Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Pope Leo XIV led a Prayer Vigil peace last Saturday at the Basilica of Saint Peter. He offered this sobering reminder, as he pleaded, "Let us listen to the voices of children!"

"I receive countless letters from children in areas of conflict. In reading them, one perceives, through the lens of innocence, all the horror and inhumanity of actions that some adults boast of with pride." 

The Pope warned against the idolatry of self and money and emphatically declared, "Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! True strength," rather he said, "is shown in serving life." 

He went on to ask us to every community to become a "house of peace" where we learn how to defuse hostility through dialogue, where justice is practiced and forgiveness is cherished. Echoing Saint Paul the Apostle, he also asked us to pray always without growing weary.

As a community, we will pray for peace during this Easter Season, singing the Regina Caeli at the conclusion of mass. The simple chant is traditionally sung in the Liturgy of Hours during this season and asks God to pray for us. The translation of the Latin text is:

Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia.

The Son whom you merited to bear, alleluia,

has risen as he said, alleluia.

Pray for us to God, alleluia.

Pope Leo concluded the Vigil with this prayer:

Lord Jesus,

you conquered death without weapons or violence:

you shattered its power with the strength of peace.

Grant us your peace,

as you did to the women filled with doubt on Easter morning,

as you did to the disciples who were hiding in fear.

Send forth your Spirit,

the breath that gives life and reconciles,

that turns adversaries and enemies into brothers and sisters.

Inspire in us to trust in Mary, your mother,

who stood at the foot of your cross with a broken heart,

firm in the faith that you would rise again.

May the madness of war cease

and the Earth be cared for and cultivated by those who still

know how to bring forth, protect and love life.

Hear us, Lord of life!

Peace and blessings,

Father Gil

Thank you! Your generosity in the Annual Paulist Appeal sustains the Paulist mission and our community especially in training new Paulists and caring for our senior priests. If you haven't donated, please consider a gift to help our community. A gift of any amount is deeply appreciated by the men in our house and community.

You may donate at online at paulist.org/apa.

One of the most powerful ways we can meet Christ is through the Eucharist. The same Jesus who broke bread in Emmaus is present on our altar. We are called to bring the love we receive in the Eucharist to the world around us. Supporting Together in Mission is one way we do just that. The Together in Mission Annual Appeal funds parishes and schools that share Christ’s presence with those in need: the poor, the sick, the young, and those longing to return to the Church. It allows our diocese to carry the grace of the Eucharist beyond our parish. Make your gift at Together in Mission Annual Appeal. Thank you.

CicLAvia is a nonprofit organization that has been opening streets throughout LA County since 2010. You can experience car-free open streets at CicLAvia—West LA, connecting Santa Monica Blvd and Westwood Blvd. Sections of these streets will be closed to vehicle traffic next Sunday, April 26th. Check out the map below.

Enjoy the pop-up park for the day in your favorite people-powered way, whether that's walking, jogging, biking, roller skating, skating, or simply spectating! All ages and abilities are welcome. For more info, go to ciclavia.org

For peace in every nation: for an end to the war in Iran, Ukraine. For all those wounded and killed and for the safety of service members in harm's way. For peace, may the light of the Holy Spirit transform hearts so that all may seek the way of peace together, let us pray to the Lord:

For our immigrant sisters and brothers living in fear of deportation, may the Lord accompany them through the ministry of the Christian community:

For the healing, comfort, and peace of the sick, for Catherine Peacock, Dan Bianco, Nancy Campbell, Gary Orfield, Manolo Velez, Anne Wadad Shalhub, Madeleine Lord, Victoria T. Picard, Amparo Haber, Shirley Ruess, Sister Irene Wright, Melinda Nadres, Greg Tinsley, Jack & Vicki Phillips, Tel Ramon, Mary Pat Cooper, Todd Wiench, Bernadette Tee, Estrella and John Monzon, Charles Candel, Marisa Kavanau, Carol King Wolcott, John Wolcott, Angel Appleton, Clark Gassan, Lohriena Lohrie Counts, Nora McCormick Heinen, Weldon Tilley, Paul Lannan, Eileen Gaffney.

For the eternal rest of our beloved departed, Gary Bourgeois, Andrew Politz, Pauline Zaloski, James Wilkie, Father Richard Chilson, CSP, Father Daniel McCotter, CSP, Zenaida B. Chua, Antonia T. Semar, Mike Lanning, Jaroslan Witkoski, Susan Burkhard, Connie Pobre, John A. Woodward IV, Terry Casey, Darrel Bengry, Joan Doyle, Cristina Mirendolf, Elaine Vucelich, Marietta Lavin, Jeffrey Graham, Renee Good, Alex Pretti, Robert J. Burns, John 'JJ' Goldrick, Dellie Abad, James Kennedy, José Fernandez, Terry O'Malley Seidler, Rich Puppione, Christie Farmer, Alfred Ruess, Christohper Hudlin, Alan Culver, Laura James, Anne Marie Hannick, Father Greg Goethals, SJ, Ron Schuster, Bobby Burks, Father Jack Lynch, CSP, Arlene Havel, Phil Duncan, Michele Kearin, Father Brad Schoeberle, CSP, Mary Tokuza, Haruko Hiromura, Donny Kie, Cesar Robeniol, Nellie Scholar, may they rest in peace.