25th 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

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”. (Psalm 118:24) This weekend the joy is doubled as our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV canonizes two millennials as the first new saints of his papacy: St. Carlo Acutis (May 3, 1991 - October 12, 2006) St. Pier Giorgio Frassati (April 6, 1901 - July 4, 1925) St. Carlo Acutis was born in London, England, but grew up in Milan, Italy. He had a great devotion to the Holy Eucharist, so much so that he began attending daily Mass as a child, shortly after his First Communion. He used his computer skills to put together a summary of Eucharistic miracles from around the world consolidated into one website. Unfortunately, Carlo was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia at the age of 15 and died suddenly before completing this summary of Eucharistic miracles. St. Pier Giorgio Frassati was born into a wealthy family in Italy. He saw his wealth as a way of caring for the poor. He spent his money to buy food for the poor people in his neighborhood. Pier Giorgio went to daily Mass. He was an active participant in the Marian Solidarity, the Apostleship of Prayer, St. Vincent De Paul Society, the Catholic Student Foundation, Catholic Action and the People’s party. He was a College Student with a major in mining Engineering. His other passions include mountain climbing, art and music, and attending the theatre or Opera. At age 24, Pier Giorgio was diagnosed with Polio which he contacted from serving the Poor. The lives of these two young saints is a testimony that holiness is open to all. I urge the youth of our Parish to be inspired by these young men who are canonized this weekend. God wants you to become saints. God wants everyone to become saints. St. Carlo Acutis, Pray for us St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, Pray for us  God bless you, Fr. Bob Romaine

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last. - Lk 13:30