To celebrate the anniversary of the birth of St John Paul II, one hundred years, we had big dreams. What about a Mass for those in residence at El Rancho Nazaret at his very shrine, in the shadow of the great saint—would that be appropriate? Would that be wonderful? Everyone agreed it would be inspirational and would feed our longing for the Bread of Heaven during this long Eucharistic desert. Click title (Be Not Afraid) to contiue...

Browse the web version of the Spring 2020 edition or download the printable booklet to print, read and share with others. Click at the top menu the "Newsletter" button and then scroll down to "Read or download back issues of La Semilla".

Fr. Honorio, who is assigned to the downtown parish in Reynosa, Our Lady of Guadalupe, joyfully celebrated one year as a priest last month on the 22nd of February. The following day he was among the "Seguidores de la Cruz" at our 8:00 Sunday Mass. He asked for the opportunity to celebrate Mass with us and was assured, "nuestra casa es tu casa" (our house is your house).

Our next round of courses begins late this year because of the later Easter. The delay allowed an inspiring two-day conference for orienting and formally teaching forty of our leadership couples to understand and deepen in the concept of mentoring.

The All Souls Day is a very big feast in Mexico. Usually an altar is built with family members' photos, memorabilia and ceremonial food for the deceased. At "El Rancho Nazaret," this year's celebration was combined with the All Saints Day Festivities, moving forward our culture of life and love.

Nearly a new feast in our diocese, we were thrilled to "rev up" an All Saints Day celebration. Halloween is known by nearly everyone as a "night of witches", or "feast of devils". Everything has been learned from television, movies and social media. Hearing an explanation catches people completely off guard and incredulous.

In union with USA and Canada, we formed part of the Mexican contingent of the Rosary Coast to Coast event on October 13. Organized by our "Grupo Mariano", 150 prayer warriors gathered as families, Youth and Single Men & Women to pray and intercede on the anniversary of the signature apparition of Our Lady of Fatima.

The new and final series of courses has hit the ground running,even as the end of the Liturgical year is looming.

Check out our newsletter page to access several editions of "La Semilla" which are newly posted.

Late June brought us a flash flood in which some of the "Seguidores de la Cruz" members had to evacuate and dry out their houses. Life was seriously interrupted for a week. So a cool spell ushered us into the last days of the "Canicula" with the local lore predicting that the temperatures would remain milder than usual (though still in the low 100s, high 90s and coolest temperatures at night sometimes above 80 degrees.) ... When is the season of the "Canicula"? Click on the title (October Going Out) to continue reading.

After finishing two mini-series-- on Social Media and on Pornography-- we are presently presenting another on Chastity. Click title ("New Format Meets ...") to continue reading.

Haz clic en "homilias en español" para disfrutar unas homilias del tiempo pascual.

Elizabet, who came to a solid Catholic faith and personal knowledge of Jesus through the Solteros (the Single Men & Women of Seguidores de la Cruz). Raised a Jehova's witness, the conversion was not an easy transition for her. Her mother is a devout member of the Jehova's Witnesses and Eli, her only daughter.

Although there is a time for blessing one another with-- at least-- water. Jesus Christ [came], not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the witness, because the Spirit is the truth. There are three witnesses, the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree. (1Jo 5:6b-8)

With wonderful examples and testimonies Eric and Kiki, sent out from California by “The Culture Project”, illuminated the dignity of each human person and the current attacks against us. To read more about "Purity in Action" click on the title, "A Cultural Encounter".

Mexico is a country of many martyrs. The faith of the people plumbs depths that missionaries from the USA must observe with respect and openness to learn. Click the title "The Sacred Triduum" to read the full explanation.

Padre Honorio is serving in the Heart of Reynosa. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is affectionately called the Cathedral of Reynosa, even though it does not enjoy the canonical status of a cathedral. Click on title ("Homecoming") to read more.

With four other transitional deacons Honorio was ordained to the priesthood on the feast of the Chair of St. Peter on 22 February, 2019. The feast day coincided with our Bishop's 28th anniversary of priestly ordination as well as the 60th anniversary of the establishment of our Diocese of Matamoros.

In light of many meeting cutbacks and time constraints due to the insecurity in Reynosa, the decision was made that we would have no Pastorela this year at the Christmas celebration.  In years past the Solteros (Single Men & Women) were the organizers and production directors of the Pastorela for Seguidores de la Cruz. Belen (aged 13) was shocked at the announcement of the cancellation of the Pastorela and rallied the support of her contemporary, Melisa, to volunteer for the job of the organizing the entire operation. The two of them argued that they could not remember a Christmas without the Pastorela. (Read more-- click on the title "Christmas Traditions")

Sister Amada made permanent vows as a consecrated sister on the feast of the Immaculate Conception. The private vows were made after Sister Amada has consecrated herself for one year at a time for several years. As part of the Sisterhood of Servants of the Cross, Sister Amada takes on the Mission primarily to love the Lord Jesus with her whole heart and mind and strength.