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Dear Colleagues and Friends,
The Holy Father reminds us, "The celebration of the Paschal Triduum of Christ's passion, death and resurrection, the culmination of the liturgical year, calls us yearly to undertake a journey of preparation, in the knowledge that our being conformed to Christ (cf. Rom 8:29) is a priceless gift of God's mercy" (Pope Francis, Message for Lent 2019).
As we enter these most sacred of days, may our encounter with Jesus on the Cross lead us to celebrate with exultant joy our encounter with the Risen Christ. Peace be with you!
Following the U.S. bishops' approval and subsequent publication in 2018 of the statement Encountering Christ in Harmony: A Pastoral Response to Our Asian and Pacific Island Brothers and Sisters, the USCCB Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs (SCAPA) embarked on a process to disseminate and implement the Pastoral Response for the next couple of years. Bishop Solis, SCAPA chairman asks for "your continued support for the concrete implementation of the Pastoral Response in all the dioceses and parishes throughout the nation." He continues, "let us join in prayers and in our efforts so that it will be an effective tool to build bridges in our communities and to promote unity in the midst of diversity" (
http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/asian-pacific-islander/index.cfm
).
The U.S. bishops offer the pastoral response to "assist diocesan and parish leaders and all the faithful in welcoming and integrating our Asian and Pacific Island brothers and sisters as they strive to live a faith-filled life in the Catholic Church."
By God's grace and mercy, the process of dissemination and implementation is unfolding with several activities in 2019:
- Asian and Pacific Formation Day will be hosted by the Diocese of San Bernardino on May 31st and June 1st.
- The Diocese of Richmond's Asian Spirituality Retreat was held on March 8-9 at the Roslyn Retreat Center in Richmond, VA. The theme of the retreat was "The commonality of Asian spirituality." This retreat was in preparation for the Lenten season, to provide an opportunity to learn more about the commonality of Asian spirituality focusing on the richness of the Asian family.
- The Asian and Pacific Island (API) Day on Feb. 16th during the Mid-Atlantic Congress (MAC) in Baltimore was well attended by API's and other cultural families from the Arch/dioceses of Arlington, Baltimore, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, and Washington among others. Bishop Solis's keynote was preceded by cultural presentations from Asian and Pacific Island communities.
During these Holy of Days, may we strive to be conformed to Christ as we encounter Him in His passion, death, and resurrection. Let us follow the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints "who had to suffer in walking the path of faith and obedience to God's will" (see Pope Francis' Homily for Palm Sunday 2019).
In Christ's peace,
Sr. Myrna Tordillo, mscs
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Upcoming Events
May 4, 2019 -
The 17th Annual Asian and Pacific Island Catholics Marian Pilgrimage
will be held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. This annual event brings together many Asian and Pacific Islander Catholic communities to celebrate their heritage and Marian devotions. His Excellency Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, will be the main celebrant and homilist.
May 6-10, 2019 - The Korean American Priests Association's (KAPA) annual conference will be held in Fairfax, VA.
May 24, 2019 - Day of Prayer for the Church in China.
May 25-27, 2019 - The
Keluarga Katolik Indonesia-Houston's retreat
will be held at Camp Allen in Navasota, TX. The theme of the retreat is Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).
June 29-2019 - The 22nd Annual National Filipino Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage will be held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. Most Reverend William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, will be the main celebrant and there will be a reflection by Sr. Mary Regina T. Kuizon, RGS.
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Harmony in Faith: Korean American Catholics (Product Code 7-479) - This small book on Korean American Catholics connects each believer to their roots in Korea, weaving through thick layers of their history of faith.
Product Code 7-606) - This pastoral letter against racism the US Catholic bishops call on fellow clergy and all Catholics to help change racist attitudes and acts to conform to the moral order established by God, in which men and women of all races are honored as brothers and sisters.
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