“Hope doesn’t disappoint us, but strengthens us in times of trials” – Pope Francis During a recent hospital visit, I sat with a cancer patient who shared something profound. Gazing into the lush green vegetation outside, he said, “When I see the greenery outside, it brings consolation and hope to my heart.” He then recalled a previous hospital stay in a different room, where his only view was a blank wall. “That was difficult,” he admitted, “because all I saw was emptiness.” His words reminded me of the famous short story ‘The Last Leaf’ by O. Henry, in which a [...]

As we celebrate the dawn of 2025, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the blessings of the past year and the anticipation of a new year filled with hope and renewal. The joy of Christmas lingers in our hearts as we reflect on God’s boundless love, made manifest in the humble birth of Jesus Christ. His coming into the world reminds us that every season of life holds a promise of peace, a gift of renewal, and an assurance of hope. As a parish community, this New Year is particularly special for us. We are not only preparing for [...]

As a 23-year-old, I often find myself standing at the crossroads of "What’s next?" Life after college doesn’t come with a map, and I’ve felt the weight of questions we all face at some point—where am I going, what’s my purpose, and how do I even begin to figure it all out? It’s easy to get lost in that uncertainty. We’re constantly bombarded by the pressure to have it all together, whether it’s career plans, relationships, or just navigating adulthood in a world that seems to change every minute. What’s next? For a long time, I thought the [...]