The second weekend of November was another reminder that The Basilica is a vibrant community of faith – a community where we experience the transformative grace of God and where we can generously share our gifts with those in need. Below are a few stories that touched my heart – stories of light and hope as we continue our journey of faith.
Fr. Jesse Esqueda is a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate who has spent the first ten years of his priesthood ministering to those most in need in Tijuana, Mexico. Fr. Jesse was at The Basilica to preach at all the Masses and to give a presentation on the important work that he and his colleagues are doing in the Tijuana mission. Joining Fr. Jesse on the trip were Nadia and Manuel. Nadia works as a nurse at the mission and Manuel as an engineer.
One thing that struck me from their stories is the wholistic nature of their ministry – it is a ministry for both the body and the soul. The mission’s ministries include: medical and dental clinics, psychological counseling, legal services, spiritual formation and youth groups, and scholarships for professional education. Those who receive a professional education through the scholarships pay it forward by offering their services free of charge to those who are served at the mission. I thank parishioners, friends, and visitors for their generous support of Fr. Jesse’s mission work during the second collection. One friend and colleague of mine was watching via livestream and was so inspired by Fr. Jesse’s homily that he and his wife donated $2,500 to the Tijuana mission. I am also thankful to the Basilica staff for their warm and hospitable welcome of our friends from Tijuana.
Earlier that weekend, I had the opportunity to celebrate the wedding of a wonderful couple. They met through a mutual friend who has had a very successful run as a matchmaker. I joked during the homily that she should turn this into a business. I was struck by how reverent the couple was during the ceremony. They clearly knew that something deeply meaningful was happening and that God’s grace and blessing were present as they began their married life. It was beautiful to see and gives me hope. During the homily I also noted how many couples met during Covid – I called them Covid Couples. I wondered aloud whether all the time they spent together during Covid would contribute well to a solid foundation for their marriage.
On Sunday, another couple for whom I celebrated a wedding earlier this summer came up to me after Mass with big smiles on their faces. After sharing some pleasantries, still beaming, they told me that they were expecting their first child. I was so happy for them. They told me that the due date is in late April and we both remarked that perhaps their new child would be born on Easter. Speaking of new children, my weekend chalked full of ministry, concluded with the baptism of four children. The families all had smiles on their faces as their children experienced the grace of God through baptism. As a priest, I have always felt that sacraments are about light and hope – the light of Christ and hope that the grace given freely by God would be transformative in the lives of those who receive this grace.
In reflecting on a weekend full of grace and goodness, I was again struck by the goodness of God and by the vibrant nature of The Basilica community. So much good flows in, through, and from The Basilica. This is a special place indeed – a place where God is palpably present. In a world that can often seem unsettled and dimmed by sin and uncertainty, The Basilica of Saint Mary stands as a beacon of light and hope.