A Letter from our Pastor

Dear St. William Parishioners,

God bless you!  In October, I along with a group of pilgrims traveled through Greece and Turkey in the footsteps of St. Paul. Since then, I have been reflecting on what we lived during those days. My love for St. Paul had been strong since my re-conversion to the faith in 2003, but this journey further deepened my love for him and the days we experienced together left me much to reflect on and unpack. I’ll focus on a few here.

Do we see ourselves as disciples even in the face of adversity?

Like St. Paul, I experienced a radical encounter with Jesus that forever changed my life. I heard the Lord say to me, “You have been doing things your way—look where it’s led you. Will you try it my way?” My heart said ‘yes,’ and soon I experienced a transformation unlike any other. Additionally, I share in St. Paul’s mission to preach Christ crucified (1 Cor. 1:23).

Walking through the places where St. Paul lived and preached, from ancient Corinth, Philippi, Ephesus, Thessaloniki, and Athens, I was reminded of the great challenges he faced. Despite persecution, mockery, and rejection, St. Paul boldly preached the Gospel of Christ crucified and risen. I was humbled as I recognized my own past shortcomings, times I failed to defend the faith when opportunities arose, worried more about others’ opinions than the truth. If we reflect on certain moments in our lives where we were perhaps called to speak on our faith, how did we respond?


Do we entrust our families and homes to Our Lady’s intercession?

You may also know about my deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Visiting her house in Ephesus was an intensely moving experience. I felt her love in a way I never have before, and I prayed for you, my dear parish family, as I’ve done every day. I was in her house praying and thanking her for my life and for you, the gift that I have the privilege of serving as your pastor at St. William. My mother, Isabel Gamez, entrusted me to Our Lady’s care years ago, and I owe my vocation to the intercession of both my earthly and heavenly mothers. In her house, I found peace and joy. Many ask me to pray for children who have strayed from the faith. While I do pray, I also encourage them to leave their children with Our Lady, just as my mother did for me. Mary is a loving mother who wants only the best for her children, even more than we do.


Are we continuously growing in trust that the Lord is working in our lives, even when His plans are not yet revealed to us?

There is still much from the pilgrimage that I continue to reflect on, and that I patiently await the Lord to reveal to my heart. Even though I do not have all the answers, I already sense the Lord’s work in my life. How can I be sure? I feel a deep sense of peace in my heart, as though the Lord is gently holding it in His hands. This is a reminder that we must let go and allow the Lord to work in our lives at His pace—and to trust that God’s plan will unfold in due time. Many times we want to get ahead of him. I know because that used to be me. St. Paul and Our Lady are two examples of people who waited with great anticipation on the Lord’s timing. May we do the same.

Ad Jesum per Mariam,

Fr. Francisco Rodriguez III
Pastor


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