24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
BEHOLD THE WOOD OF THE CROSS, ON WHICH HUNG THE SALVATION OF THE WORLD:
COME, LET US ADORE!
From Good Friday Liturgy)
This weekend we celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14th)
which this year falls on Sunday, the Day of the Lord.
The Crucifixion was the worst form of punishment legalized by the Roman Empire at the time
of Our Lord for non-Roman citizens. Therefore, the cross was resented by the people. Jesus
Christ, the Son of God, the sinless one, by dying on the Cross made it holy. Today the Cross
has become a symbol of Christ's victory over sin and death and our hope and salvation.
The invitation of Our Lord to all of us is to Carry our daily crosses and follow Him.
I would like to call your attention to the following two up-coming events:
1. The Eucharistic Encounter:
On Saturday, September 20, 2025 Our Diocese will host a Eucharistic Encounter, from noon to
9pm, at Amalie Arena, Tampa. An estimated 15,000 Catholics from around our Diocese are
expected to attend this uplifting Eucharistic Event. Nationally acclaimed speakers like Sr.
Bethany Madonna, Fr. Mike Schmitz and musician Matt Maher will be highlighting the
importance Of the Eucharist in our lives. The Encounter will conclude with Adoration and Holy
Mass. I will be attending the event and encourage all those who have signed up not to miss it.
2. Our Bishop's Visit to our Parish:
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, our Bishop, Most. Rev. Gregory Parkes, will be visiting our Parish to install me as the Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish during the 10:30 am Mass. As I am humbled to be given this opportunity and I pledge my obedience to our Bishop who is the Pastor of all the Parishes in the Diocese as per the Canon Law. Please join me in welcoming Bishop Parkes to our Parish.
I have requested our Parish Administrator, Iris Alicea, to organize and oversee the event: the liturgical ceremony and the reception. She has graciously agreed to do so. Therefore, I ask all the liturgical ministers and other volunteers to cooperate with her so that it becomes a grace-filled event.
God bless you!
Fr. Bob Romaine
