Dear brothers and sisters,

We have now begun the tenth month of this year, during which we will more clearly notice the changes in the trees, the hours of sunrise and sunset, and the overall climate, confirming that autumn has arrived. Gradually, the messages from the readings during this month's Masses prepare us for the change in the liturgical year, which, unlike the civil year, does not begin in January, but in December. This month can be a suitable time to evaluate, how not only nature, but each of us have evolved this year to come closer and be more like Jesus.

October is also the month in which we commemorate 532 years since Christopher Columbus arrived in America, an event that completely transformed the history of humanity. On one hand, millions of Indigenous people died from diseases brought by the colonizers, while others lost their lives due to the violent actions associated with the conquest. On the other hand, men and women were brought from Africa to this continent as slaves to work on sugar and cotton plantations and in mining. Over time, the mixing— in varying proportions— of Europeans, Indigenous people, and Africans resulted in a rich cultural and ethnic diversity of which we are all living examples. With its lights and shadows, the arrival of Europeans to the continent also meant the arrival of the Gospel to this part of the world. The faith we profess is another fruit of a journey that, while it did not have a religious motivation, opened new spaces for the message of the Gospel and largely shaped who we are now as humans and as a church.

As we start this month, I invite you to do two things. First, just as Christopher Columbus began a journey that transformed humanity with curiosity and boldness, let us think about the actions— perhaps not as spectacular— that can bring about positive changes in our surroundings. Second, using the readings we hear in Mass and through prayerful contemplation of the trees shedding their leaves in autumn, let us shed those negative habits and attitudes that bear no fruit for God or for the good of our brothers and sisters.

Many blessings!

Fr. Renzo

Maintenance Corner

We finally were able to locate and repair a leak from the roof of St. Patrick's rectory which severely damaged the ceiling of Salón Xavier. The years of water damage caused significant rotting.

Thanks to the hard work of José Romero, Ismael Soto, and Reynaldo’s Roofing, the roof was repaired and the ceiling was sealed and painted. Visit the office to see the new Salón Xavier!

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