Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

    In the midst of our mourning for Pope Francis and continued prayers for the repose of his soul, we have the joy of celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord for the Great Fifty Days concluding at Pentecost.  Even after Pentecost, our whole liturgical and spiritual lives focus on that singular event: “He is Risen” And so we treat Eastertide as the opportunity to contemplate and reflect on the impact of our Lord’s victory over sin and death.  Not to be forgotten, of course, is the fact that “someone” had to say yes to the advent of our redemption and that “someone is the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

    Christ is, as the Scriptures remind us, IS the New Adam and from where does that New Adam take His human flesh from but the New Eve, Mary.  Rightfully therefore, we begin the New Creation honoring Her who said yes to God’s plan for our salvation.  At our parish May crownings we thank our Lady for Her cooperation with God and also Her steadfast acceptance of the Father’s will especially on Good Friday.  Only by confidence and trust in God could she possibly endure what happened on that day and in Her wordless sermon to us, (remember: “Do whatever He tells you”), are we able to endure the difficulties of life.  Our humble garlands presented to Her is our way of showing appreciation for being the mother we always need.

    In the midst of these eventful days came an unexpected blessing.  ProRome, which is the travel agency I have several times engaged for European pilgrimages,  has asked me to chaplain a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi this coming November, the fifth to the fifteenth, (6 days in Rome 3 days in Assisi).  It is certainly going to be a unique opportunity to see the new Pope and to visit the tomb of Pope Francis and the tomb of the to be newly canonized Saint Carlo Acutis in Assisi.  If interested please contact me ASAP or contactProRome Tours email: office@prorome.com

     Recently some new members of our parish family have asked me about forming a Spanish speaking group to enhance participation and understanding in matters of the Faith.  I very much encourage this and ask anyone who may like to participate to contact the parish office and leave your name and contact information.

With Blessings

Father Langan