual and spiritual figures, truly be understood by someone as lowly as myself? No.

Nevertheless, I must do my best to grasp the truth of my God, the Holy Trinity, and live out my faith in one God. In my own simple words, this is the faith I hold:

I believe in one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are equal in divinity and share the same divine nature, yet each has a unique role: the Father is the Creator, the Son is born of the Father and is our Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son.

I was baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Created by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, I remain a Catholic and a priest. Inspired by the perfect unity of the Trinity, my prayer is to live in communion with God, with my fellow humans, and with all of creation.

I Believe

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 12:47:00 GMT

I Believe

The Nicene Creed begins with the words: “I believe.” The term Creed originates from the Latin word “ Credo ,” meaning “I believe.”

The Nicene Creed, crafted at the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D., began with the phrase "We believe," to unify different Christian ‘belief statements’ of the time. At first, the Creed was not meant for the Holy Mass. Later, a shorter version was used in Baptisms, where people responded with "I believe."

This baptismal usage introduced the Latin “ Credo ” (“I believe”) into the liturgy of the Mass around 1014 A.D. Over time, more reasons emerged for saying “I” instead of “We.” Saint Thomas Aquinas noted that the Church speaks the Creed as one person, united by faith.

“Believe” is a verb, an action like seeing, thinking, calculating, or discovering.
I see a flower; when I see it, my face blooms with a smile."
This is a direct, sensory experience. It is immediate and physical.
But when I believe, what happens then?

Belief has a different kind of impact, less immediate and more profound.
The act of believing transcends mere sensation.

I do not believe in the Sun, because I see it.
I do not believe in music, because I hear it.
I do not believe in a golden rock, for I imagine it.
I do not believe in an idea, for I conceptualize it.

Belief goes beyond sensing, reasoning, imagining, or intuiting.

I believe. But some do not believe.

Some people refrain from belief because they fear to trespass the intellectual boundaries set by human reason. They hesitate to step beyond what their senses and logic can grasp. Within reason's walls, they are held captive.

But I yearn to break free.

I believe because I dare to leap beyond the confines of logical limits. I am willing to confront what lies beyond the reach of empirical and rational knowledge. Like a bird striving to cross the ocean to glimpse the distant shore, my heart longs to venture further.

I believe.

From an epistemological perspective, knowledge is often defined as “justified true belief.” Justification requires evidence. Thus, knowledge is a form of “convinced truth,” verified by facts and evidence.

However, my conviction transcends evidence and facts. Facts are assessed by the human intellect, a faculty limited by our mortality. My spirit is free and potent enough to pierce through any mortal confinement.

Scientific truth is based on facts. Belief is an act of conviction.
This is why some may see believers as being opposed to science.
But are we against science? No.

Science is valuable. It investigates the natural world, leading to discoveries and inventions that enhance human life. We appreciate and rely on science.

But science is a product of human intellect, and there are realities beyond human scientific understanding.

Faith happens when our love-driven will tells our intellect to believe. It’s a trusting surrender that there is something reasonable beyond reason.

Therefore, my belief is not against reason; it goes beyond reason.

I believe.

Creed or Creeds

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:50:00 GMT

Creed or Creeds

Hi, it's great to meet you through this video platform. I want to speak to you about the Nicene Creed. Is that the only creed of the Church? No, it’s not.

There are over 150 recognized creeds and confessions in Christianity. However, four formal creeds are considered ecumenical and have been accepted by the Catholic church. These include the Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed, Athanasian Creed, and the Chalcedonian Creed.

The word "creed" comes from the Latin word "credere," which means "to believe." When the Church started growing in the first century and its early leaders died, local churches realized they needed a basic statement of faith. In spite of possessing parts of the New Testament, they needed a standard to distinguish true doctrine from heresy and to provide foundational instruction for catechumens.

The Apostles' Creed existed before the Nicene Creed. Although the apostles did not write it, the creed is named as such because early Christians believed it summarized the teachings of the apostles.

In the 2nd century A.D., St. Irenaeus described a creed with similarities to the Apostles' Creed, likely a precursor known as the Old Roman Symbol. This symbol evolved from the earlier ‘Rule of Faith’, a set of basic doctrines learned and professed at baptism. Over time, the ‘Rule of Faith’ and ‘baptismal declarations’ took on a structured form, gelling into a tripartite formula: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

In the 3rd century, Tertullian used the terms "Rule of Faith" and "Rule of Truth." By the 4th century, the ‘Rule of Faith’ had become part of the ‘Old Roman Symbol,’ an earlier, shorter version of the Apostles' Creed. The Creed reached its final form in southwestern France in the late 6th or early 7th century. Gradually, it replaced other baptismal creeds and became the official statement of faith of the Catholic church in the West when Innocent III was pope (1198–1216).

During the 4th century, as Christianity became the legal religion of the Roman Empire, churches across the empire began to reach consensus on the books that would comprise the New Testament and on several core statements of faith.

In 325 A.D., Emperor Constantine convened the First Council of Nicaea (Iznik, Turkey) to address primarily Arianism, a heresy that challenged Christ's divinity. The resulting Nicene Creed was later expanded at the First Council of Constantinople (Istanbul) in 381 A.D. This Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed is recognized as the sole ecumenical creed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and many mainline Protestant churches.

The Athanasian Creed was developed in the 5th century. Although it is named after Athanasius (A.D. 293–373), he was not its author. Unlike the Nicene Creed, which has Eastern Greek roots, the Athanasian Creed originates from the Western Latin tradition. It draws heavily from the theological work of St. Augustine of Hippo and reflects the doctrinal outcomes of the Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon.

The Chalcedonian Creed, formulated at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 A.D., was a direct response to a variety of Christological heresies, particularly those that denied either the full humanity or the full divinity of Jesus Christ. This creed affirms that Christ is both fully God and fully man, possessing two distinct natures – divine and human – united in one person.

With this general overview of how faith statements evolved into Creeds, I would like to focus on the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, commonly known as the Nicene Creed.

I want to compare the Creed of Nicaea and the Creed of Constantinople to highlight what was originally included in the Nicaea Creed and what additions were made in the Creed of Constantinople.

In the 12 Articles of Faith, red text indicates the original wording of the Creed of Nicaea (325 A.D.), and blue text shows the additions from the Creed of Constantinople (381 A.D.).

1. I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker
of heaven and earth , of all things visible and invisible.

2. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages . Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial
with the Father; through him all things were made.

3. For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.

4. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,

5. and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.

6. He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

7. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.
and his kingdom will have no end.

8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

9. I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

10. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins,

11. and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead.

12. and the life of the world to come. Amen

We profess this Creed at every weekend Mass. And yet, sometimes, we say it so quickly that its rich layers of meaning blur into routine words.

I have prepared a series of video clips explaining the Creed's key terms, historical context, and pastoral implications. Each video will address the articles of faith individually, such as "I believe," "in One God," "The Father Almighty," and continue through the entire Creed. You can find these videos on our parish website.

As you know, I'm not a scholar in dogma or scripture. As a Catholic priest, I simply want to share with you the faith I have learned, and continue to learn, through prayer and ministry. My approach will bring out my personal experience over purely intellectual analysis.

I hope this sharing of my faith supports you in deepening your understanding and living out our faith in your daily life.

An Invitation to learn the Nicene Creed

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 18:46:00 GMT

An Invitation to learn the Nicene Creed

Dear friends,

There is a noticeable resurgence of the Catholic faith globally, with stories of conversion emerging from various parts of the world, including the United States. Our foundational beliefs are summarized in the Nicene Creed.

Given our parishioners' growing enthusiasm for Bible-based stories and sermons, I've created a series of video clips to help you delve deeper into the articles of the Nicene Creed. These videos will be released weekly, beginning this Pentecost Sunday.

I am not a scholar of dogma or Scripture, but as a Catholic priest, I wish to share with you the faith I have been learning and living. My aim is to offer an experiential journey, rather than a jargon-filled intellectual analysis.

You can find the latest clip on the home page of our website. Just click on the picture to watch! The script for each video will also be added to my blog on our website every weekend.

I encourage you to take some time to explore them and reflect on our shared faith. I'm praying for continued spiritual vitality in our parish. God bless you!

May God bless you and your families!

Fr. Peter

My heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to my friends Fr. Albin Roby and Fr. John Bosco

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 23:15:00 GMT

After years of dedicated effort and hard work, my friends Father Roby and Father Bosco established an Arts and Science College in their diocese in Tamil Nadu, India. It fills me with admiration that they have now gifted this significant achievement to their diocese. I wholeheartedly applaud
their generosity and dedication.

The following is the letter of Bishop Nazarene, the Bishop of Kottar Diocese, Tamil Nadu, India:

4-15-2025

Dear Priests, Religious, and Faithful People of God,

Happy Easter!

With a heart full of joy, I am delighted to share with you the good news on this day of happiness and hope.

You are already aware that St. John’s Arts and Science College at Ammandivilai, within our diocese, has been running successfully and meritoriously. This is thanks to the tireless efforts and hard work of our diocesan priests, Rev. Fr. John Bosco and Rev. Fr. Albin Roby, who established it in 2009. Guided by the vision that "Through higher education alone, youngsters from poor families can achieve success in life," and with the generous support of the late Rev. Fr. John Friend from the Netherlands, the college has, for the past 16 years, served as a beacon of light and hope for thousands of young people.

Now, Rev. Fr. John Bosco and Rev. Fr. Albin Roby have generously gifted St. John’s Arts and Science College at Ammandivilai to our diocese, without cost, effective April 25, 2025. I, along with all the faithful of our diocese, marvel at their generosity in donating this college, the fruit of their dream, time, hard work, and financial resources over all these years. As words fall short in expressing our gratitude and admiration, we humbly bundle all our appreciation into a word, "Thank you," and praise and appreciate them.

Of all the generous contributions in the history of the Kottar Diocese, I consider this gift the finest. This noble act will stand as an enduring model for future generations of priests and faithful. There is no doubt that generations to come will remember Rev. Fr. John Bosco and Rev. Fr. Albin Roby with profound gratitude.

Dear people of God, St. John's Arts and Science College will henceforth belong to the diocese of Kottar. We will educate our young people at our College. I urge all parish priests to take a special interest in the enrollment process at our college. Your valued assistance will help our diocese flourish in its educational ministry.

May the peace of the Risen Lord be with you!

In Christ,

The Most Rev. Nazarene Soosai
Bishop of Kottar Diocese

On Good Friday

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:14:00 GMT

On Good Friday

On this day, humanity awakens with the budding of Spring, to stand at the foot of the cross. The Nazarene hangs suspended between heaven and earth.

He looks up to the sky, crying out, ‘O God, why have you forsaken me?’ and the heavens seem to remain silent. He looks down on the earth, which lashes out with abusive words and baseless accusations.

Today's humanity evades looking at this spectacle, avoids contemplating it, or endeavors to slip it into oblivion as a forgotten past event. Nonetheless, it remains paradoxically bewitched and simultaneously repelled by the heartbreaking sight, a reality it cannot escape.

It is because the spectacle represents the collective suffering of humanity. Within it, each individual confronts his/her own shortcomings, agonies, failures, and unfulfilled longings. This shared experience explains the global appeal of Good Friday services.

However, if humanity looks upon Jesus with pity, regret, or sorrow, grieving the Nazarene, it is profoundly mistaken. Jesus lived without fear, nor did he die in despair. Having accomplished all things with perfect fulfillment, he commended his spirit to his Father. Throughout his life, he walked his path with resolve, refusing to compromise with evil. Truth flowed from him powerfully, and goodness abundantly. Fully aware of his destination, he took each step with purpose, plowing through a sinful world with the plow of his cross.

O crucified Jesus,

as you gaze upon the ages with mercy, and
see through every human heart with your compassionate countenance,

Forgive us:
for knowing not your sacrifice,
heeding not your invitation,
fulfilling not your will,
and opening not our hearts
to carry your message with commitment.

Holy Week

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 20:27:00 GMT

Holy Week is approaching, and we are moving toward commemorating the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus.

As we journey back through the pages of history to rediscover the roots of our faith, the spirit of those holy events rises to meet us with fresh relevance today. With the eyes of our hearts, we can still see and witness the jubilant cries of ‘Hosanna’ welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem, and the chilling shouts of ‘crucify him’ on Good Friday. We can hear Jesus praying from the cross, and we can feel the overwhelming joy of the apostles as they behold the risen Lord.

From the seven last words of Jesus on the cross to the risen Lord’s bestowing of peace on the apostles, written first in Greek, then Latin, and now English, have come to us through the ages.

As we read, contemplate, and pray these Gospel passages, we are filled with awe at Jesus’ submission to God's will, which led him through an excruciating passion, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. His victory over death and sin has imbued our existence with meaning, value, and salvation.

