SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020 - The Solemnity of St. Francis
October3,2020
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
On Friday, October second, I reached forty years of priesthood. More than ever, I am grateful to the Lord for the many graces received during all these years in His service. I continue to entrust all to the Lord as he reaches out in the words of the gospel this Sunday: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest.” I place my life and ministry into the good Lord’s hands. I thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and kind words of support. I am glad to be here as your pastor.
Forty years bring with it many memories. I lovingly recall my dear parents, who have already entered eternity. They loved me deeply, prayed for me, and supported me in my priestly vocation. My dear brothers and sisters have been very good to me and also a tremendous support over the years. However, I never thought we would have a Zoom get together. In addition, I have met so many God-fearing, God-loving, people young and old in my various assignments, who have shown me the face of Christ in their joys and sorrows. My brother priests have also been truly like brothers in standing by me these four decades, some I have known even before ordination. The inadequate words “thank you” express my sincere sentiments of gratitude.
As we move into the month of October, I can’t help but think of Our Lady. I know that she has been with me in a special way since my boyhood days. I have tried to be faithful to my consecration to her with these words: “O My Queen, O My Mother, remember that I am thine own; keep me and guard me as thy property and possession!” I also recall the profound Marian devotion of Pope Saint John Paul II who took as his papal motto “Totus Tuus”, which comes from the prayer “Totus tuus, ego sum Maria!; Mary, I am completely yours!” During October, let us draw near to Mary through her rosary, which leads us like her into the embrace of the Savior. The family rosary is needed now more than ever to bring families together and to bring Christ into the heart of the home. On October 7th, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, I will livestream the rosary at 3pm. Join in!
On this Solemnity of Saint Francis, our patron, let us turn to him in humble prayer. May he extend a special blessing to all in the Archdiocese.
Yours in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor