Pastor's Note from Fr. Szparagowski 📝

Dear St. Philip Neri Friends and Family,

We give praise and thanks to God for the graces and blessings He has given us! The season of Advent continues, and the Word of God calls us again to prepare the way of the Lord. In today's Gospel, we hear the voice of John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness; "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His path." John's message is clear and urgent. He calls the people to repentance, to turn their hearts back to God, and to make ready for the coming of the Messiah.

Advent is our time to listen to that same voice. We prepare for Christmas not only by decorating and planning but by making room in our hearts for Christ. John the Baptist challenges us to look honestly at our lives. Where do we need to straighten the crooked paths of sin or selfishness? Where do we need to clear away the rough places of anger or resentment? God wants to come to us, but He asks us to prepare a welcome place within.

In the first reading, the prophet Baruch, speaks words of hope to a people in exile. He tells them to take off their robe of mourning and to put on the splendor of glory from God. God will lead His people home with mercy and justice. These words remind us that Advent is not only a season of repentance but also of hope. No matter how far we may have wandered, God desires to bring us back. He never tires of offering forgiveness and new beginnings.

St. Paul, in the second reading, prays that our love may increase and that we may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. This is what true Advent preparation looks like. It is not just waiting, it is growing. We prepare for the Lord by growing in love, by deepening our prayer, and by living with compassion and faithfulness as disciple of Christ.

This week, the Church celebrates two great Marian feasts that shine beautifully within the Advent season. On December 8th, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast reminds us that God prepared Mary from the first moment of her existence to be the pure vessel through which His Son would come into the world. She was free from sin so that she could give her complete "yes" to God's plan. Her holiness reminds us of what God desires for all of us; to be filled with grace, free from sin, and open to His will.

Mary is the perfect example of Advent faith. She teaches us how to wait, how to trust, and how to say yes to God, even when we do not understand everything. When we honor her Immaculate Conception, we also renew our own desire to live in God's grace and to let His light shine through us.

Later this week, on December 12th, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas. Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531 with a message of comfort and hope. She reminded him, "Am I not here, I who am your mother?" Her appearance brought healing, unity, and faith to countless people. In her, we see God's tenderness for all His children, especially the poor and the forgotten.

These two Marian feasts during Advent remind us that Mary always leads us to her Son. She is the model of a heart prepared for Christ. She teaches us that holiness begins with openness to God's grace. She shows us that even in uncertain times, God is faithful, and His promises will be fulfilled.

So, as we enter the second week of Advent, let us hear the voice of John the Baptist again. Let us prepare the way of the Lord; not just in our homes, but in our hearts. Let us look to Mary, the Immaculate One, and to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the gentle mother of mercy, as our guides.

Please invite someone to Mass today.

St. Philip Neri, pray for us!

Have a blessed day,