The Provincial's weekly letter to the Salesian Family:
November 21, 2014
Dear Salesian sisters and brothers,
I pray that your celebration of Thanksgiving was relaxing and filled with a spirit of gratitude and abundance. I enjoyed my Thanksgiving meal in Stockton with my Salesian Brothers from Northern California. Around 35-40 of us gathered at Mary Help of Christians Center, the Vietnamese Center near the Parish of St. Luke’s, for a social and dinner around 3pm. My Thanks go out in a special way to the community of Stockton, especially, Frs. Ramon Zarate andPaul Tran who helped organize the evening. The meal was prepared by different members of the Vietnamese community and enjoyed by us all. Thanks to all who participated in the preparation of such a beautiful meal and setting; and, thanks to all my Salesian Brothers who made the effort to drive out to Stockton for this family gathering.
Beginning with the Eucharist in the morning, at the provincial house, I spent the day reflecting on the countless blessings we have received as a province and as individuals. My last letter to you mentioned some of these blessings, but yesterday I went through the day in a spirit of gratitude for God’s continual guidance and presence in our lives. I hope this attitude of gratitude does not last for one day but continues throughout the year. It is very much a Christian, as well, as a Salesian Characteristic.
Several important events are taking place in the coming week. On Sunday, November 30th, the Church begins its new liturgical year with the first Sunday of Advent. As we prepare for the great feast of Christmas, we ask that we may open our hearts to recognize the presence of the Risen Messiah in our brothers and sisters, especially, those who are suffering, who are little and worthless in the eyes of the world and those who are vulnerable. Let us make an effort to live these next weeks in patient waiting and attentiveness.
This coming Sunday is also the feast ofSt. Andrew, the Apostle, Patron of our province. We know very little of the life of St. Andrew, except that he was called by Christ to follow him and Andrew introduced Peter, his brother, to Jesus. Both brothers were fishermen. It was also Andrew who in Chapter 6 of St. John’s Gospel, recognized the little boy who had five barely loaves and two fish. Andrew is traditionally known to have preached the gospel in what is now modern Greece and Turkey. What a wonderful reflection we have here. Andrew introduces Peter to Christ; Peter becomes the rock, leader of the Church; recognizes the worth of a young boy who can make a difference; and according to legend, is martyred in what is now Turkey and Greece. Let us ask for St. Andrew’s intercession to help us bring others to Christ; to continue being loyal to the Pope, leader of our Church; to recognize how the young continue to make a difference in our world, and to pray for the success of Pope Francis’ trip to Turkey these days.
Next week, the provincial council and I will be in Laredo and San Antonio, Texas. We are having our provincial council meetings in Laredo, at our Parish, San Luis Rey and meeting with the FMA provincial council in San Antonio, on Wednesday, December 10. At the same time a committee of the region, which includes Mike Gergen and Juan Carlos Montenegro, will be gathering in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico to discuss possibilities of a joint ministry at the border of the United States and Mexico and, hopefully, make a difference in the lives of those who suffer in those areas. I was also invited to attend and will try to be present at some point during those days. Please pray for the success of this gathering. Our Inter-American region and the congregation have encouraged us to find ways to be a hopeful presence in that region and make a difference in the border towns of our two countries. There is no easy solution but we must try.
As I close my weekly letter, let us keep in mind two more events taking place this next week. One is the beginning of the year of Consecrated Life which we have spoken about and will continue to reflect on during this coming year. Pope Francis asks us Religious, consecrated by vows, to wake up the world with our lives. We need to discover ways to do this! Also, gathering in San Antonio, Texas next week, will be the members of the NCCYM (NationalConference of Catholic Youth Ministers). Several of our Salesians (SDB, FMA and Lay Collaborators ) from the West and East will be participating in this annual event. Let us keep them in prayer.
As we enter this very busy but enriching month, let us continue to be people of hope and eager expectations. We believe in a God of Surprises, which will become quite evident as we live out the days of Advent and celebrate the great feast of surprises: the entry of God into our world, for he loves us so much.
With warm regards,
Ted
Rev. Ted Montemayor, SDB
Provincial