Holy Week begins this year on Sunday, April 13th. The Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday at 7:00 PM, Good Friday at 3:00 PM, and the Easter Vigil at 8:00 PM) will be celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Essex. I warmly invite everyone to join us for these sacred celebrations.

May the God of life bestow upon us the joy and peace of Easter!

Fr. Peter

An 8th Grader's conviction of Faith

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:39:00 GMT

Hi Mr. Brucker,

This is Mattea. While I did not set any New Year resolutions, I had an epiphany. I'm not
exactly sure when but one day, I realized that there is nothing to lose from being
Catholic. I used to think that my classmates would mock me for being Catholic because I
have heard many people say that believing in God is ridiculous. Though I do not
commonly share my religion with others, the thought of my peers judging me for having
Catholic beliefs scared me. After starting CCD classes, I realized there is much to gain
and nothing to lose. I could gain a relationship with God which I have found has brought
me more happiness and closure. All that I have lost is the belief that there was no God. I
had a very theodic view of life. I felt as if I was being punished. I felt if there was a God, I
would not be having a hard time, and that life would be perfect. It took reading passages
about Jesus's suffering to know that God does love me. No matter what I go through, he
put his son through so much more pain for all of our sins. He put his son through being
crucified so we could all be forgiven of our sins. I realized that after I had been through
confession, I felt this forgiveness. After I started CCD classes, something in me changed.
I felt a sense of forgiveness for my prior sins and that if I was close to sinning,
something would speak to me. A little voice would come into my head and remind me of
all the things that God has provided me with.

I truly appreciate all of your work Mr. Brucker. I appreciate that you have helped me find
my way to God and overall to a happier life. You have truly been an amazing help and
your classes are a great ending to my weeks. I find that when I am in a dark moment, I
always remind myself that I have a couple more days then I get to go to class. These
experiences have been very healing to me. I do not think that I can thank you enough for
the amazing things that you have done for me. I just want to let you know that you are
truly appreciated. All of your hard work is noticed and just know, even if it didn't
affect the masses, it spoke to me. I felt that God was trying to tell me something: this
wonderful person has taken time out of their busy life to teach you, at least consider
listening. I am so grateful that I did. I still can not express enough the impact that you
have had on me. I hope that you had a truly blessed Christmas and a stellar New Year.

Thank you so much,

Christmas Message by Fr. Peter

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 19:50:00 GMT

Dear parishioner,

Merry Christmas. I desire to come in person to give you my greetings. That being impossible, I wish that the joy and peace of the divine infant fill your hearts and lives.

On that silent and holy night, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, joy and peace descended upon earth. Today in that same Holy Land, there is neither joy nor peace. It is in turmoil. The turbulence there emits ripples of anxiety in the hearts of all peoples. The world thirsts for peace and joy.

At the first Christmas, the angels sang: Peace to people of goodwill. Where there is will, there is a way. We should pray that people of goodwill throughout the world, including us, may increase and multiply. Mother Teresa said, “Peace begins with a smile.” So, let there be peace on earth, and let it

begin with our smiles. May God smile on the New Year and let it be luminous, gracious, and prosperous for us! Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Fr. Peter

Song to Our Lady

Tue, 10 May 2022 19:38:00 GMT

From April 19th to 30th I was in Portugal, France, and Spain with 10 of our parishioners on a pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes, and Avila. During that trip, I wrote 4 songs in honor of Our Lady in Tamil, my mother tongue. The following is the translation (a poor one for every translation is a betrayal) of one of them in English:

We see God’s motherliness
in your image, overflowing with compassion
Humanity arrived at its loftiness
at your assumption when your body and soul
were assumed into heaven

God predestined you
to be the mother of His son
Your son sacrificed you
to be the mother of the world
If the creature is this much beautiful
shouldn’t the creator be
the mountain of beauty?
If you are this much graceful
wouldn’t God be
the Ocean of grace?

Your face shines with
a flood of light
Your shrines sparkle with
springs of grace
O morning star indicating forthcoming dawn
isn’t that which dawn the light of God?
You invite us toward you, but
indeed, you reach us toward heaven.
coming toward you is full of joy
going on your way is reaching God.

Channeling Injunction and our Parish

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:21:00 GMT

Dear Parishioners,

As you know, the Diocese of Norwich filed for bankruptcy on July 15, 2021. During this past week, I attended a meeting of pastors where more information was presented about the bankruptcy and how it directly affects our parishes.

History and background. To have a better understanding of what is happening, it is important to understand a bit as to what happened in the past and how that impacts us now. Historically, whenever the Diocese was sued in a case alleging the sexual abuse of minors, the location where the abuse was alleged to have occurred was also sued. Thus, when abuse was alleged to have occurred in a parish, the parish corporation was sued as well as the diocesan corporation. In such a case, the Diocese sought legal counsel on behalf of the parish, negotiated a settlement on behalf of the parish, and paid all the legal expenses of the parish as well as any financial settlement leveled against the parish that was not covered by insurance. According to The Day newspaper of New London, the average settlement amount was one million dollars.

The situation. As the diocesan bankruptcy case proceeds, at some point in the process, an injunction will be issued for the Diocese that will bar future lawsuits for matters that occurred before July 15, 2021, including lawsuits alleging the sexual abuse of minors.

The Challenge. Once the injunction is established by the bankruptcy court, the parishes will no longer have the protection of the Diocese; and thus, the parishes will be responsible for all legal costs and the procurement of legal counsel as well as all financial settlements regardless of amount. In addition, the insurance coverage would provide very little, if anything, because the insurance payouts will have been exhausted due to the bankruptcy settlement.

Solution. A solution to this challenge is for the parish to be included as part of the injunction, or channeling injunction. To be part of the channeling injunction, however, the parishes will have to make a court-ordered payment as part of the bankruptcy settlement. To participate in negotiations for inclusion in the injunction, the parishes will also have to hire and retain legal counsel.

One response to this that was raised by some pastors is to have the parishes work together and hire one legal counsel for the entire group of fifty-one diocesan parishes. At this time, this seems to make the most sense as we move forward and seek to be included and gain the protections of the channeling injunction.

In presenting this to you, it is also important to note that inclusion in the channeling injunction is not about the Diocese; it is about the parish.

While this solution and its process are not ideal, it is the best we can do right now. Do I like it? No. Is it fair to everyone? Not exactly, but there are no other options.

As we move forward, I ask you for your prayers and support. First of all, please pray for the victims and survivors of sexual abuse and for their families. Secondly, please pray for our parishes and all of our parish families. None of us – victims, survivors, families, parishioners – wanted to go down this road. We were forced down this road and that is where we now are. The solution is not ideal, but it is the best we can do.

Sincerely,

Fr. Arul Rajan Peter

Pastor

An Invitation to join Fr. Peter in the pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 15:20:00 GMT

April 19, 2022 (12 Spiritually uplifting fun filled days and 20 meals)

Lisbon, Burgos, Zaragoza, Avila, and Madrid

Mass celebrated in the Shrines of Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Lourdes

Candle light procession and Rosary at Fatima and Lourdes

Visit birth places of St. Antony of Padua and St. Teresa of Avila

$ 2765 per person/dbl. occ. (Airfare, hotels, land, meals, transfers included)

Contact Nuovo Tours – Fairfield, NJ

Tel: 973 882 0021 Cell: 973 980 5636 Email: nuovotours@gmail.com

For further details click here

Diocesan Liturgical Guidelines for Reopening of Mass

Sat, 22 May 2021 11:42:00 GMT

The general dispensation from attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation will be ended as of Sunday May 23, 2021 – the Solemnity of Pentecost.

Masks are optional for those who have been fully vaccinated . They are required for those who are not vaccinated.

The exchange of the sign of peace remains suspended.

Holy Communion is to be given only under one species – consecrated Hosts.

Holy Communion is to be distributed by clergy (priests/deacons) ONLY.

No social distancing will be required.

There will be a designated “social distance” section for those who are more vulnerable.

Church bulletins, as well as printed materials (books, holy cards, leaflets, etc.) are permitted.

Choirs and instrumentalists are allowed.

Altar servers are allowed.

The offertory procession and collection baskets with handles passed by ushers are permitted.

Video Chat

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:04:00 GMT

Happy Easter! May God shower on you the choicest blessings of joy and peace!

Normal life is sprouting out in our society and church. As nature greets Spring with smiles of greens and flowers, we should welcome this budding new life with proper preparations. People thirst for gatherings, socials, celebrations, and interpersonal conversations.

But since we still await civil and ecclesiastical ‘nod’ for in-person social interaction, our dependence on online communication prolongs. To reintroduce our parish ministries and volunteers to our parishioners, we have begun the ‘Video Chat.’

‘Video Chat’ is a video clip in which I interview representatives of each ministry. They speak about themselves and various aspects of the ministry. The 15 minutes video clips will be posted on our parish website and Facebook.

The first video clip is my interview with deacon Larry and deacon Bill. Eventually more ‘Video Chats’ such as ‘Video Chat’ with ‘Caring Hearts;’ ‘Video Chat’ with Religious Education teachers; ‘Video Chat’ with ‘Prayer Shawl Ministry;’ ‘Video Chat’ with our Seniors etc. will be posted.

I invite everybody to watch them and give their feedback. You can respond through our website, Facebook, personal emails or phone calls. I hope this will help parishioners to know about our ministries and enable more participation.

I am looking forward to being in touch with you and seeing you in person soon.

Easter Message

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 13:22:00 GMT

Dear Parishioner, Love and greetings from Fr. Peter! During these ‘pandemic’ days, we have been speaking so much about “Light at the end of the tunnel.” That light signifies life and the same light gives hope. Life and hope are blissfully mingled in the Paschal candlelight. The resounding of the proclamation ‘The light of Christ’ resonates in thousands of churches and millions of joyful hearts in the world. Light dispels darkness. Can one encounter darkness while searching it with light? We ought not to be hopeless. We do see the light and are enlightened. We should see through the light to find the joy and peace existing yonder. This ‘mail chimp’ comes to you with a positive message: Happy Easter! The Risen Christ gave hope, joy, and peace. God has given us that hope by privileging us to be the first ones to have access to the vaccination. Let us be hopeful, joyful, and peaceful.After Easter, I hope the ‘normal’ parish life will be resumed with many of our ministries coming back to life. To put the wheels into motion, we begin a new mission called “Video Chat.” In these video clips, I will interview representatives of various ministries to enable our parishioners to know more about our volunteers and the dimensions of our ministries. Titles will be “Video Chat with our Deacons;” “Video Chat with Caring Hearts;” “Video Chat with our CCD Teachers;” “Video Chat with our Seniors” etc. Immediately after Easter “Video Chat” will be published on our parish Website and Facebook. I encourage you to view them and give your comments. The Holy week is in the offing. All services will be live-streamed. I invite you to take part in the services in person or online. Happy Easter! May God bless you! May the risen Christ shed His light, joy, and peace upon you! Sincerely,Fr. Arul Rajan Peter

I am Vaccinated

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 13:06:00 GMT

It felt strange to be amidst 75 + senior citizens awaiting my first shot. On February 12 ^th I was in Essex townhall. However, I felt at home as I could see at least 4 of our parishioners, members of the staff, helping us. I also saw some parishioners waiting in the hall.

I had been given the privilege to join the seniors because of my obligation to visit the dying at home, in hospitals and convalescent homes. I could see ray of hope in people’s eyes as they filled out the forms. They were like leafless trees in the Fall looking forward to the Spring season, eager to develop antibodies physically and moral strength psychologically. I was toying with this calculation: ‘More vaccination = more people attending Mass.’ Christopher Olender, Pharmacy manager of Nutmeg Pharmacy at Centerbrook gave me the shot.

My left arm was sore for about three days, otherwise I had no other problem. Thoughts about my paternal grandmother surfaced in my memory. When I was a boy, she insisted that I should drink three handfuls of the same water in which I would shower. Her culture should have informally inculcated in her the ‘unscientific’ mechanism of vaccination. A heaviness fell upon my heart as I considered millions of people around the world who have less or no access to any sort of vaccination.

I went to Essex townhall on Friday the 5 ^th of March for my second shot. It was very cold and windy. Along with many people I had to wait in my car for more than 30 minutes to enter the hall. There were more healthcare professionals who came to our own chairs to administer vaccines. Since I had heard that the second vaccine could make one sick, I arranged a priest to say the Mass on Saturday morning. I did not get sick at all.

On Ash Wednesday, during the Mass, I said, “May be this is the beginning! More and more people will come to Mass as more and more are vaccinated.” I do see more people attending the daily and weekend Masses. This may be the beginning of the end of this pandemic.

Those who believe, pray; and those who don’t, wish that peoples in the world may regain health; that the underprivileged and the unprivileged may be taken care of by their governments; and that the globe may let a sigh of relief at the demise of this virus.

God smiled at Time

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 11:46:00 GMT

God smiled at Time;
A New Year was born.

