In his 2020 Christmas message, Monsignor Matt Garcia reflects on how 2020 has been life-changing while also recongnizing the dignity of man, especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020 has been truly a “life-changing” year for everyone!
Pandemic, Ayuda, vaccines, and mass testing are just some of the many “new normal” terms we often hear on the news and from our respective friends and families. COVID-19 has brought us to take at heart things that we were simply taking for granted: our health, relationships, time, and the environment.
Despite the many uncertainties, we still hope that betters days will soon come. Let the latest encyclical of Pope Francis Fratelli Tutti (All Brothers) direct us to a meaningful life. He wrote, “It is my desire that, in this our time, by acknowledging the dignity of each human person, we can contribute to the rebirth of a universal aspiration of fraternity…between all men & women”(FT,9). The Pope likewise reminds us to see death penalty as an offense against the inalienable dignity of the person.
This year has also led witness to how our parish silently lived up to its name “Church of the Poor” by getting involved in the many “Works of Charity” for the poor & the frontliners done by kindhearted members of our parish. Thank you all for your selflessness. As Pope Francis noted, “only by identifying with the least did He come at last to be the brother of all.”
I greet you and your dear family a Merry Christmas and a Covid-free New Year! God bless you always!
You can view Fr. Matt’s previous messages here.
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