Seven pilgrims participated in the Canonization Mass of St Charles de Foucauld on May 15 in St Peter's square. Two of these were representatives of Servants of the Cross from the mission in Reynosa, Mexico. A pilgrimage presents the pilgrims a microcosm of life. Our existence on earth is a journey, in the presence of the Lord, to our true home in heaven for eternity.
Sunday, August 8, will initiate a new cycle of our "school year". Even though the COVID rate of infection has spiked on both sides of the boarder, we will move forward with a good number of courses with Couples, Families and Single Men & Women (Solteros) in attendance at El Rancho Nazaret. We'll be observing all of the Church and secular guidelines for protection from contagion, and are grateful to the Lord for this renewed opportunity.
Seven pilgrims participated in the Canonization Mass of St Charles de Foucauld on May 15 in St Peter's square. Two of these were representatives of Servants of the Cross from the mission in Reynosa, Mexico.
We have finally begun courses at "El Rancho Nazaret". While we continue to meet virtually in many instances, the courses which follow Sunday Mass, began on April 3rd.
Pepe and Mary celebrated their fiftieth Anniversary Mass on February 19. They have been foundational members of "Seguidores de la Cruz" since we arrived in Reynosa, Mexico.
Four of our young ladies are making waves in the movement of "Seguidores de la Cruz". Adrianna, Sarah Abigail, Ariadna and Monica celebrated their "Quinceañera" pageants together; an almost unheard of feat. In Spanish, the translation of fifteen (quince) and years (años) forms the contraction which indicates the title of the celebration. The word "pageant" is an apt description of how this rite-of-passage custom has come to be celebrated nowadays, but our four really toned down that aspect.
Traditional Guadalupe festivities resumed even amid COVID protocols this year. The Dec 12th feast fell on a Sunday, so many of the families were gathered for Mass at "El Rancho Nazaret".
Rosario is a leader in the Single Men and Women's group. At Dick Herman's memorial service in November she was one of the speakers who honored his memory and his legacy, as we celebrated together as "Seguidores de la Cruz" (Followers of the Cross). Dick was always called Don Ricardo by members of the movement
In November we gathered in joyful prayer, remembering our founder, Dick Herman, who died four years ago. Such a bright and beautiful morning had us spread out around the memorial shrine, everyone attentive but seeking shade from the sun.
Many of us were recently in Ohio, talking to many friends of the mission at Jane O’Connor’s funeral. Jane was a faithful supporter and a “missionary of intercession” since the founding of Servants of the Cross. “How are things going in the mission?” was the most frequent question we were asked.
While restrictions in the USA become more relaxed, especially in light of many being vaccinated, Here in Reynosa we are still experiencing an increase of cases. Three of our six single women have recently recovered from the virus-- thanks be to the Lord Jesus.
The "Solteros" (Single Men & Women’s Group) followed through on a tradition of the Holy Week and Sacred Triduum observance to plunge into the Paschal Mystery with the whole Church. COVID-19 restrictions this year modified the vision.
Deacon Arturo, who has celebrated Mass with us at El Rancho Nazaret, was ordained to the priesthood on 19th of March. In the year of St. Joseph he received holy orders at our St. Joseph’s Seminary on the feast of the great saint. (Click on the title "Meet Fr. Arturo" to continue reading)
We are mourning the death by COVID-19 of Sabas Nanco, a faithful "Seguidor de la Cruz" (Follower of the Cross). With his wife and children, we look to the final victory in Jesus Christ who will raise our mortal bodies to be like His. Until that last day we fight the good fight and call each other to hope in the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus the Lord.
For two months, all of October and November, we celebrated Sunday Mass facing the rising sunshine. Now we are back inside our "Santisima Trinidad" hall.
Our diocese, and Mexico in general, are about 6 weeks behind most of the states in the USA in terms of opening the restrictions of the pandemic shutdown. We have been celebrating Sunday Mass in the open air, under a "palapa", for four weeks. Each Sunday we have added more families who form part of the leadership to celebrate, not merely in virtual communion, but in Sacramental Communion and communion of persons.
Ruben and Martha were ready to make the announcement of their engagement to the group of Solteros (single men and women) in March, just when the Covid-19 virus shut down all meetings and gatherings. So, our couple helped to initiate the virtual communication, socialization and daily (virtual) reality of which we are all familiar.