The Paschal Mystery: Passion, Death, and Resurrection

Dear St. Agnes Family,

Blessings!

As we enter into the Sacred Triduum, I would like to share with you a moment from earlier this week that was very meaningful for me as a priest.

On Tuesday, Fr. Jorge Reyes and I joined over 200 priests of the Archdiocese of Miami at the Cathedral for the Chrism Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Wenski. It is always a beautiful and powerful sign of the Church, so many priests gathered together, united in one priesthood, serving God’s people.

During this Mass, the Holy Oils are blessed, oils that will be used throughout the year in our parishes for Baptism, Confirmation, and the Anointing of the Sick. In a very real way, this moment connects the entire Church, from the Cathedral to every parish. But for us as priests, one of the most meaningful parts of the Mass is the renewal of our priestly promises.

Each year, I stand before the Lord and renew that “yes,” a moment of gratitude, humility, and recommitment. This year marked my 25th time renewing those promises. What made it especially meaningful this year was standing there alongside Fr. Jorge Reyes, as he renewed those promises as a newly ordained priest for the first time at the Chrism Mass.

There is something deeply moving about that, seeing the beginning of a priestly life alongside the perseverance of many years. It is a reminder that the priesthood is not something we live on our own strength, but a grace that God sustains.

On this Holy Thursday, the Church gives thanks for the gift of the Eucharist and the priesthood, two inseparable gifts entrusted to us by Christ at the Last Supper.

I humbly ask you, dear parish family, to pray for your priests.

Pray for Fr. Jorge, as he continues to grow in his priestly ministry.

Pray for me, that I may continue to serve you faithfully.

And pray for all priests, that we may remain close to Christ and lead His people with love.

Be assured of my prayers for each of you as we walk together through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord.

In Christ,

Fr. jc