March 25, 2020
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today is the Solemnity of the Annunciation. How grateful we are for Mary’s “yes” to become the Mother of God. What a gift she gave us, Jesus! Let’s all make sure we pray a rosary today in thanksgiving for this. In Jesus, God became man, one of us, so He could be near us and with us, always. He stays with us in the Eucharist and through the Holy Spirit which He has gifted us each with. He never leaves us alone nor abandons us, and asks that we in turn strive to do the same, accompany one another, bringing Christ to one another. It’s hard to do that now, in isolation, but we have to be creative and of course, we do it by our prayers! We have so much to be grateful for, even amidst the great sorrow and challenge we now face. We do not face it alone. We join ourselves and our sacrifices to Him and His ultimate sacrifice on Calvary. God can make good come from evil, and He will. God is always faithful, even when we falter.
Reminder, noon today, Pope Francis asked Christians throughout the whole world to join together in praying an Our Father. Don’t forget!
Finally, I am ordaining David Keyes a deacon today for our diocese unfortunately at a private Mass. A sign of hope, and that the work of the Church continues. He has been serving a pastoral year at the Cathedral and will be a good servant for our Church. Please pray for David and for all of our seminarians who continue their priestly formation now under challenging circumstances too. God is providing for us; let’s ask Him to send more too!
Know of my love and prayers for you. I miss seeing you, but bring you to my altar each day in prayer at the Eucharist and carry you in my thoughts and prayers throughout the day, especially those who are sick or suffering from the virus. You lighten my day and my small burdens, and I am so grateful for you.
God bless you and may Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe who is ours in a special way, protect and guide us through this mess.
With renewed best wishes, I remain
Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen
