Dear Friend of Carmel Mission,
What a difference a year can make! I remember last year at this time, confronting a situation I had never experienced in over forty years as a priest, a Holy Week without public celebrations. We were fortunate that we were able to pivot quickly and begin to build our virtual community at that time, and equally fortunate that we are now able to both continue to be online, as well as welcome you all to the Basilica and our beautiful Central Courtyard. Click here to see our schedule for Holy Week.
It is heartening that COVID-19 numbers are improving in California, and that our county has moved into a slightly less restrictive tier. However we remain cognizant that the pandemic is not yet over. People continue to lose their lives and their loved ones to this deadly virus, and the health and safety of our staff, parishioners and visitors continues to be our first priority. Thank you for your patience and understanding and your appreciation of the hard work our staff is doing to ensure we can welcome people safely.
Today we journey with Jesus to Jerusalem, palms held high in triumph, welcoming a Messiah and King. Yet in a few short days we will be crying, “Crucify Him!” Such are the vagaries of human nature, a nature Jesus knew so well Himself that He needed no one to testify to it. (John 2:25) Jesus knew how flawed humankind is, yet He still willing suffered and died for us.
I am sure that, like me, you have been horrified to witness the recent incidences of hate and violence in our nation, in Atlanta and in Colorado. Two thousand and twenty-one years later, the great act of unconditional love that Jesus performed on the cross at Calvary still has the power to change our hearts and thus to change the arc of hate and violence in our nation. As followers of the crucified Christ we are called to be an active part of that change. As we begin this holiest week, I invite you to join me in asking God how we can work to end hate and violence, and share the healing power of God’s love with the world.
I wish you and your loved ones continued blessings of good health, renewed hope and great peace,
Fr. Paul
Please take a moment to read our Carmel Mission Weekly Bulletin.