Dear friends,

As I reflect on this month of July, I'm filled with great joy and gratitude for the blessings I have received in my life and also for the gift of our parish, whose feast we always celebrate this month. This weekend specifically marks for me two significant anniversaries – the day I arrived in the United States to begin my pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Phoenix on July 19, 2004, and my priestly ordination 34 years ago, on July 20, 1991. These two years have had a deep impact on my priestly ministry here among you in ways I cannot express.

As I celebrate my 34th anniversary of priestly ordination today, I'm reminded of God's providence in bringing me to serve in this diocese and now specifically among you here at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as your Pastor, son, brother, and friend. As I do so, I am driven by my one desire to lead all of you to heaven through creating strong relationships with God and with each other. Know that I am so blessed to have all of you in my life at this stage of my priesthood on this important journey.

Throughout my priesthood these last 34 years, I've had the privilege of serving in various roles, including in educational institutions, pastoral work, and leading in parishes and in the diocese both here in the United States and in Africa. Of all these, however, I have cherished my pastoral experiences here in the United States more, particularly those where I have had the opportunity to baptize, confirm, and celebrate many weddings. I also had the opportunity to provide support to the sick and to those in grief and in various needs. It is here in this diocese that I have now spent more than half of my priestly life.

As your Pastor, and especially as I enter the 35th year of my priesthood, my focus will continue to remain on the Eucharist, and I'm excited that God has given me the opportunity to build the perpetual adoration chapel initiated by my predecessor. Our perpetual adoration chapel is the most precious treasure the Lord has gifted us with. Let us continue to take advantage of visiting the Lord, who is waiting to listen to us and console us twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. I will also strive to create an atmosphere where all who enter through the doors of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel will feel welcome.

In addition to focusing on the Eucharist, I will also continue to emphasize devotion to our Mother Mary, patroness of our parish. Though the official date of our parish feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel was this past Wednesday, July 16, we are celebrating the feast this weekend at all the Masses. I look forward to encouraging devotional activities throughout the year.

I continue to be grateful for the opportunity the Lord has given me to serve our parish and school community. I ask for your prayers as I strive to be a good shepherd and serve you without reserve for the next years ahead. God bless you all most abundantly.

I love you. 

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