From the Desk of the Pastor         January 3, 2026

Dear Friends in Christ,   

Happy Solemnity of the Epiphany! 

This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The Star that the Magi followed and the gifts that they offered were “epiphanies’ or revelations of the identity of the child, that he is “God, and King and Sacrifice.” The Epiphany reminds us that we are called to seek the Lord and to worship him. Last year, Pope Francis gave a homily which speaks of the brightness of the light of the star which guided them. Here is an excerpt for reflection:

We saw his star as it rose and have come to do him homage” (Mt 2:2). This is the testimony that the Magi gave to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, announcing to them that the king of the Jews was born.

The Magi testified that they had set out in a different direction in their lives because they had seen a new light in the sky. Let us pause to reflect on this image as we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord during this Jubilee of hope. I would like to highlight three characteristics of the star about which Matthew the Evangelist speaks: it is bright, it is visible to all and it points the way.

First of all, the star is bright. Many rulers at the time of Jesus called themselves “stars” because they felt important, powerful and famous. Yet the light that revealed the miracle of Christmas to the Magi was not any of these “lights”. Their artificial and cold splendour, arising from their scheming and power games, could not satisfy the needs of the Magi who were searching for newness and hope. Instead, they were satisfied by a different kind of light, symbolized by the star, which illumines and warms others by allowing itself to burn brightly and be consumed. The star speaks to us of that unique light that can show to all people the way to salvation and happiness, namely that of love. This is the only light that can make us happy.

Above all, this light is the love of God, who became man and gave himself to us by sacrificing his life. As we reflect, then, we can see that this light likewise calls us to give ourselves for one another, becoming, with his help, a mutual sign of hope, even in the darkest nights of our lives. Let us think about this: are we radiant with hope? Are we able to give hope to others with the light of our faith?

The star led the Magi to Bethlehem by its brightness. We too, by our love, can bring to Jesus the people that we meet, enabling them to see in the Son of God made man the beauty of the Father’s face (cf. Is 60:2) and his way of loving, which is through closeness, compassion and tenderness. Let us never forget this: God is close, compassionate and tender. This is love: closeness, compassion and tenderness. Moreover, we can do this without the need for extraordinary means or sophisticated methods, but simply by making our hearts bright with faith, our gazes generous in welcome, our gestures and words full of gentleness and kindness.

Thus, as we reflect on the Magi, who fixed their eyes on heaven in searching for the star, let us ask the Lord that we might be bright lights that can lead one another to an encounter with him (cf. Mt 5:14-16).POPE FRANCIS

Thank you! 

With Fr. Raphael and the whole staff, I want to take this opportunity to once again express my heartfelt thanks for the many cards, treats and wonderful gifts you sent to us during the Christmas season. Your kindness and generosity are overwhelming, and we cannot begin to express our appreciation for your generosity and thoughtfulness. I will remember your kindness in Masses I offer for you. 

May God bless you and always surround you with his love!         

Fr. Johnson