Dear Parishioners and Friends, 
 Those of a certain generation remember well the simple joy of Saint John XXIII.  Soon after he became pope on October 28, 1958 he called for a general Council of the church, which would become known as Vatican II.  Several years went into planning with the council opening on October 11, 1962. It would conclude on December 8, 1965.Though sometimes misrepresented Saint John XXIII sincerely wanted the Gospel to reach the spiritually hungry and thirsty in the modern world.  He wanted a new Pentecost to take place to fan the flames of faith to burn brighter than ever.Though the church would experience a time of updating and renewal (aggiornamento) we are still in need of a spiritual revolution.   Though we all hope that it may come, we must be patient, keeping the faith.  Even if many have given up on the work of the Holy Spirit, we don’t.  Like the wise virgins in the Gospel, we desire the wisdom to remain steadfast in faith no matter what. The foolish virgins by their bad example, remind us to keep constant vigil on our life in the spirit, our sanctity, lest we lose heaven forever.
 Saint John XXIII was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach on September 23, 1962, though his poor health was largely kept secret. He prayed for the strength to see through the council he began, but that was not to be.  God had other plans for him. During those last months of his life when his many visitors would ask him how he was he would inevitably remark “Ogni giorno e un buon giorno per vivere ed anche per morire; every day is a good day to live, and every day is a good day to die.” He placed everything in God’s hands and accepted God’s will.  He was joyful to do the Lord’s work, but at the same time he was preparing himself to see God face to face. With a smile he would comment “my bags are packed.” He had no illusions. Peacefully he went to the Lord on June 3, 1963.  His diary, published as a Journal of a Soul, would reveal the life of a holy man, who from his youth until his dying day lived in communion with the Lord.  He was like the wise virgins ready to go out and meet the bridegroom, the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His final words: “Souls, souls, that all may be one!” 
  Holy and wise people like Saint John XXIII inspire us to live each day in the light of eternity. They show us what matters most as we pass through this world.  There are many joys and there are sorrows. Through it all by God’s love and grace we keep the torch of faith burning brightly. When the bridegroom returns, we pray that we are found ready to go “into the wedding feast with him.”  Amen!  

Yours in the Lord, 

Fr. Mark G. Mazza , Pastor