God wrote with His finger:
“Wish you a ‘Healthy’ New Year.”

Like ‘Office 365’ this is ‘Life 365;’
Unlike ‘Office 365’
this is not purchased; but gifted.

We receive with gratitude this ‘Gift of life’
from the Creator;
We welcome with confidence various Vaccines
from the ingenuity of humans; and
We muster up our hopefulness for hearty future
from all hearts in the world.

Last year 1.8 million died of Covid-19.
We are still here.
We are still here for a purpose.

God has presented us
with the diary of 365 pages.
Every page is white and blank
to be written by us; by our deeds.

Write not on the pages
with red ink of blood;
nor use strikethrough blunders;
Fill them with sanitized words connoting
accomplished and upcoming goodness.

Our purpose is to go forward
with hopeful hearts and humane-embracing actions;
through the threshold of obscurity into clarity;
from the virus stained past into wellness welling future;
against the hostile arrows of violence emitted by fanaticism;
above human-made hatred, discrimination and all negativities;
toward love, peace, justice and Godliness.

God is smiling at us.
Echo that ‘smile’ through the world;
and fill the ‘Global Village’ with the vaccine of love.

Healthy New Year!

Fr. Arul Rajan Peter

Tsunami Song by Fr. Peter

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 21:15:00 GMT

Tsunami Song by Frs. Peter and Roby

The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 hit the coasts of several countries of South and Southeast Asia on December 26, 2004. The earthquake that caused the tsunami lasted almost 10 minutes. Nearly 230,000 people died.

I wrote this song visualizing 3 children who had lost their families,
complaining to the Indian Ocean, sitting on its shore.
My friend Fr. Albin Roby composed the apt soulful medoly and score.

Voice:

When Tsunami waves came bursting open the boundaries
How to depict the sorrow of those who had lost their lives?

On your mercy live the coastal people
On your shores exist the fear of God
Their occupation entirely depends on you
Endless war between life and death

3 Children:

Father trusted more in you than his own boat;
No mother was ever afraid of you
How come you took on a ferocious face
causing your gentle waves into mountainous monsters?

Chorus:

We were born on your shores
We subsist on your goodness
Day after day in our boats
We floated on your waves

Near you were we nurtured
Slept on your coasts
Fish caught in the net
developed our villages

3 Children:

Father trusted more in you than his own boat;
No mother was ever afraid of you

Voice:

Massive waves broke on our shores
At their withdrawal was gone our source of life
We had built houses and saved money
and brought up our lovely children;
We lost everything; and mourn
as all were gone with the waves.

Chorus:

Of the dead, one in three were children
Unsprouted lives
Innocent infants
who knew not even the word ‘Mother’

Hearts that groan with the memory of
the waves snatching away
the girl on the lap and
the boy holding the hand

3 Children:

Father trusted more in you than his own boat;
No mother was ever afraid of you

Voice:

Humane tender love welled up as spring
The whole earth became as one family
As every news revolved into fireballs,
each inner self became a house smeared with deadly dust
humane values began to live in every heart.

Chorus:

Soul of the world was ripened
It extended its helping hands
determined to be with the afflicted
until the sadness was lifted

Religious fanaticism disappeared
All joined the world mainstream
Caste discriminations fell down
Mercy was seen in death

All:

Sorrows and destruction are in life
Sickness and death are in the world
Through the good-hearted souls
Our God is with us; so, worry not.

For Video Clip Click Here

On the Feast of Christ the King

Sat, 28 Nov 2020 11:38:00 GMT

As we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, there are many people in our world who would not accept Jesus Christ as their king. We, Christians do accept Christ as our king. It is a matter of faith. How do we understand Christ as our king and the king of the universe?

Kings and Kingdoms! If we turn our glance through the time before Christ, we come across several kings and kingdoms. Considering the summit of those kingdoms, as we go back in time, the Roman kingdom in the 100s, the Greek kingdom in the 300s, the Persian kingdom in the 550s, the Israel kingdom in the 1000s, the Nubians and the Indian and kingdom in the 1500s, the Babylonian kingdom in the 1800s, the Assyrian kingdom in the 1900s, the Chinese kingdom in the 2100s, the Egyptian kingdom in the 2500s, the Akkadian kingdom in the 2330s and the Sumerian kingdom in the 3500s flash in our minds.

Two salient factors that cannot escape our observation of each king and his kingdom are these: space and time. Every king and his kingdom had a limit in terms of space and time. For instance, Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon’s space was in and around the Tigris-Euphrates basin and he reigned for 67 years. King David ruled the United Kingdom of Israel for about 40 years.

The modern kings – the presidents and prime ministers – also have a limitation of space and time: a politically defined country and a span of ruling time, such as 5 years or 8 years. A ruler of a country today reigns over the citizens of his prescribed territory for a limited span of time.

Is there any domain that is bigger than these political entities? Yes. Pope Francis is the leader of the Catholic church. His domain is much larger because Catholics live in all the countries. His time is his life time. Dalai Lama is an accepted leader of thousands of Buddhists living in various countries.

I am a Catholic priest as well as a citizen of the USA. As a citizen, I have certain privileges and confines. As a Catholic priest my space is much larger: I can say Mass in any part of the world if there is a Catholic church. When I die, I cease to be a citizen of this country. As a faithful I will enter a domain which is the mystical body of Christ and the communion of saints.

Now bring Christ the King into the picture. The kingship of Christ encompasses all the universe including heaven and the purgatory.

A president of a country can rule neither over those who had died a 100 years past nor those who would be born a 100 years later. But Christ the king has no time limits. He reigns over the living, the dead and the generations to come.

We belong to this kingdom. All come under His kingship. Politically, culturally, socially, economically and religiously different peoples are united under Christ’s kingship. His will is being done in the lives of all, in all structures, through all rulers of the world.

Be joyful because we belong to the kingdom of love. Be strong because our King is omnipotent. Be fearless because through world rulers ultimately will of God is accomplished. Be peaceful because the prince of peace keep us in His providence!

Since the Resumption of Masses until now …

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 16:50:00 GMT

On June 8 weekday Masses were resumed. Masses were celebrated at St. Joseph’s church Monday through Saturday at 8.30 am. On the very first day 23 people showed up enthusiastically. Eventually the average attendance slimed down to 7 to 10 persons. On the 4 ^th of July weekend Masses began. The average attendance per Mass has been less than 30 persons. One weekend Mass is live streamed for those who cannot attend Mass in the church.

It seems people are still fearful of transmission of this virus; waiting for the right vaccine; anticipating abating of number of cases in all States; and repeal of mandatory social distancing and face masks. God alone knows the time when we will be free of these fears and anxieties.

Meanwhile I have been reflecting on my life and of others during the past five months. With restrictions such as social distancing, face masks, limited face to face communication, travel prohibitions, increasing online dependence and uncertainty about future, our lives seem to have become less pleasant and more burdensome. Blaming it on someone or some place or nature or God won’t bring any solution. We thought we could sculpt our own life, our time and our future. Contrarily life, time and future are eluding the grasp of everybody.

While reading and watching the escalating number of deaths, distress clouded my mind so much so that I began to wonder if I would become another addition to that number. I could have been; who knows? Perhaps you too might have gone through this distress.

Now my mind is clear. The lesson I am learning through this process is this: I am stuck. Let me not look back or look forward. No more intellectual gymnastics, reasonable assumptions, strategic planning or establishing systems. Let me go above the clouds. Let me be still, entirely open and awaiting what is to come. For I am not sure of what God is going to bring about at the end of the day.

However, I am excited about it. I am waiting to see the emergence of that newness which will refresh all our lives, our governments, our cultures, our church, our educational systems, our families and all other institutions.

We appear to be in a lengthier Advent season waiting with hope for joy and peace. Advent always ends up in Christmas. Hope is the key. In one of my songs I visualized a boat without oars, floating along the flow of the river. It trusts the river and hopes that one day it will reach the shore of bliss never dreamt before.

Homily - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sat, 27 Jun 2020 16:19:00 GMT

‘Take up your cross and follow me.’ Every individual comes across many crosses – some from birth, some from nature, some from others and some self-made. This Coved 19 itself is a big cross to bear. We respond to cross in various ways. Some ignore it; some are terrified of it; some succumb to it; some resist it; and some try to avoid it. Jesus tells, “Take up your cross.”

How did Jesus respond to his cross? We, humans, made a cross for Jesus. Humanity’s sins of the past, present and future accumulated and took the shape of a huge cross. Jesus embraced it. He willingly accepted it. He took it upon his shoulders. With this plow he plowed human hearts that they might become rich soil to produce fruits a hundredfold. His blood washed away the terrible and shameful images of the cross and made it a sign of victory and hope. Let us learn from him.

Cross hurts us; it frightens us. Nevertheless, the same pain and fear strengthen us. Jesus did not lament on the cross. Rather he offered his suffering to his Father for our salvation. Pain is wasted when endured with grumbling. Pain can be utilized by being offered. Aches and hurts can help us spiritually when offered for someone.

Money becomes offering when given for sacred purposes. Time and talents become valuable when given for charitable works. Pain of the cross becomes fruitful when dedicated willingly for someone or something.

Jesus is practical and even pragmatic. He does not promise us a life of bed of roses. But he shows us the way as to how to deal with crosses in our lives. In fact, he leads us by showing that way. He leads us and his is the biggest and the most painful cross. He promises to make our cross light and easy.

St. Augustine says, “God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering… Jesus died, but he vanquished death; in himself he put an end to what we feared; he took it upon himself and he vanquished it, as a mighty hunter he captured and slew the lion.” Imitating Christ we should put an end to fear of the cross; rather we should face and overcome it.

We pray today that God may fill our hearts with His power; that we may never be afraid of crosses; that we may not succumb to crosses; that we may face crosses with courage; that we may have victory over crosses; and that we may never make or become a cross to our brothers and sisters.

Next Saturday we resume weekend Masses. The usual Mass schedule will be followed. Please go to our website and read bulletins for more information. With the grace of God let us begin our public worship in faith and love. May God bless us!

Homily - 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sat, 20 Jun 2020 14:25:00 GMT

“Fear no one” says Jesus. But we have a lot of fears. In fact, the whole world is in fear – fear of Covid 19. Death is our biggest fear. All other fears stem from the fear of death. Everyone is dealing with many such fears. What does fear do to us? Fear increases uncertainties and anxieties; muddles our reasoning capacity; dulls our spiritual power; and makes our lives miserable.

Can fear solve any of our problems? No. Fear of pain is more painful than that pain. Fear of death is deadlier than death itself. In this context we reflect on the words of Jesus: ‘Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. So, do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.’ God provides for and takes care of even the little sparrows; how much more would God provide for you? You are worth more than many sparrows. So, do not worry and fear nothing.

However, Jesus continues, “Be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” So, fear God. How do we comprehend these seemingly paradoxical statements? Fear no one and Fear God. We deal with two types of fear here. The first is the fear that we experience: fear of lightning; fear of snakes etc. No one teaches us this fear. It happens.

The second is the fear that we learn. Psalm 34 invites us, “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. This fear is not a feeling; it is wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It is like the awesome wonder in front of the mighty Ocean. It attracts us and simultaneously repels us. God’s holiness attacks us but our unworthiness concurrently repels us. This reverential fear teaches us, fills us and perfects us.

So, the words ‘Fear no one’ refer to the first fear. This fear does not help us. That is why Jesus said, “Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?” So do not worry, “Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”

Today I ask you to pray for all in the world. Everybody is a child of God. Our trust in the providence of God should enable us to drive away all our fears. Faith in God, trust in our ‘God given talents’, confidence in valuable structures, hope in human wellbeing and so on will help us to shape a luminous future.

I am very happy to announce that on the first weekend of July we are going to restart Sunday Masses. Weekday and weekend Mass schedule that we had before the pandemic will be resumed. However, the limitation on gatherings for religious worship as issued by the State will be in effect. Kindly go to our website to get to know more information and details.

I am looking forward to seeing you in person in our churches. Pray for good health and happy lives. May God bless us and our world!

Homily on Corpus Christi Feast

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 19:58:00 GMT

On the day of Corpus Christi, traditionally a solemn Eucharistic procession would take place through the streets of towns and villages. Priests and the faithful would participate in a jubilant manner, in order to receive the Eucharistic Lord in their streets and lives. Both St. Paul and St. John give as the background, the early church’s celebration of the Eucharist in the context of a meal. In the early church, on the day of the Lord, the faithful started their communion with the agape meal and ending the meal with the eucharistic celebration.

Paul quotes a traditional Eucharistic formula, indicated by the Jewish expression “the cup of blessing.” The cup of blessing and the bread are participation in the body and blood of Christ. Koinonia, the Greek word for participation is not merely symbolic but strongly realistic. John deliberately uses the Greek words ‘sarks’ meaning flesh and ‘aima’ meaning blood. Note the profound meaning of the phrases, ‘eat my flesh’ and ‘drink my blood.’

The whole discourse outlines the events of salvation history, the coming of the Christ as the bread from heaven into the world in the Incarnation, the surrender of himself in his death and the availability of his surrendered life as the nourishment of the faithful in Holy Communion.

By eating his body, we become the body of Christ, the Church. By drinking his blood, we become one with God. Holy God gives himself to us in the Eucharist; we in turn partake of the Eucharist and become holy.

In the liturgy of the Mass, words of John the Baptist are used: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” In response we say the words of the Roman centurion: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

Before saying ‘Behold the lamb of God,’ the priest breaks the bread. The meaning is this. Jesus’ body was crushed and his blood shed. The early church celebrated this as ‘Breaking of Bread.’ The disciples through the centuries died for Christ by shedding their blood. As we receive the communion, we proclaim in our hearts that we too are ready to be broken for Christ and the world.

The Eucharist makes the past present for participation (“flesh” and “blood” referring back to Christ’s death), and it makes the future (“I will raise them up at the last day”; and continues in the present (“has eternal life”).

As we participate in the Eucharist today, let us reconfirm our faith and conviction, that fed by the heavenly food, inspired by Jesus’ sacrifice and strengthened by the real presence, we will continue to lead a life of communion with God, the Church and the peoples of the world. May God bless us and our world!

Homily on Holy Trinity Feast

Sat, 06 Jun 2020 15:08:00 GMT

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

The Nicene creed begins, “I believe in One God.” The Trinity is One. The three divine persons are really distinct from one another. The divine persons are relative to one another.

God the Father is the creator. The Son is consubstantial with the Father; God from God, light from light and begotten not made. The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. This is what we basically know about the holy Trinity. The truth is this: We cannot know God, because the Trinity is a mystery of faith in the strict sense, one of the “mysteries that are hidden in God, which can never be known unless they are revealed by God.”

So, instead of trying to know about the Trinity, we should live the Holy Trinity. As Pope Francis puts it, “We don’t believe in a distant, indifferent entity. On the contrary, we believe in the love that created the universe and generated a people, became flesh, died and rose for us, and as the Holy Spirit transforms everything and brings it to fullness.”

All prayers begin and end with the Trinitarian formula. All blessings are bestowed in this formula. At the sight of a church building; when blessing with holy water; before and after meals; we use the Trinitarian formula. Holy Trinity is the perfect community of love because the Godhead of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty coeternal. So, our society should be modelled after the Holy Trinity.

In the gospel John says, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” ‘Eternal life’ is not simply ‘unending life’ after death. It means literally “the eon life” or the life of the ‘age to come,’ already begun. It simply means that the new life has already started.

Yes, our new life has already begun. On Monday we are going to reopen our church to celebrate weekday Masses. I welcome you to St. Joseph’s church for the daily Mass. Because no other public spiritual activity is allowed, there will be no Rosary or Eucharistic adoration. So, you can come to the church just before 8.30 am. Those who are considered ‘high risk’ due to age or underlying health conditions please stay home. Sunday Mass will be live-streamed as before.

On this feast of the Most Holy Trinity we pray for the world that it may be healed of all illness and sufferings. We pray for the Church that it may be sanctified. We pray for our country that it may be unified. We pray for the end of this pandemic and all other evil in our society.

Today let us pray to the most Holy Trinity to keep us in its love, joy and peace. May one God and Father from whom all things are, and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things are, and one Holy Spirit in whom all things are, pour out the blessings upon all of us!

Homily on Pentecost Sunday

Sat, 30 May 2020 14:56:00 GMT

In the Upper room they were praying. The 120 disciples were afraid, confused and uncertain about future. They were waiting for the power from on high. We are in our rooms praying. We too are afraid and confused. Like them we are waiting for the power of God.

On the day of Pentecost, with a noise like a strong driving wind and in the form of tongues as of fire, the Holy Spirit descended upon them. Something new happened there. Suddenly the apostles became courageous and they came out of the room. Peter spoke in Aramaic; but each one heard him speaking in his own language. Resurrection of Jesus was proclaimed; and about 3000 persons were baptized. Peoples of various nations, races, cultures and languages became as one church; there was unity in diversity.

The gospel depicts a different scenario. Here Jesus appears in silence and tells, “Peace be with you.” Then he breathes on them. Remember at the beginning of creation, God formed the man out of the dust and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Now Jesus breathes on them and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The breath of God is life; when the breath is taken back there is death. Today is the day of God’s breath and a day of life.

In the Acts of the Apostles, many actions of the Spirit are illustrated vividly. The Spirit told deacon Philip, “Go and join up with that chariot;” Philip went to the chariot and catechized the Ethiopian eunuch. He baptized him and the Spirit snatched Philip away. Note the words ‘snatched him away.’ Peter went to the Roman Cornelius house. As Peter was hesitating to baptize the uncircumcised household, the holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word. Peter then said, “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people, who have received the holy Spirit?” Paul was prevented by the holy Spirit from preaching the message in the province of Asia. He tried to go on into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.

The Spirit is life. On this day the Holy Spirit came upon the world. Its power shatters wickedness and brings forth holiness. Its fire consumes evil and refines good. It is invisible yet indispensable. It is like the wind; we cannot see it. But we can feel it and see its effects. Today the church needs to be reborn and sanctified. The world ought to be renewed and unified. Humans need to be humanized and value-based. Hearts and minds must be broadened and straightened.

Without the Spirit nothing moves. We need this movement. I invite you to pray that the Spirit should move us forward; open our hearts; open our church; heal our wounds; pour his dew; wash the stains of guilt: bend the stubborn heart and will; melt the frozen, warm the chill; guide the steps that go astray; move the world toward health and goodness; broaden the hearts of all to accept and accommodate and fill the earth with God’s blessings, joy and peace!

We thank the Lord for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. On June 8 ^th we open our church to celebrate weekday Mass. We hope to celebrate weekend Mass eventually in our churches. May God bless us all on this day of Pentecost! May God bless our country and the world!

Homily on Ascension Feast

Thu, 21 May 2020 10:13:00 GMT

By Deacon Bill Kaiser

The Gospel is very short today. Because we know the story so well, we need to be careful that we do not miss the significance of what is happening.

Jesus had reminded the Apostles many times that He would be leaving them and returning to the Father. But they did not really understand the implication of that. He was not going on a simple journey. He was not going for a visit. Rather, He was solidifying our salvation.

Recently, He had promised it. “I am going to prepare a place for you.” Philip asked, “Where are you going?” He said He was going to the Father. Philip asked Him, “Show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

They wanted him to stay. He told them if He did, then the Holy Spirit would not be able to come. They did not yet know the power of the Holy Spirit.

He promised He would not leave them orphans. He also promised to come back again someday. Oh how little they knew! I guess it is true to also say: “Oh how little we know.”

We do not have enough time today to go deeply into all that is contained in the event of Jesus’ Ascension. But here is one important point to consider.

Why did Jesus remain on earth 40 days after His Resurrection? Why did He not return to our Father on Easter evening?

One reason was to allow the Apostles time to let the fact of His Resurrection sink in. After a shocking event, people’s memories can get confused about what has really occurred. For instance, “did it happen the way I think? ” “Did it really happen?” By continuing to be present to them, he was giving them enough time to fully record the event in their minds. And even more so, to fully comprehend it in their hearts. They would have to live out the significance of this event for the rest of their holy lives.

Second, Jesus loved them so much. He wanted them to have sufficient time to gradually get prepared for His leaving. Their sense of loss would be tremendous if He did not delay for a while.

Finally, He wanted to give them time to completely understand what His Resurrection was all about. Its significance went far beyond just being an event. They would need sufficient time for filling in the gaps in their understanding. Time for training, if you will. As the first priests, the undertaking was monumental. And their duty, now, was to spread Jesus’ message.

How about us? Do we fully understand? Doubtful. But that is okay. Our faith journey is a life-time undertaking of growth. This is what makes our Catholic faith and belief so beautiful.

As one writer put it, “Because of the ‘great commission’ of Jesus on the Mount of the Ascension, we, too, are sent to teach others the compassion and mercy of God that have blessed our lives. We are to be the means for our communities to experience the love and hope of God that we have come to know. We are to reveal the healing forgiveness of God to the broken and the lost that transforms and heals us.”

This point is extremely important for us at this time in our world’s history. May God strengthen us and lead us in our mission.

My Homily - 6th Sunday of Easter

Sat, 16 May 2020 14:51:00 GMT

If you love me, you will keep my commandments says Jesus. I try to apply these words to our situation today. If you love me, your Jesus, you will keep your trust in me; you will feel my presence in you; you will hold on to my finger during this crisis; you will experience the solidarity with your parish church; you will stay and pray together; you will love your family members though they are too close and remain inside always; you will be merciful toward the neighbors; and you will pray for the sick and the needy in the world. Loving Jesus means doing something for love.

Mark these phrases: ‘My Father will give you another Advocate to be with you always;’ ‘You know him, because he remains with you.’ This advocate is the Spirit of Truth. The Spirit is advocate because he Himself pleads for us. We know and trust that the Spirit is always with us, even during this pandemic. The Spirit is like the wind. It cannot be seen; but it can be felt. All good things happening during this crisis are inspired by the Spirit. From all who risk their lives to heal and save lives to our parish volunteers who make face masks are moved by the same Spirit.

And Jesus continues, ‘I will not leave you orphans; you will see me, because I live and you will live.’ ‘You will live; and you will see me.’ The disciples lived and saw Jesus after His resurrection. We too will live and see Jesus. We don’t need to wait for the eternal life to see Jesus; we can see him during our life time. Jesus said, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me.’ The invisible Jesus is visible in whomsoever we see: family members, friends, neighbors, and especially the sick, the dying and the needy.

Look at how appropriate are the words of Jesus, ‘Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him.’ We love those whom we can see; through that love we love Jesus; because we love Jesus, the Father loves us; He gives us the Holy Spirit; thus, the Holy Trinity is with us, loves us, inspires us, guides us, heals us and saves us.

As we begin to open more opportunities to start our normal life, pray to God that this illness may decrease and be gone; that people may safeguard the health of themselves and others; that sound vaccination may be available for all sooner; and that the world may come out of fear and move into healthy and happy life.

May God open our churches in the near future! May God bring us together as a congregation to worship God! May God bless all of us and our families and bring us back to freedom, joy and peace!

A Note of Thanks

Sat, 16 May 2020 10:28:00 GMT

Dear St. Teresa of Calcutta Parishioners,

“I am not good at two things: one is dancing; another is fundraising. So, please give what you can .” Monsignor Toner, my beloved pastor, used to say this every time he asked for money. I too can say the same, because I am not good at dancing or asking for money.

However, I don’t need to worry. You never allow me to ask you for money; you give even before I ask. Thank you, parishioners.

As this pandemic started, I began to worry if enough income would come in to maintain the parish. To my astonishment, a huge number of envelopes are mailed in each week and online donations have almost tripled. People do feel the parish needs and give voluntarily without being asked. God’s providence comes through people’s generosity.

I thank you for your virtual participation in the Mass and daily prayers as a way of being in communion with all parishioners. My gratitude goes to the volunteers who are making face masks for the parishioners.

Our churches are open for private prayers from 8.30 am to 4 pm. We hope and pray for the end of this pandemic and the reopening of our churches soon. Until then, keep safe, keep the faith, be peaceful and helpful. May God bless you and your family!

Love,

Fr. Peter

My Homily - 5th Sunday of Easter

Sat, 09 May 2020 16:08:00 GMT

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.” If these are my words, they are merely words of consolation. But it is the Son of God who said this. His word is life and truth; it never returns empty, but achieves the purpose of God. So, do not let your hearts be troubled; be strong and be optimistic. Have faith in God.

Originally this was a farewell speech by Jesus. Before his passion and ascension Jesus said this to his disciples. I go to the Father; I am your way to the Father; the Father is in me; you know and see the Father who is in me; and so, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

The words of Jesus are truth and life. The truth increased their trust; and the life energized their competence. These words gave them abundance of life. Jesus was paving the future for them. They were granted the ability to see the way, comprehend the truth and pre-live the life eternal.

Today to the sick, Jesus tells, ‘I am with the doctors, nurses and scientists; I give them wisdom and strength; through them I touch you and heal you; so, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

To the deceased Jesus tells, ‘In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.’

To us, Jesus tells, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” If you let it, your heart will be troubled. Do not let it happen, because I am with you; my Father is in me; so, fear not. The very fact that in the world over 4 million are infected and 270,000 have died can easily distress people. It is natural and obvious to lose heart, when more than a million have been infected and 78,000 died in our country.

Nevertheless, let me say, do not be troubled, because you can touch and feel the presence of God in and among us. ‘When I am weak, then I am strong’ says St. Paul. In our weakness we realize the strength of God.

