FROM THE DESK OF THE PASTOR

Sept. 18, 2026

Dear Friends in Christ,

I want to take this opportunity to thank all those who worked to make the events last week in our parishes such a success: Our Lady of Vailankanni at St. Jude, the Parish Picnic at Holy Innocents and the Fall Potluck and listening session at St. Anthony.  Though things had to be adjusted because of the rain, nothing could dampen the spirits and devotion of our people. It was so great to see everyone work together in a wonderful way to celebrate our faith and fellowship in Christ.

Last week’s Gospel spoke of the centrality of mercy and forgiveness to the life of faith. Pope Leo reflected beautifully on this important aspect of Christianit in his weekly talk at the Angelus:

Today’s Gospel speaks to us of forgiveness, which is a fundamental feature of the Christian life. Jesus taught and exemplified forgiveness even on the cross, where he prayed to the Father for his persecutors with the familiar words: “Forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34).

In today’s passage, Peter asks the Master precisely about this question: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” (Mt 18:21). His words reveal a generous heart, for the number seven symbolizes fullness in the Bible, and “forgiving seven times” means forgiving abundantly. Jesus’ response, however, goes even further: “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven” (v. 22); in other words, beyond all limits, without measure.

To clarify his point further, the Savior tells the parable of a servant who owed his master a large debt that was practically impossible to pay. Although his own debt was forgiven out of pure mercy, he did not extend the same mercy toward one of his fellow servants, and for this he was rebuked and severely punished (vv. 23-30).

With these words, Jesus reminds us that gift and forgiveness are the foundation of our existence. All things are given to us by God out of pure love, and none of us can claim to be perfect in responding to such goodness. For this reason, gratuitousness — which is the source of our existence — is also the best rule for our life together. We experience this every day. Forgiveness is indispensable, and without it, we cannot live in peace. Sooner or later conflicts, accusations, grudges and acts of vengeance emerge in our hearts and among people, and these acts destroy relationships, divide families and unleash wars.

Only forgiveness sets us free and restores the light, even where human material and moral poverty has darkened the horizon and made the path uncertain. Forgiveness, like a gentle breeze, sweeps away even the thickest clouds until the sun shines once more. Saint Peter himself experienced this many times in his life; in particular, when — after denying and abandoning Jesus during the Passion — he encountered the risen Lord on the shore of the lake and heard him ask just one question: “Simon … do you love me?” (Jn 21:15). This was accompanied by an invitation, “follow me!” (v. 19), which was the same invitation given on the occasion of their first encounter. It was as if nothing had happened. This love, which forgives and heals, would mark for the first of the Apostles, the confirmation of his mission.

Let us therefore ask the Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, to help us forgive — always, even when it is difficult to take the first step — and to spread, with courage and perseverance, the serene and healing light of love that overcomes hatred and disarms all resentment. POPE LEO XVI

Finally, many thanks to those who completed the survey. We are now compiling and synthesizing the results. 

Thanks too, to all who participated in the listening session last Saturday at St. Anthony. It was a wonderful session, and we appreciate your taking time to share your input. This weekend and next we have listening sessions at St. Jude and Holy Innocents. I hope you can come and participate in one of them! Please remember to pray for the Partners in the Gospel process that we may grow together in our faithfulness to the Lord’s mission. 

Blessings on your week!

Fr Johnson