Dear Parishioners,

I have had the great joy of traveling to the Holy Land in Israel on two separate occasions. The first was 10 years ago, just a month after my ordination to the diaconate. The seminary had begun a program where each seminarian was sponsored to spend 10 days studying in the places where Jesus himself was. At the time, I had the privilege of serving as a deacon at the Masses we celebrated at these holy places. My second visit to the Holy Land was 3 years ago when I had the opportunity of accompanying 30 pilgrims along with one of my priest friends. One of my favorite places in the Holy Land is Mount Tabor. For those of you who have been you’ll remember that Mount Tabor is not the easiest place to get to. There are two options to getting to the top of the mount. The first is walking up, which can be difficult for anyone of any age. The second option is taking a 6 passenger minivan up to the top of which there is a two lane road that literally curves the actual mount (if you’re like me and afraid of heights, don’t look out the window!). Once you get to the top of the mount you are greeted to one of the most beautiful churches in the Holy Land, the Church of the Transfiguration. The reredos of this beautiful church depicts the scene of today’s gospel in which our Lord is transfigured before Peter, James and John. I love Peter’s response to Jesus after he witnessed this spectacular event. He says to the Lord, “It is good that we are here”. After the ordeal of getting up to Mount Tabor I remember saying those exact words, it is good that we are here! As we gather for Mass on this second Sunday of Lent, our words should be that of Peter, It is good that we are here. It is good that we can gather as a parish community this Lenten season to give praise and glory to our God. It is good that we can give witness to the love Christ has for us and his Church. As we continue to journey with the Lord in the desert this Lenten season, let us pray that our eyes will never be taken off Jesus.

Youth Art, Photo and Poetry Contest

Our parish will once again hold an art contest. This contest is aimed for the youth of our parish to participate in. This year’s theme is to illustrate the life of Blessed Isidore Bakanja, who was a Carmelite from the Congo. Instructions for the contest can be found in this week’s bulletin. There will be three prizes awarded. All work will be displayed next weekend at the Brooklyn Waldorf School.

Lenten Vespers and Stations of the Cross

Each Tuesday night during the season of Lent we will pray Solemn Vespers with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. This Tuesday evening, March 10th, Vespers will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church beginning at 7:00PM. We will welcome Father Fred Marano as the homilist. We will also pray stations of the cross every Friday night at each of our three churches beginning at 7:00PM.

Have a great week,

Father Alonzo Q. Cox