Think about the world. My own siblings, nieces and nephews are watching this Mass from India. Bring to your mind the 212 countries and territories affected by this virus. How many thousands of people struggle to get food, shelter and medical care because of this virus! and how many governments are helping their own citizens? Millions of people are left alone by themselves. They depend on their inner strength and faith in God.

This global picture should put us on the right path. Word of God and our faith should help us extend our hands to our brothers and sisters. Reach out to people through social media sharing your positive attitude and kindness of heart. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Renew your faith in God. Rekindle your inner strength. May God bless us and the world!

My Homily - 4th Sunday of Easter

Sat, 02 May 2020 15:41:00 GMT

“I am the gate for the sheep,” says Jesus. The real audience of Jesus in those days rightly understood its meaning. The modern generation would hardly know about shepherds and sheep. They see the meat; not the live cattle. The relationship between a shepherd and his sheep needs explanation.

In those days a shepherd was either an owner or a hireling. The sheep owner frequently tended the flocks himself. Shepherds were considered unclean because they had daily contact with dead animals and even unclean animals. They were considered low class, uneducated and so not trusted as witnesses in a court of law.

A good shepherd was very close to his sheep. He counted, marked, found the lost and fed his flock. He would also provide them with water. At the first sound of his call, the flock followed off to new feeding-grounds. The sheep knew him and trusted him. The shepherd’s call is usually a peculiar guttural sound, hard to imitate. Even should two shepherds call their flocks at the same time and the sheep be intermingled, they would never mistake their own master's voice.

In the evening, the shepherd would call the flock back to the sheepfold. He would count them by having them pass under his rod to make sure that all had returned. The sheepfold was nothing more than a rough circle of rocks piled into a wall with a small open space to enter. Since there was no gate to close – just an opening – the shepherd would lie across the opening and sleep there, in this case literally becoming the gate to the sheep. That is why Jesus said, “I am the gate for the sheep.” Because the shepherd would keep the sheep in and wild animals out, he is also the gate-keeper.

‘Gatekeeping’ is a technical term in communication. Gatekeeping is a process by which information is filtered to the public by the media. By this control the media can hide or focus, exaggerate or minimize and twist the reality. But shepherd’s gate keeping is a risk; forbidding entrance of any danger and stopping any sheep to go into danger.

Nearness of the shepherd and sheepfold provide safety for the sheep. Of all domesticated animals, sheep are the most helpless. Sheep would spend their entire day grazing, wandering from place to place, never looking up. As a result, they often become lost. Sheep are easily vulnerable to injuries and are helpless against predators. They won’t try to run away or spread out. Instead they huddle together and are easily slaughtered. Confinement is protection for the sheep.

Confinement has become the way of life now. We are very vulnerable to Covid-19. So, we are advised to be isolated and keep social distance. It is becoming harder day by day. Nevertheless, some of our parishioners email me stating that they consider this as God given time to reflect, pray and reevaluate priorities in their lives. We hope to see good changes in our socio, economic, cultural and religious life after this pandemic is over.

For even today the good shepherd is with us. He knows us; he leads us; he provides for us; he counts us and keep us safe by being as the door to save us. Shepherd’s voice is absolutely significant today as we have less access to the church and sacraments. Pray that we will be good sheep by knowing, trusting and following the good shepherd.

We will fear no evil, for He is with us; He makes us lie down in green pastures, and leads us beside quiet waters, and refreshes our souls. May God bless us! May God bless the world!

MONTH OF MA(R)Y

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 14:02:00 GMT

It has been a long-standing Catholic tradition to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in May. The tradition dates back to the ancient Greeks who dedicated this month to Artemis, the goddess of fertility. In May, Romans honored Flora, the goddess of blossoms. In the Middle Ages (11th century) the idea of giving the month of May to Mary began when special devotions to Mary were organized, and this custom, which began in Italy eventually spread elsewhere.

As the mother of Jesus and mother of the church, Mary is our mother. Favored by God, and being conceived immaculate and assumed into heaven with body and soul, she remains our advocate, helper, benefactress and mediatrix.

This May has a special significance due to the global infection of coronavirus. We are confined to our homes; in a practical way we stay in our homes. There is a saying: “The family that prays together stays together.” This is the month to pray in a special way the rosary.

Origin of the rosary is related to a practice by the laity to imitate the Christian monasticism of the Liturgy of the Hours, during the course of which the monks prayed the 150 Psalms daily. The laity substituted 150 repetitions of the Our Father for the Psalms, sometimes using a cord with knots on it to keep an accurate count. As the laity, the people of God, is with very limited access to the sacraments now, it is appropriate that all our families recite the rosary especially in these difficult times.

Mary is the morning star. As the morning star signifies the immediacy of dawn, may this May signify that normal life is in the offing! May this May bring life back to our streets, villages, country and the world! May this May pave the way to reopen our churches! May this May bring people together to celebrate life and worship God with gratitude and fulness of health!

When the State and our diocese decide to reopen our churches, we may be still obligated to use face masks and keep social distance. Volunteers from our parish are already making face masks. They will be made available to people when they come to church. The diocese will provide guidelines regarding social distance. However, we are waiting for the days when we will see all of our parishioners in person.

Apart from reciting the rosary and participating in the daily 7 pm prayer, please pray one ‘Hail Mary’ before going to bed , in this May, for good health in the world. May people enjoy health of mind and body! May all of us enjoy peace and joy!

How are you?

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 13:11:00 GMT

How are you?

It is a simple greeting. Many a time we walk by without waiting for the answer. Now the connotation of this greeting has become serious and profound.

Nowadays ‘How are you?’ means ‘you had me worried;’ ‘I am truly concerned about your health;’ ‘I pray for you and all the people in the world.’

I feel like calling everyone and ask, ‘How are you Joe?’ ‘How are you Cathy?’ ‘How are you Jack?’ and receive positive answers. I wish I could see you all on my computer screen as you see me and the deacons during Mass.

The whole world is nearly homebound. People thirst for getting out: to see people, to be in the Sun, to take a lonely walk, to relish the fresh air etc. Value of anything is realized when it is deprived.

Social media throughout the world are utilized for the right purpose. A call, a text, an email and a video call bring forth relationship, goodwill, gratitude and happiness rather than mere sound, letters and images. Facebook and websites have become the hub of virtual meetings and sharing. Our website is visited by 1200 monthly, 251 weekly and 52 daily. Last weekend Mass had 271 viewings. I receive grateful emails from you appreciating efforts of the parish to reach out to parishioners.

We never liked any sort of confinement; but now we are forced to. Those confined to convalescent homes long for a ‘How are you?’ from us. A greeting card or a phone call will bring them the taste of ‘honey and milk.’

God says to us ‘How are you?’ We can hear Him through the first responders, doctors, nurses, truck drivers, those who work in grocery stores and all who risk their lives to serve us. They definitely deserve a ‘how are you?’ from us.

Can you find darkness while searching with a light? Enlightened minds will never be negative. Look forward into future with luminous eyes, hopeful hearts and unending faith.

We move along the current of a river in a boat without paddles, with the hope that very soon the current and the boat will take us to an unimagined shore of bliss.

How are you?

My Homily - Divine Mercy Sunday

Sat, 18 Apr 2020 15:30:00 GMT

“Peace be with you!” Every time Jesus appeared after his resurrection; this was his message.
I too say to you, “Peace be with you!”

Thomas wanted to see Jesus. Jesus appeared. It would be too simplistic to think that Thomas saw Jesus and that is why he believed. We should understand its deeper meaning. Jesus asked Thomas to put his finger into his side. Did Thomas do that? No. Thomas saw the risen Jesus. But he believed in the divinity of Jesus by saying, “My Lord and my God!” He proclaimed his faith in the Son of God. He proclaimed this faith by preaching the gospel in Parthia and dying as a martyr in India.

To Thomas Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” We are blessed because we have not seen the risen Christ, yet we believe in him. The words of Jesus offer special reference to our present situation. For the past one month we have not gone to church; nor received the Holy Eucharist; nor knelt before the Blessed Sacrament; nor attended the Mass as a parish family. Still, we continue to feel as one parish family. We have not seen, but believe. We have not been together, but united.

You will be surprised to know that more than 300 people watched the online Easter vigil Mass. Mass by the pope, the Bishops, and Mass celebrated in beautiful cathedrals are available online. Yet, you watched our parish Mass, because you want to be united as a parish, you long to pray with our parishioners. You believe in the Eucharist despite not receiving it; you feel one with parishioners despite not seeing them. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.

We celebrate the Divine Mercy of God today. Usually we have the 3 pm divine mercy adoration in our church. Many of us miss it. However, we do taste and see the compassion of God in our lives. The two main themes of this devotion are to trust in Christ's endless goodness, and to show mercy to others. The three ways of exercising mercy are the first by deed, the second by word, and the third by prayer.

We receive God’s mercy every moment in our lives. By deed, word and prayer, we are expected to show mercy to our brothers and sisters. In these difficult times, doing grocery shopping for a senior can be a mercy of deed; calling or taxing a homebound may be a mercy of word; and praying for any abandoned in the world can be a mercy of prayer.

I ask you to pray for the end of this pandemic; to keep peace of mind and body; to be compassionate toward the members of your family who are almost homebound; to empathize with the sick and the dying; and never to lose hope in the divine mercy of our God, the good shepherd. May God bless us and keep us together in love and faith!

My homily - Easter

Sun, 12 Apr 2020 10:13:00 GMT

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. She wondered who would move the tomb stone. She was sorrowful and hopeless. She searched for a dead body and feared that her journey would come up against a stone. But to her astonishment, the stone had been rolled aside and the tomb was empty.

Easter is a surprise: angels surprised the Roman soldiers; resurrection surprised the leaders of the people and Jesus’ appearance surprised the apostles. As dawn is a surprise to the night, as Spring is a surprise to the Winter, so spurting life is a surprise to death. The women went to anoint a body and lament. But the risen Christ surprised them all and filled them with joy and peace.

Easter is the feast of tombstones taken away; rocks rolled aside. God takes away even the hardest stones against which our hopes and expectations crash: death, sin, fear and sickness.

Seeing the empty tomb, Mary Magdalene ran to the disciples with the complaint, that Jesus’ body was missing. She was confused and she confused them. In confusion Peter and John ran to the tomb. Going into the tomb, Peter saw the burial cloths; but John saw and believed.

Yes, John believed that Jesus rose from the dead. Kerygma is gist of our faith: Jesus died; Jesus rose; Jesus will come again. John believed in Jesus, his words, promises, life and the meaning of salvation.

Millions of people go to the empty tomb in Jerusalem. They enter and peer into the tomb. Some believe; many do not. The same empty tomb presents many perspectives to different individuals. Belief and conviction are matters of personal faith. Roll away the stones that crush hope. Peel away the layers of doubt and selfishness. Search with light and trust with faith.

A brother of one of our parishioners wrote, “Don't worry if the church building is empty on Easter, So, was the tomb.” The empty tomb gave birth to resurrection and life. Our empty church buildings will bring forth grace-filled faithful and new ministries. The disciples missed Jesus and the risen Christ gave them peace. We miss each other, coming to church, social gatherings, doing spiritual ministries and gather together to worship, but God will bring us as one with his love and support.

Happy Easter! May God bless all of you! May God bless our country and the world!

My homily -Easter Vigil

Sat, 11 Apr 2020 18:01:00 GMT

In the beginning, God said: Let there be light, and there was light.

From early Christian times, fires and lights served important functional and symbolic roles in the Easter Vigil. Not only did lamps, candles, and torches light up the darkness, but they also served as symbols of Christ. Hence, they called the ceremony "the great service of light" and the evening itself "the night of illumination" or "the night of radiant splendor."

Emperor Constantine transformed this night into the brilliance of day, by lighting throughout the whole city . . . pillars of wax, while burning lamps illuminated every house, so that this celebration was rendered brighter than the brightest day.

This is the night when God led Israel from slavery in Egypt.
This is the night when God banished the darkness of sin by a pillar of fire.
This is the night when God sets Christians from gloom of sin and lead them to grace.
This is the night when Christ broke the prison-bars of death.
This is the night when night shall be as bright as day.
This is the night that dispels wickedness, washes faults away, restores innocence to the fallen, and joy to mourners, drives out hatred and fosters concord.

Just now we lit the paschal candle. This candle is the personification of Christ. It has the holy cross, alpha and omega meaning the beginning and the end, this year 2020 and the five wounds of Jesus. This candle proclaims that Christ is the light of the world. This candle will be used for all baptisms and funerals, to enlighten the baptized and to shine as the eternal light for the dead.

This year this night is celebrated without the faithful in our churches. But this is also the night when everybody is at home. Nobody is outside and nobody is on travel. We are home. It is like the celebration of the original Passover. In Egypt on this night, everyone was at home. Moses ordered them to eat the Passover meal in a hurry and standing upright. They were ready to start their journey to freedom in the promised land.

