Word from the Pastor

My Dear Family of Our Lady of Lourdes,

The word of God says, "And I will give you shepherds after my own heart" (Jeremiah 3:15). The essence of the priesthood is like the heart of Christ. God promises his people never to leave them without shepherds to gather and guide them: shepherds who feed the sheep so that they are never alone or frightened. This week we celebrate Father's Day, those fathers who as good shepherds have brought their families forward. We also celebrate those spiritual fathers, our priests. We thank God for our pastor Msgr. Schwanger in his great leadership. We also thank Fr. Francisco Garcia for his pastoral service. As you know, he has finished his mission in our parish. We now welcome, in this year of hope, Fr. Eduardo Logiste.

On June 15, we welcome Fr. Logiste remembering the 3 main functions of priesthood: to teach, to sanctify and to guide (Presbyterorum Ordinis 4-6). I invite you to pray for Fr. Logiste as he initiates his life with our parish. Just as you welcomed me with love, support, joy and hospitality, I also invite you to welcome Fr. Logiste. As shepherds of Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us so that we may give our best and shepherd you according to the Gospel, so that we may fulfill all that Christ taught us on the face of the earth.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize today's feast: the Holy Trinity as a family united in Love. A unity in Love is like a three-stranded rope that is not easily broken, for unity is strength. This is what Pope Leo implied in his first words as Pope, “Help us and help yourselves to build bridges.” We give a warm welcome to Fr. Logiste and together, in the image of the Holy Trinity, we can create bridges of Faith, Hope and Love. God bless you and we invite you on Sunday, June 15 in the parish hall after the 11:45 am and 1:30 pm masses to a small gathering to welcome Fr. Logiste.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Fr. Fredy Yara
Pastor