The Apostle Saint Andrew by El Greco (Spain, 1541)
Dear Friends in Christ,
God bless you, and happy Feast Day of St. Andrew, Patron Saint for Vocations since he introduced many, including his brother, Peter, to follow Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Humbly being transparent in his discipleship and service to Jesus, St. Andrew is a great model for us to bring others to Jesus Christ, to know Him, love Him and be loved by Him.
On Sunday, October 28, the Feast of Ss. Simon and Jude, we had a vibrant 4th Annual Vocations Celebration Fair at Most Holy Trinity Parish in Phoenix with Religious Sisters and many families. The Sisters and Fathers of the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity (SOLT) helped host this life-giving gathering of children, families and Religious Sisters to celebrate Vocations. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted was the main celebrant of the 10:00 a.m. Mass, and he preached on the gift of being called to become holy. God has a plan for each of us to become a Saint. The children were invited to come to the Fair dressed up as a Saint with the awareness that God is calling each of them to become a Saint. How important it is for each son and daughter of God to ask , “How is it that You, Lord, are calling me to become a Saint? What is Your plan for me, Lord, to live a holy life? What is my vocation?”
Bishop Thomas Olmsted with St. Padre Pio and his family.
Look who came? St. Padre Pio with the stigmata!
Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted with Fr. Dale Craig, SOLT, Pastor of Most Holy Trinity Parish, Phoenix.
A magic show by Fr. Jim Blantz, CSC captivated the audience, especially Robert.
Fr. Jim Blantz, CSC, a Holy Cross Father, gave a magic show to remember forever!
Sr. Mary Gertrude Blankenhagen, OP of St. John Paul II Catholic High School greets the Bishop.
A great conversation with Sister Mary Angela Alexander, RSM, Director of CCHD/CRS in Phoenix.
Sweet Salvatorians Sisters Georgene Faust and Leticia Regala, SDS, visit with Bishop Olmsted.
Lovers of the Holy Cross of Saigon in Vietnam cannot hide their enthusiasm with Bishop!
The Missionaries of Charity, founded by St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, were there smiling!
The Carmelite Missionary Sisters of St. Therese of the Child Jesus are great models of joy for us!
Let’s hear it for the Daughters of Charity from St. Vincent de Paul Parish and School in Phoenix!
And the winners of the prized baskets were…
Zoe Faustina Zuk, dressed up as St. Gianna Molla, won a basket. Her mom, Kelly Zuk, is expected to have a baby very soon on Christmas Day! Thanks be to God!
Fr. Fernando Camou presents a big reward to a very happy and grateful Saint Anthony of Padua.
Congratulations!
A great time was had by all, and there will be more to come. Don’t miss out on next year’s Vocation Celebration Fair. Come and join the family at St. Andrew’s in Chandler!
A double rainbow brightens a rainy day in Phoenix, Arizona, the Valley of the Sun!
Remember the Fidelity of Jesus: Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Family. This is the theme of the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of Phoenix which we are celebrating this year up to the date of the Anniversary of the Diocese, December 2, 2019. The rainbow is a sign of God’s Covenant with His People, and He will be faithful forever. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Creator and Redeemer is always faithful – yesterday, today and forever. As we begin the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Diocese this Sunday, December 2, let us have deep gratitude and joy for God’s love and fidelity to us. His Mercy endures forever. Let us always be faithful as we are led by Our Father in Heaven to be holy.
God bless you.
With prayers, I am
Your Sister in Christ,
Sister Anthony Mary Diago, RSM
Director of the Office of Consecrated Life
Diocese of Phoenix, AZ
Waking Up the World 