We are keeping the same vigil for the same purpose – a journey toward freedom: freedom from fear to joy; freedom from sickness to health; and freedom from death and sin.

May God bless us in this night! May God bless all households as people stay and pray together! May God bless our parish with His life, light and love!

My Homily - Good Friday

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 13:00:00 GMT

The globe looks like a massive drop of tear. The tearful world is at the foot of the Cross, gazing at the embodiment of love, hanging between heaven and earth. Humanity looks through the Suffering Servant into eternity, seeking response for several unanswered questions.

As it looks around, it sees Mother Mary, John the Apostle, Mary Magdalene and others and wishes to weep with them. At the sight of the contempt of the leaders of people and soldiers, it is confused and tends to withdraw. The suffering of the Messiah makes it empathize with Him and lament for Him. This suffering humanity longs to find solace in His suffering.

It is tempted to look at the cross as a sign of shame and the suffering Jesus as a failure. But immediately it is reminded of the pole on which hung the bronze snake, and how those bitten by snakes were healed as they looked at it.

As we fix our eyes on this tree and the crucified, we should not weep or lament. Jesus said to the women of Jerusalem “Do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.” Rather we should take strength and courage from him.

The Nazarene was not weak! He was strong and is strong! But we refuse to heed the true meaning of strength. Jesus never lived a life of fear, nor did He die suffering or complaining. He grieved not before His killers. He muted Evil and He crushed Falsehood. He lived as a leader; He was crucified as a martyr; He died with a heroism that frightened even His killers and tormentors.

Humanity should learn this lesson from Jesus. Jesus cried aloud to God with anguish and longing: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Apparently, God did not answer him. But Jesus did not die in despair. Instead he said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” To the same God who obviously did not respond, Jesus handed over his life. This faith and this commitment ended up in his resurrection.

Now we are in desperation and pain. Fear and hopelessness loom over us. Infection and deaths are all around us. Yet, should we give up? Should we lose hope? No. Look toward resurrection through death. Look toward health through sickness. Look toward light through darkness. We should say, ‘O God, into Thy hands, we commend our lives,’ save us and give us life.

We pray for the world; we pray for all peoples in the world. May the crucified Lord, the wounded healer who understands our weakness and pain, keep us strong, healthy and pour upon us the fruits of salvation!

My homily - Holy Thursday

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 17:45:00 GMT

You can see me. I am unable to see you. Spatially we are distanced. But timewise we are instant. You virtually participate in this Mass. Yet, I cannot give you communion. So, leaving space and time behind, let us go back to that place and time, when Jesus took bread and said, ‘Take it and eat it.’

The place was Jerusalem and the time was the Passover celebration. Jesus was at table with the apostles. Jesus began to wash their feet – the job of a slave. On this day Jesus instituted two sacraments – the Priesthood and the Eucharist. By washing their feet, he inculcated in them the virtue of humility and the value of charity. He gave the new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” Priesthood is for the ministry of love and charity.

Then Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many;” “Do this in memory of me.” Jesus established the holy Eucharist as his enduring real presence among us.

Throughout the world this evening priests celebrate the Eucharist. This pure sacrifice is offered from the rising of the Sun to its setting ceaselessly. As you participate in this Mass, you are uniting yourselves to all the faithful, who join the Masses celebrated in every nook and corner of the world. The global faithful come together in the Eucharistic celebration through ministerial priesthood.

The holy oils are here: the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick and the sacred chrism. The Bishop blessed them at the Chrism Mass and every parish is given a portion. They will be used for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the sick and the Holy orders.

Because you are not present here, there is no washing of the feet nor the Eucharistic procession. In place of the ceremonial washing of the feet, let us take a resolution that we will serve instead of being served. And pray for the grace that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console to be understood as to understand; and to be loved as to love. In place of the Eucharistic procession, let us pray that God may pitch His tent among us and walk with us in our day today lives.

As we celebrate this new Passover, may God lead us from slavery to freedom; from darkness to light; from suffering to joy; and from this sickness of coronavirus to fullness of health!

May God bless us! May the Good shepherd lead us to eternal pastures! May God keep us together in His providential love!

My Homily - Palm Sunday

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 22:58:00 GMT

We celebrate this Mass with your virtual participation. People of Jerusalem welcomed the son of David in person. Last year you were here in the church to welcome the Son of God spiritually. This year we welcome Jesus Christ in our hearts, households, parish, our country and the world which fights the coronavirus.

Now begins the Holy week. Even the Pope will celebrate this week without the presence of the faithful. There is nobody in the church except 5 people. But we include everybody in the world in our prayers. You are isolated and confined in your houses. Yet we are united in one spirit.

This Holy week is unique, because the entire world suffers. Everyone is keenly aware of its pain, its fear and its longing for recovery. Today we extend our arms to embrace the whole world, because our pain is the pain of the world and the fear of the world is our fear. So, in this week pray for the world; by this, we pray for ourselves.

On this day people kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David. Hosanna means “Save please!” We should also acclaim our savior despite this desperate situation. Priest Ezra said, “Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD is your strength!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken. As Jesus makes His entry today, the whole world should be shaken with hope, trust and love. May God bless us and our world!

For the Holy Week

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:45:00 GMT

For the first time in our personal history, the Holy week is going to be celebrated within closed doors in our churches. During the persecution the church went underground. Through this Holy week we are isolated – almost homebound; yet, we are connected very closely online. Coronavirus separates us; but technology brings us together. So, videos of Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Easter vigil, Easter Sunday Masses and Good Friday service will be posted on the website. I request you to join as one parish family by participating in the online services.

From your (people of God) point of view, we will celebrate the Holy week with Palm Sunday without palms, Holy Thursday without washing of the feet, Good Friday without veneration of the cross, Easter vigil without candles and Easter Sunday without springing of the holy water. This experience will be new.

Holy week is a strong spiritual feeling – feeling one with Jesus Christ. Palm Sunday marks the triumphant entry. Be happy and join the people of Jerusalem who received Jesus in jubilation. They acclaimed him as ‘Son of David;’ we will praise him as the ‘Son of God.’ Through the day read psalms 24 and 47.

Holy Thursday celebrates two sacraments: the Holy Eucharist and the Priesthood. It also inculcates in us the virtue of humility and service. There will be no washing of the feet nor the procession of the Blessed Sacrament during the Mass. Feel one with the Lord by contemplating on the agony in the garden, arrest of Jesus and his humiliation by the chief priests and leaders.

On Good Friday meditate on the passion of the Lord, his death and burial. The judgment by Pilate, scourging, crowing of thorns, way of the cross, crucifixion and death of Jesus are to be contemplated. Join Pope Francis in prayer and receive his extraordinary “Urbi et orbi” (To the city and to the world) blessing and plenary indulgence at 6 pm Rome time. That is a day of fasting and abstinence. Read the passion of the lord from any gospel and psalms 22 and 51. For your meditation reflect on this homily of St. John Chrysostom .

On Holy Saturday the Church waits at the Lord's tomb in prayer and fasting, meditating on his Passion and Death and on his Descent into sheol, and awaiting his Resurrection. For your meditation reflect on this ancient homily .

Easter vigil is the festival of light. The paschal candle will be blessed and lit. Please light a candle in your house and pray for you and the world. May this light dispel darkness, sin and death and especially the crisis of coronavirus! Read the resurrection account from any gospel and psalms 15, 16, 42 and 118.

Easter Sunday is the victory of Jesus over sin and death. Jesus Christ gave us on this day salvation. Be joyful, eat well and thank God for all the blessings.

When Jesus died the world thought that his life and teachings would be buried with Him. But on the third day He rose and with Him came to life his teachings. The original Easter challenged sin and death: Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” May this Easter resurrect our hope that we may say, Where, O virus, is your victory? Where, O covid-19, is your sting?”

May God bless the world, the United States of America and you and your family!

My homily on March 28, 2020

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 15:48:00 GMT

We are in the house of the living God, the author of life. Now the vital question for human race today is “To be or not to be!”. Coronavirus affects 199 countries and territories around the world.

The two most populous countries are in the grip of Coronavirus. Many developed countries are struggling to control the situation. The United States now has the most detected cases in the world. Over 1900 people have died.

Our boasts of scientific conquests, claims of space-wide triumphs, brags of electro-magnetic achievements and pride of keeping the best medical techniques and technologies seem to be no match to this one virus. The same world which was divided internally by threats of war and power struggle a few months ago, is now united in distress, as it crouches down in helplessness before this invisible foe. It grieves our hearts to think What man has made of man?

Yet, should we give up or give in? Lazarus died. His family and villagers had buried him and were grieving for four days. Jesus came and stood before the tomb. There life confronted death. The boundless challenged the bound. The Creator encountered the created. Jesus said, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out. He said, “Untie him and let him go.” God is the author of life. Life emanates from God and returns to God.

As the globe is seized by the terror of this virus, God will definitely say, "Untie them and let them go.” Our trust in the author of life makes the impossible possible.

While this virus poses very serious threat to life itself, is it not the right time to make a shift in our paradigm of life? Is it not time to transfer our reliance on human brain to human heart? Is it not time to reset our attention from success to care for the disregarded human beings? Is it not time to change the use of social media from creating isolation to interpersonal relationship? Is it not time to safeguard the ceaselessly tolerant mother nature whom we hurt every day? and is it not time to return to deeper faith and seek the providence of God?

Yes. It is time. Let our compassion flow like river through the globe, into the hearts thirsting for love and acceptance! Let us breathe the fragrance of our prayers and positive wishes into those who hunger for solace and peace! Let our lives, the breath of God, fashion words of reassurance and deeds of charity and rush into the needy, the sick, the lonely and the dying.

From the house of the living God we pray for healing, protection, providence and the end of this epidemic.

Noah’s dove brought back to him an olive branch, the symbol of life. Doves with olive branches will soon come to each household with the message of life, joy and peace.

My homily on March 21, 2020

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 12:32:00 GMT

I am here in our church, in the presence of God with our deacons, to offer this Mass for everyone, especially for our parishioners. The whole world is spinning around the fear, anxiety and concern of Coronavirus, as it has become the center of gravity in our lives.

In the world, more than 297,000 people have been infected; over 12,000 people have been killed while some 94 ,000 have recovered. In the United States, 22,000 cases and 278 deaths have been reported. In Connecticut the number of confirmed cases are 194 with 4 deaths.

Uncertain about the right vaccine and duration of this crisis; anxiety arising from limited travel, scarcity of basic necessities, financial crisis, temporary closing of churches for worship and so on are casting shadows of doubt in ourselves and our human structures.

As we are reduced to such a hopeless situation, can you still hear the words, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Can you listen to a longing soul, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Jesus says, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.” In today’s gospel, a blind man received sight and he ended up in belief. But some stubborn people due to disbelief became like blind.

The gospel sheds light on the seemingly hopeless situation we are in now. This pandemic may turn many into the blindness of fear, apathy, mistrust and hopelessness. They might end up in self-pity, turn away from the church, apathetic to neighbors and even lose trust in God’s providence.

But the same crisis may open the eyes of many to see the light – the light of inner strength, trust in the capacity of the medical field, help the needy with empathy and come closer to God in confidence.

Faith matters; belief is a must.

From the sanctuary of God, I appeal to you: Fear not! restore inner strength, come close to God, be in touch with members of your family and your parish family through social media, wish everyone a healthy day, read the word of God, watch the Holy Mass and other spiritual events and pray for the end of this pandemic.

Soon this crisis will be gone; global heath will be restored; churches will be open and we will celebrate together our spiritual and social life. May God bless you and keep you in good health of mind and body!

Lenten Fish Fry Dinners

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 11:59:00 GMT

Lent is fast approaching; So also, are the Fish Fry dinners!
Fish symbolized Christ in the early church.
Fish was a secret symbol to recognize churches
and believers during persecution times.

In our parish, Fish Fry Dinner has become
one of the highlights of Lent.

Our parishioners come together to organize.
Volunteers come together to work and serve.
People from in and around the villages come together to enjoy.
Coming together as a parish and community is our goal.

We provide many varieties of delicious food:
salads, soups, bakes, fries and Mac and cheese
for those who consider fish as too fishy.
We provide yummy desserts, coffee and juices.
We provide quality social time and friendly climate.

Friday Fish Fry begins on February 28
and continues through March 6, 13, 20, 27 and April 3.
Dinners will be served from 4 to 7 pm.

We welcome all of you for our Fish Fry!

Being in the place where they lived - In Assisi

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 18:22:00 GMT

Without St. Francis, Assisi city would virtually have been unknown to the world. The very truth that Francis was born and lived here highly elevates it; spiritually enhances it; and infuses this city with the eternal power to attract millions of pilgrims.

