MESSAGE FROM THE BISHOP
Dear Friends,
T
he last two months have been very difficult, to say the least. For some of you, your livelihoods have been shaken, and your faith tested. The impact of the Coronavirus has spread terror across the world, bringing illness and death. In the midst of this pandemic, however, the Paschal Mystery recently celebrated at Easter assures us that neither anguish nor death will have the last word. “Who can separate us from the Love of God…” (Rom 8:35-39). You and I are Easter people, people of hope and joy. Even amidst struggles, we can discover peace in the risen Lord. Amid our concerns over health, jobs and the future, we can be people of hope. This is our witness of faith to those around us. When this pandemic is defeated, we will rejoice! There are signs of resurrection and life all around us. Throughout our communities in South Texas, friends and neighbors have stepped forward to help. They are an “angelic” presence in the gloom of uncertainty, fear and anxiety. Doctors and nurses, hospital personnel and volunteers on all fronts, men and women in law enforcement, fire departments and first responders are going beyond their normal commitment of service. Many in our communities are keeping us going with extra effort in “essential services” – grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and eating establishments. school principals, teachers, moms and dads are finding new and challenging methods to educate the youth. These neighbors have found new ways to serve their families and the community. Thank you. The deepest pain for so many of you, however, is remaining in place – not being able to gather for Sunday Mass and receive the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the sacrament of life; the Eucharist is the sacrament of resurrection. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal
life, and I will raise them up on the last day” (Jn 6:54). Although we do not know when – our parish churches will open again, and we will be invited, by God’s grace to approach the altar of the Lord. In the meantime, I invite you to recognize that we are being asked to “live” the Lord’s Paschal mystery, his death and resurrection. We are asked to become “eucharist for others.” In his homily on Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis cautioned us not to be infected with another virus, the virus of “selfish indifference.” The vaccine that overcomes selfish indifference is service to others. When we serve, the focus on ourselves, our personal worries and concerns, are being vaccinated against selfishness. This is being “eucharist” for others. The month of May is dedicated to Mary. After receiving the Lord in her womb, she left Nazareth to serve her cousin Elizabeth who was in need. Mary is the true model of living what we profess to believe. Having been nourished with the Eucharist over time and preparing to receive him again in the future, let us “be eucharist” for others. I entrust each of you and your families to the care of our Blessed Mother during this time.
“Remember, O most gracious Virgin of Guadalupe, that in your apparitions on Mount Tepeyac you promised to show pity and compassion to all who, loving and trusting you, seek your help and protection. Accordingly, listen now to our supplications and grant us consolation and relief. We are full of hope that, relying on your help, nothing can trouble or affect us. As you have remained with us through your admirable image, so now obtain for us the graces we need.” Amen. 4
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