dear father f.p.
Jan. 29th, 2023 10:23 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
prismaticbleedDear Father F.P:
Although I am not a member of your parish (I live too far away), I always make sure to stop by for weekday mass whenever I am in the area;
The first time I ever visited, I was returning home from a doctor's visit and was running late for my local Mass. Checking an online map for other options, I discovered your church nearby-- I hadn't known it existed before. Thanking God for perfect timing and placement, I walked in, and was immediately struck by the simple & serene beauty of both the church and your service. Your homily was brief yet strongly moving, and I cherished your sober wisdom and honest humility. Furthermore, the parishioners I met were warm and welcoming, although I was a total stranger. I left that Mass with a heart glowing brighter and warmer than before. It felt like a new day… a new chance, even. I felt like Our Lord had reached down and touched me somehow.
I mention this because, up until that Mass, I had been having a crisis of faith after surviving a significant traumatic series of events. It left me spiritually gutted; I felt cold, confused, condemned, and cut off from God. Still, I hoped against hope, refusing to give up on what, deep down, I KNEW was True and Real, despite my blindness and fears. Mercifully, true to His Name, God was faithful to respond with utmost love. He had not forgotten me; He knew exactly what I needed and when… and as He led me to Divine Mercy Parish on that otherwise ordinary afternoon, The Good Shepherd Who called you to His Work indeed worked through you most miraculously, and your simple vocational devotion genuinely changed the direction of my life. Now, one year later, I still hold that memory (and many others) like jewels in my heart, each one a testimony of grace and light, invincible and encouraging as I continue to fight the good fight of faith.
However, the most memorable service I attended at your church was for Good Friday in 2022, when the choir and musicians were present, and the building was packed to the doors with devotees. I was moved to tears several times at the deep and ardent faith I could both feel and hear from my fellow worshipers.
A week after that day, my beloved grandmother passed away. I remember telling her how beautiful that service had been, and wishing I could have shown her. Still, having that memory to share meant so much to me.
I am deeply grateful that I have the continued opportunity to share in the Eucharist at your church; however infrequent it may be, it is always a blessing. As this new year begins, God continues to pour out upon us new hopes and graces despite all the tumult of the world, and He does so most powerfully and beautifully through His Holy Mass. Therefore, every single day, we have reason to rejoice. I felt it was only right to share that gratitude with you in return, through this card, for the glory of our God… and to honor each of His divine providences that led to it.
Although I am just one soul, and this may seem like such a small thing, your faithful life has made a tremendous impact on my own and I give thanks to Our Lord for you.
May God generously bless you, your church, and all those you devotedly serve, both this year and always!
-J.L.
Although I am not a member of your parish (I live too far away), I always make sure to stop by for weekday mass whenever I am in the area;
The first time I ever visited, I was returning home from a doctor's visit and was running late for my local Mass. Checking an online map for other options, I discovered your church nearby-- I hadn't known it existed before. Thanking God for perfect timing and placement, I walked in, and was immediately struck by the simple & serene beauty of both the church and your service. Your homily was brief yet strongly moving, and I cherished your sober wisdom and honest humility. Furthermore, the parishioners I met were warm and welcoming, although I was a total stranger. I left that Mass with a heart glowing brighter and warmer than before. It felt like a new day… a new chance, even. I felt like Our Lord had reached down and touched me somehow.
I mention this because, up until that Mass, I had been having a crisis of faith after surviving a significant traumatic series of events. It left me spiritually gutted; I felt cold, confused, condemned, and cut off from God. Still, I hoped against hope, refusing to give up on what, deep down, I KNEW was True and Real, despite my blindness and fears. Mercifully, true to His Name, God was faithful to respond with utmost love. He had not forgotten me; He knew exactly what I needed and when… and as He led me to Divine Mercy Parish on that otherwise ordinary afternoon, The Good Shepherd Who called you to His Work indeed worked through you most miraculously, and your simple vocational devotion genuinely changed the direction of my life. Now, one year later, I still hold that memory (and many others) like jewels in my heart, each one a testimony of grace and light, invincible and encouraging as I continue to fight the good fight of faith.
However, the most memorable service I attended at your church was for Good Friday in 2022, when the choir and musicians were present, and the building was packed to the doors with devotees. I was moved to tears several times at the deep and ardent faith I could both feel and hear from my fellow worshipers.
A week after that day, my beloved grandmother passed away. I remember telling her how beautiful that service had been, and wishing I could have shown her. Still, having that memory to share meant so much to me.
I am deeply grateful that I have the continued opportunity to share in the Eucharist at your church; however infrequent it may be, it is always a blessing. As this new year begins, God continues to pour out upon us new hopes and graces despite all the tumult of the world, and He does so most powerfully and beautifully through His Holy Mass. Therefore, every single day, we have reason to rejoice. I felt it was only right to share that gratitude with you in return, through this card, for the glory of our God… and to honor each of His divine providences that led to it.
Although I am just one soul, and this may seem like such a small thing, your faithful life has made a tremendous impact on my own and I give thanks to Our Lord for you.
May God generously bless you, your church, and all those you devotedly serve, both this year and always!
-J.L.