When we entered Assisi, a dusky foggy atmosphere had so enveloped the city that we could hardly see the illuminated basilica. We stayed in a hotel near the basilica itself. Sleep escaped my eyes and soul as I was drifted back to my teen years and the exact moment when I had read a book in Tamil about St. Francis titled “Lover of Poverty.” I vividly remembered how passionately I read that book day and night during every capturable moment. The book concisely depicted the entire life of Francis in a rather fictional manner. I was determined to get up early in the morning and go to the basilica by myself.

About 5 am I started walking uphill to the basilica. The basilica, which was begun in 1228, is built into the side of a hill and comprises two churches, known as the Upper Church and the Lower Church and a crypt, where the remains of the saint are interred. Climbing on the steps I was encountered pleasantly by two guards who wished me “Buongiorno.” A tranquility fell on me heavily with the realization that it was the place where Francis walked, prayed, worked and lived. A Mass was being celebrated as I entered the church. I was however, drawn to the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament nearby and knelt down to pray.

How many thousands of holy people from the time of St. Basil in the fourth century would have knelt down before this same Blessed Sacrament! How St. Francis himself, who according to Franciscan tradition started Eucharistic Adoration in Italy which spread from Umbria to other parts of the country, would have prayed fervently in this very holy place! The Italian chants sung during the Mass nearby rather enhanced my prayer. Can a nightingale offend the stillness of the night?

Ms. Angela Krishana, organizer of this tour, as a good catholic, arranged Mass for our group in every holy place. Fr. Joseph Percy celebrated the Mass in a chapel at the Basilica and I gave the homily. After the Mass we visited the important places in Assisi assisted by a tour guide. Francis’ parents house, church of his baptism, Cathedral where he renounced everything in the presence of his father and Bishop, Basilica di Santa Chiara are some of the places we visited. All these sites seemed like gloriously dusted with memories of the past.

The next day morning our bus headed for the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Built between 1500 and 1600 AD, its vast borders enclose the small chapel of the Porziuncola. Entering this basilica itself is a celestial experience. The little church is the center of attraction. The little church of Porziuncola, dating from the 9th century, was given to Francis by the Benedictine monks. This is where for the first time St Francis took refuge and found his vocation, renouncing earthly riches, and which for this reason is considered the symbolic place where the Franciscan Order was born. The saint died here, in the ancient cell of the infirmary of the Chapel of the Transit on October 3, 1226.

I could see people touching fondly the ‘little church’ as though feeling and gathering the Saint’s presence inside. I too touched. Praying in the Transito where the saint died, viewing the Crypt and being in the Rose garden and the Rose chapel were exotic experiences.

With our hearts exhilarated and souls sanctified, we left for Padova. Looking back at the disappearing city from our bus, I was humbled and, in a way, shamed as a priest because St. Francis declined to accept any clerical order, by humbly saying, “I am unworthy”.

Being in the Place where They lived

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 17:03:00 GMT

On November 4, 2019 night was still young when Norwegian Air 787 Dreamliner took off from JFK Airport, NY. I was sandwiched between Fr. Albin Roby and Fr. Percy Joseph as the plane was lifting us above the clouds toward Europe. Traveling with a group of 37 Catholics from in and around Staten Island and three priests, I looked forward to visit Assisi, Padua, Venice, Florence and Rome.

I could clearly see the route on the TV screen. The red line indicated that the plane would fly above Boston, St. John’s in Canada and over the Atlantic for more than 6 hours before entering Europe. Our speed was 550 miles at 41000 feet. After a little meal, I was drifting between slumber and wake, flying above the deep Atlantic and beneath the endless sky in darkness.

When I woke up the plane had already stooped its nose toward the land. The city founded by Romulus and the Eternal city began revealing its beauty and glory in an ever closer and wider angle every moment. After landing, I realized the might of the US Passport for the first time (for I am a new citizen) as we shifted easily through the usual airport procedures.

A Mercedes Benz bus was ready for us at the airport and we were joined by Fr. John Bosco from India. I was given the first seat just behind the driver, a young man named Matteo. Our travel to Assisi took about 5 hours. I will continue to write about my trip to Italy in the coming weeks.

Confirmation Students and Parents meeting

Sun, 27 Oct 2019 08:55:00 GMT

Murtha Hall was graced with the presence of Confirmation students and their parents on Sunday October 20 ^th evening. Fr. Peter, Director of Religious Education Joyce Leach and teacher Paul Brucker welcomed them all.

All parents were there except one who had been sick. The purpose of the meeting was to connect with parents. The diocese insists on the necessity of parents’ involvement in the faith formation of their children. Aren’t they the first teachers of faith to their children?

Fr. Peter began saying, “I do understand your problem. Besides your tight work schedule and family obligations, you are mostly on the road to give ride to your children. Now I request you to understand my problem as a pastor. I, along with many pastors, have the fear that I may lose some of you when I am strict with class and Mass attendance. If you don’t come to Mass your children obviously cannot be blamed.” There commenced a pleasant conversation which resulted in consensus on a few issues.

Fr. Peter gave a small questionnaire to be responded by parents and students. The responses are indicative of deeper problems lying beneath our faith life. Take a look at the questionnaire and responses by PARENTS and STUDENTS .

The young are the future and hope of the Church. We, the church, the parents, the families and in fact every system in our society are obligated to impart our faith (doctrine and observance) to the next generation. Catholic faith is much more than a printed formula or intellectual retaining. It is our way of life. Blessing with Holy water and perpetual tabernacle candle do have direct meaning and effects in our lives. It is our responsibility to live and hand over this Catholic culture.

Everybody is breathing for time. But if we do not find time, time will have no time for us. Parents should find time for God and faith by setting priorities right. Evolvement of an empathetic understanding between the church and parents has become a necessity. We welcome parents and their children as they are into our church. They will in turn strengthen the church.

Catholic - A 'Universal Christian'

Sun, 29 Sep 2019 08:23:00 GMT

I have heard people saying, “S/he is not a practicing Catholic; but s/he is a true Christian.” Implication of this statement leads to this question: Is a Catholic Christian or not?

Catholic Church’s roots trace back their origin to the very beginning of Christianity. The Church is built on Christ. Jesus said, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.” St. Peter was the first Bishop of Antioch where ‘the disciples were for the first time called Christians’ (Acts 11:25-26).

It is believed that St. Evodius, the second Bishop of Antioch, was principally responsible for naming the disciples “Christians” (in Greek ‘Christianos,’ meaning “follower of Christ”).

The third Bishop of Antioch used the word ‘Catholic’ for the first time. Saint Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans in 110 AD wrote: “Where Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”

The word ‘Catholic’ comes from the Latin term ‘catholicus’ derived from the Greek ‘katholikos.’ The Greek words ‘kata’ (about) and ‘holos’ (whole) give rise to the term ‘katholou,’ meaning ‘on the whole.’ The Greek adjective ‘katholicos’ based on ‘katholou’ means ‘universal.’

There are 22 Eastern Churches (“ sui iuris” meaning ‘self-law’ or ‘of one’s own right), made up of two Alexandrian, three Antiochene, one Armenian, two Chaldean and 14 Byzantine, in full communion with the Pope in Rome, as part of the worldwide Catholic Church. The largest of these, the ‘Latin Rite’ consists of nearly 95 percent of the population of the Catholic Church.

The Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and some Methodists declare that their churches are ‘catholic’ in the sense that they are in continuity with the original universal church founded by the apostles. The ‘Old Catholic Church’ and the various groups classified as ‘Independent Catholic’ Churches also lay claim to the description Catholic. ‘Traditionalist Catholics’, even if they may not be in communion with Rome, consider themselves to be not only Catholics but the “true” Roman Catholics.

In spite of all these claims, the terms “Catholic”, “catholicism” and “catholicity” are closely related to the use of the term ‘Roman Catholic Church.’

A Catholic is basically a Christian. But s/he is an ‘Universal Christian’ because s/he is part of the ‘people of God’, who is everywhere, speaks every language, eats every food, of every color and feature, of every walk of life and worshipping God through Christ unceasingly from the rising of the sun to its setting.

Above the clouds

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 08:27:00 GMT

My first airplane journey was in 1990 from Chennai to Singapore. From inside the aircraft I could feel the thuds of rain fall. Flashes of lightning and peals of thunder shattered the atmosphere. As the plane was taking off, my verbalized gut feeling was ‘what if it falls?’.

The plane climbed through the clouds. For the first time I beheld the clouds’ back. To my utter surprise I felt calm. I saw the deep blue sky and unveiled sun. There was no rain or lightning or thunder. Above the clouds it was tranquil.

Through the clouds I could see the earth. Fields, rivers, hills, mountains and seas offered a panoramic sight, as though stitched together, an ever changing kaleidoscopical view of nature. From above, truth, beauty and goodness could be perceived.

This phenomenon puzzled me and still it does. While it is stormy and rainy below the clouds, it is luminous and glorious above. Go above the clouds!

New perception, perspective and outlook can change one’s way of life. Attitudes and approaches will be altered with transformed view. Go above the clouds!

Bodily aches, mental pains, spiritual crises, family problems and so on follow and besiege us even inside the church. Go above the clouds!

Political obsession, media addiction, social preoccupation, cultural fixation, ecclesiastical scandals and consequent exasperation might muddle our faith in God. Go above the clouds!

Identity crisis, self-esteem snag, blurry future, God-related questions etc. might dim the light of one’s life. Go above the clouds!

Successive unsuccessfulness, recurrent backlashes, non-justifiable criticisms and deliberately distanced achievables might push one toward the edge of life. Go above the clouds!

Going above the clouds is not escapism. From a distance reality appears clearer. Distance of space is necessary to enjoy the majesty of a mountain. Distance of time is required to comprehend fully a past event. Go above the clouds to discern truth plainly!

Every religion has two edges: Fundamentalism is below the clouds while mysticism is above. Fundamentalists strive to close the system while mystics strive to enter into the limitless. A system should open itself to accommodate the new and fold itself to keep the essential. Glass globe of oil lantern shields the flame from wind and it is transparent enough to let light shine through. Go above the clouds to keep our spiritual system older to the old and newer to the new!

Go past petty inadequacies, senseless fanaticisms, human-made disparities, pointless disparagements, cowardice fears, grapevinish whining and gravity toward negativity.

Lift your head above the clouds while standing firmly on the earth! Expand to the tranquility while staying in the reality!

Our New Parish – Our Patron Saint

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 08:27:00 GMT

Someone asked me, “What is a patron Saint?”

A patron saint is a canonized saint designated to a parish, region or country as a special intercessor with God and the proper advocate.

The practice of adopting patron saints goes back to the building of the first public churches in the Roman Empire, after peace had been established by Emperor Constantine in the fourth century AD. Most of them were built over the graves of martyrs. The churches were then given the name of the martyr, and the martyr was expected to act as an intercessor for the Christians who worshiped there.

Soon, Christians began to dedicate churches to other holy men and women (saints) who were not martyrs. Nowadays we place some relic of a saint inside the altar of each church, and we dedicate that church to a patron Saint.

There are patron saints for occupations such as St. Joseph for carpenters and St. Cecelia for musicians; patron saints for diseases like St. Lucy of Syracuse for eye complaints, St. Peregrine Laziosi for cancer; patron saints for continents and regions like St. Francis Xavier for Asia, St. Peter Chanel for Oceania, St. Cyprian for North Africa and St. Rose of Lima for South America and so on.

All Christians should adopt their own patron saints, first and foremost being those whose name they carry or whose name they took at their Confirmation. We should have a special devotion to the patron saint of our parish, as well as the patron saint of our country and the countries of our ancestors. It's also a good practice to adopt a patron saint for our family and to honor him or her in our house with an icon or statue.

A church is dedicated primarily to God. The formula is: To God and the Sacred Humanity of Christ, to the Mother of God, to the Angels, to the Apostles and Evangelists and to other saints.

The underlying doctrine of patrons is that of the communion of saints, or the bond of spiritual union existing between God’s servants on earth, in heaven, or in purgatory. The saints are thereby regarded as the advocates and intercessors of those who are making their earthly pilgrimage.

Our Patron Saint is St. Teresa of Calcutta. She is given us as our faith model. “Poorest of the poor” is her favorite phrase. But poverty is not concerned with merely material needs. She says, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.” As an exemplary Catholic, born in Albania and died in India as its citizen, she lived her life witnessing to the sacrificial love of Christ. Please click here to go to the web page of our patron saint.

Mother Teresa said, “A sacrifice to be real must cost, must hurt, must empty ourselves. The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace.”

Following her footsteps, we too must breathe in God’s grace and breathe out the fragrance of Christ’s love. St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!

Back to School

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 21:23:00 GMT

Teachers, parents, and students are already on their ‘back to school’ preparations. Business firms seem to be more excited than anybody else:

“You are one in a million – make your school bag truly yours.”

“Head – to – toe fashion.”

“Find wear-on-repeat faves and sweet first-day looks.”

“We’ve got your back (pack).”

“Teacher, go to the head of the class with styles.”

According to NRF report, ‘Back – to – class’ spending is expected to reach 80.7 billion this year. The cost of shopping per student is $696.70 for grade schoolers and $976.78 for college students.

Parents spend money and students go to school and college with hope of obtaining education. Education comes from the Latin roots: “educare,” which means to train or to mold, and “educere,” meaning to lead out. To ‘bring out’ what is inside and ‘mold’ the student accordingly is the goal of education.

Parents’ sacrifice, teachers’ expertise and students’ intellectual quest and active participation in curricular and extra-curricular activities will mark the quality of the school year. As we welcome students, teachers and parents back to school, we wish them success in their endeavors.

The bell of ‘Back to School Education’ resounds ‘Back to Religious Education’ also. As schools welcome students for education, our church welcomes back students for Religious education.

Religious education teachers are faith-filled volunteers. They are younger and older, so as to accommodate the various age groups of students and suitably teach them about the God we believe in and the Faith we practice.

In 1542 AD when St. Francis Xavier baptized my ancestors in India, they were all illiterate. It was his custom to gather children in the streets by ringing a bell. He would teach them the prayers he had memorized because he himself did not know our language. Then he would ask the children to teach their parents the prayers they had learned.

This year’s curriculum includes greater involvement and investment on the part of parents as “the principal and first educators of their children.” Our teachers will try to involve parents in the faith formation of their children.

Students, plunge into the ocean of education to gather precious pearls of knowledge and wisdom! We wish you all success in all your undertakings! Become better citizens, better humans and better grace-filled persons!

Our New Parish - I saw Mother Teresa

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 15:01:00 GMT

I came to know about Mother Teresa when I was in my 7 ^th grade. In the catechism text book there was a lesson on Mother Teresa – an incident in her life.

One day mother was attending to an elderly man who was at the point of death. She asked the doctor to give him a shot – an expensive injection drug. The doctor objected saying, “This man is going to die any moment. Should we waste an expensive drug on him?” However, mother insisted and the doctor obliged.

As he was dying, the man said, “Mother, all my life nobody cared for me. I never knew what love felt like. Now I know” and he died. I was awe-struck and became desirous of seeing Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

I joined the seminary. I was 17, learning a little Latin and undergoing initial spiritual formation. One day Mother Teresa showed up. She had been invited by the city to give a talk about her ministry. She gave a brief talk and conversed with all of us individually.

Four years after my ordination, I worked in a parish with my classmate in North India. His parish had several villages scattered amidst jungles and hills. There was no electricity, no transportation and not even roads connecting those villages. Several times I had to walk for miles to reach the nearby village. I was there about two months, exposed to all types of mosquitoes.

While returning to Calcutta by train, I got sick and started throwing up. I was shuttling between my seat and toilet several times. Sitting opposite me were three nuns of Mother Teresa’s congregation. One of them looked intently at me and said, “Sir, you have jaundice. We are going to take you to our house for treatment.” Obviously, I was not in my priestly attire.

The doctor told me that I suffered from jaundice and malaria and had to be in bed for a month. By the time the sisters asked me to say Mass for them and started telling me about their lives, ministry and even personal stories. We spoke in English because each one’s mother tongue could not be understood by the other. They saved my life. I could have died that day. As I look back from where I am now, I can clearly see the design set by God for me and God’s providential love that has been guiding me.

In Calcutta I visited some important places where Mother Teresa began her ministry including the ‘Kali Temple’ and ‘Nirmala Shishu Bhawan.’

The Home for the Dying Destitutes in the abandoned Hindu Kali temple had been established by Mother in 1952, two years before she started her congregation, the Missionaries of Charity. Mother started the Children’s orphanage (Shishu Bhavan) in 1955 to care for the abandoned children and the youth.

I was moved with compassion when I was in the Children’s orphanage one day. There were hundreds of babies. As I was going from one to another, they held on to my fingers and wouldn’t let go. There were several international volunteers caring for them. There was love and only love.

In 1997 when Mother Teresa died, I was in Montreal. ‘Unity in diversity’ is the hallmark of Indian culture. At her funeral Mass, representatives of all religions were present including the Chief Minister of West Bengal State who was a Communist. A State Funeral was arranged for Mother Teresa, a non-political figure, for her immense contribution to her adopted nation and the world.

I am joyful and proud to be the pastor of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish. Before its inception in December 2018, parishioners had been asked to suggest names for the new parish. Of the suggested names we gave the top three names to the diocese and the Bishop chose the name of Mother Teresa.

Now it is our spiritual obligation to build up this parish. May through the intercession of Mother Teresa God bless us and mold us in accordance with His will and providence!

Our New Parish - Catholics and Pews

Sat, 27 Jul 2019 10:58:00 GMT

For pastors, one of the unsolvable mysteries is this: Why are the first pews empty during Mass? or rather why do people prefer the last seats? Could it be that our parishioners literally practice the words of Jesus in Luke 14:10 – ‘take the last seat?’

Another interesting feature is that the first-class seats are at the end of the pews. Are not the end spots on a pew for those who arrive after us? Wouldn’t those who choose the middle of a pew boldly testify that they are expecting more people to join them?

Churches did not have seating arrangement at least the first 1,400 years of Christianity. Pews are recent invention and didn’t even originate in Catholicism. It is a tradition adopted from the Protestant Reformation to relieve worshipers of the need to stand during long homilies of the preachers.

Due to the expensive nature of pews, individuals and families were encouraged to construct or purchase pews. Later churches began to “rent” pews for additional income. Until the mid-20 ^th century, ‘Pew rental’ was common in Catholic churches.

Nowadays pews are neither purchased by nor rented for individuals or families. Yet, in almost all churches first few pews are left empty as though they were ‘rented’ by somebody.

Why? I have not yet found the right answer. Can you help me? Please give your comments.

I would like to cite a study just for brainstorming. This study conducted in 2001 by the Catholic University of America on Catholic and Protestant churches concluded that the ‘back-pew stereotype’ might contain some truth — those who sit there may prefer spiritual distance from the pulpit.

It also found correlations between where people sat, when they arrived and how engaged they were in the service. The study also highlighted the following factors:

Back pew parishioners may approach their church services as more of a social obligation than a deep spiritual one.
Single worshippers tended to arrive late and sit in the back or on the edges.
Newer members sitting up front in recent years, with the veteran members occupying the rear seats.

These conclusions have been questioned by some scholars and pastors. The findings may not be applicable to our situation. Yet, this can lead us to further discussion and enable us to find answers.

Four types of proxemics are mentioned by Edward Hall: public distance, social distance, personal distance and intimate distance. Space does communicate non-verbally. Intimate distance is characterized by 0 to 2 feet of space between two individuals (i.e. husband and wife) while public distance is measured at 12 or more feet between persons (i.e. strangers).

I wish our parishioners move from public distance to intimate distance and communicate their relationship with God in the tabernacle.

When you sit in the front pews you come closer to the altar and the tabernacle. Although the people of God pray together during the Mass as one assembly, every individual soul is touched by God’s grace. Nearness allows easy access to divine rapture.

A closer look at the altar, the celebrant and all that happen during the Mass enable maximum participation.

Children learn from us by observing what we DO. Late coming, back pew choosing, pew end picking and less participation of elders will be imitated by the younger ones in future.

Next time when you come to church, consider all the factors mentioned here. Every step we take in spiritual life brings us closer to God. Your coming closer to God is revealed non-verbally and spatially. Come closer!

Our New Parish - What is a parish?

Sat, 13 Jul 2019 07:47:00 GMT

We have a new parish. What is a parish?

According to Canon Law 515-1, a parish is a certain community of Christ's faithful stably established within a particular Church, whose pastoral care, under the authority of the diocesan Bishop, is entrusted to a parish priest as its proper pastor.

You are the ‘Community of Christ’s faithful’ and I am appointed as pastor.

Who are parishioners of St. Teresa of Calcutta?

Canon 518 states that as a general rule, a parish is to be territorial , that is, it is to embrace all Christ's faithful of a given territory. The given territory of our parish are the towns of Chester, Deep River and Essex.

Can we now conclude that all Catholics living in Chester, Deep River, Essex, Ivoryton and Center brook are our parishioners?

It does not seem so. Many of them do not come to our church at all. Some of them attend Mass periodically and do not participate in the parish
life. Besides, many of our registered parishioners are from other territories for we welcome everyone to become part of our parish.

Thus, we are confronted with these basic questions:

Am I a parishioner merely because I live in the towns of Chester, Deep River or Essex ?

Am I a parishioner simply because I attend Mass here?

Am I a parishioner just because I contribute to this parish?

Am I a parishioner only because I am registered in this parish?

All the above are necessary, but not sufficient.

A parish should be a ‘Community of Christ’s faithful’ – people united by Catholic faith, bonded by Christian love, assembled by geographical proximity and imbued by God’s Spirit and fraternal charity.

A parish should remain as a family, though non-consanguineous, knowing and loving each other, praying and worshiping with each other, ministering and caring for each other and depending on God and each other.

A parish is like a greater family with people of all ages, all walks of life, various types of interests, several views of life, yet, inspired and unified by zeal for the faith model of our patron saint Teresa of Calcutta.

A parish should be filled with numerous enthused ministers and volunteers in reaching in and out of the parish family bringing forth God’s love and compassion of the parish to people around us.

It is estimated that only 7% of parishioners are actively involved in their church. Now our goal is to increase the number of ministers and volunteers from the presupposed 7% to at least 10% and even more.

Our New Parish - One Parish with Two Churches

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 10:55:00 GMT

Since July 1, 2019, St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, duly established according to Church and State laws, has two churches namely St. Joseph’s Church, Chester and Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Essex.

How are we, the people of God, going to run one parish with two worship sites or churches? This structure is new to us. Until now we have been two distinct parishes with its own history, traditions and ways of ministerial and spiritual life. Now we are called to amalgamate all these elements into one united parish.

This newness is like new wine; we need new wineskin. Together we need to invent that new structure which can accommodate all our past goodness, present aspirations and future ideals. This is going to be a long and laborious process. Now let us put the wheels into motion.

Our parish is entrusted to the patronage of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Her life, dedicated service, and teachings are given to us as a faith model to imitate.

In the two worship sites in Chester and Essex we will continue to keep the same Mass schedule. We already have one parish council. Very soon other committees will be formed with members from both churches.

As we run two separate churches, each church will have its own altar society, altar servers, lectors, eucharistic ministers, sick ministry volunteers and ushers. Schedules for these ministries will remain separate for the sake of convenience and order. However, altar servers, lectors and eucharistic ministers may be asked to serve in either churches when they attend Mass.

Now we have one corporation, one bank account with all assets and liabilities brought under the same corporation. This fiscal year began on July 1 and so last fiscal year financial reports will be given in each church in the near future.

From now on please make your checks payable to St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish or STOC . Kindly give joyously and generously as your contribution is vital to the subsistence of our parish. You may also use online giving by going to our website www.stteresaofcalcuttaparish.org .

I invite all of you to pray and stay together. Every parish is constructed. With the gracious guidance of God and our commitment let us build up our parish!

Our New Parish - St. Teresa of Calcutta

Sun, 30 Jun 2019 07:56:00 GMT

As of July 1, 2019, our two parish corporations will be merged into one parish corporation according to the State law. It had already been established as a parish by our Bishop under the patronage of St. Teresa of Calcutta on December 3, 2018 according to the Church law.

Until now we had two yoked parish corporations namely St. Joseph’s, Chester and Our Lady of Sorrows, Essex. Henceforward we will have only one parish corporation: St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

This parish will have two worship sites or churches. Holy Mass and other sacraments will be administered at St. Joseph’s and Our Lady of Sorrows as is done now. All accounts, assets and liabilities will be brought under the new corporation.

In compliance with the diocesan requirements, policies of this merger will be implemented in the new parish. More details will be given you as events unfold in future.

No parish is born. Every parish is constructed. Building up our new parish entirely depends on us (the pastor and the people of God), insofar as we realize the will of God. In the coming days and months, we will come together as people of God and parishioners of St. Teresa of Calcutta to build it up.

From one Catholic to another

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 18:04:00 GMT

Recently I preached about the impact of Clergy sex Scandal on our people. In response to that a parishioner gave me a letter. The letter reflects a heart and the words reveal earnestness.

I wish that you read the letter and come with your thoughts and suggestions. Please click to read the full letter.

CCD Parents and Mass Attendance

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 12:17:00 GMT

It has been a perennial problem in most of the parishes: Many parents do not register their children in the CCD program. Most of those who register their children in the program do not attend Mass. When pastors apply strict regulations they tend to lose CCD students.

What should I do?

I welcome ideas and suggestions from you in dealing with this problem.