Dear Friends in Christ, Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in the Temple and the World Day of Consecrated Life.  Last night, at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Avondale we celebrated this Feast with the Candlemas, a Vigil Mass with the Rite of Lights, a procession with blessed candles … Continue reading Celebrating the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple, Let Us Shine in the Darkness.

The splendor of truth shines forth in all the works of the Creator and, in a special way, in man, created in the image and likeness of God (cf. Gen 1:26). Truth enlightens man's intelligence and shapes his freedom, leading him to know and love the Lord. Hence the Psalmist prays: "Let the light of … Continue reading Come, let us adore Him, Christ Our Lord.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This week is National Vocation Awareness Week in the United States.  This annual event is a special time for parishes in the U.S. to foster a culture of vocations for the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life. Pope Francis, in his homily at the final Mass of the 2016 World … Continue reading Celebrating Vocations in Phoenix

          Photos of Saint Mother Teresa's Visit in Phoenix, February 1989. Saint Teresa of Calcutta has been a Mother to so many of us all over the world.   With gratitude and prayers, Sister Anthony Mary Diago, RSM  

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In the Diocese of Phoenix, the Celebrations for the Canonization of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta from September 3 - 5 were great and unforgettable. The joy of all who came was evident, and there was a palpable sense of the blessedness of this Saint who impacted us. I … Continue reading Mother Teresa is now officially a Saint!

Dear Friends in Christ, Hold on to your hats!  This weekend Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Foundress of the Missionaries of Charity and Nobel Peace Prize winner, is being declared a Saint of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday, September 4 by Pope Francis.  Let's celebrate! In February of 1989 she visited Phoenix, and she established a … Continue reading Concerned with the things of the Lord, in pursuit of holiness in body and spirit…

  Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Happy Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus!  This Feast Day reminds us that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is not only divine but also human, with a human heart that is Sacred.  It is the fount and source of our love for God and neighbor.  In our … Continue reading Let Our Hearts Beat for the Sacred Heart…

  Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On Saturday, March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted installed and gave his blessing upon Mother Marie Andre, PCPA (Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration) as the First Abbess of Our Lady of Solitude Monastery in Tonopah and the first of the Diocese of Phoenix.  This historic … Continue reading Our First Abbess, Mother Marie Andre, PCPA!

“I know for certain, that before I was humbled I was like a stone lying in deep mire, and he that is mighty came and in his mercy raised me up and, indeed, lifted me high up and placed me on top of the wall. And from there I ought to shout out in gratitude … Continue reading Blessed Holy Triduum! Happy Easter!

Dear Friends in Christ, The Year of Consecrated Life came to a close on Tuesday, February 2nd, on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord.  In the Diocese of Phoenix, the Closing Mass was on the Vigil of the Feast of the Presentation on February 1st at St. Mary's Basilica.  We give thanks to … Continue reading The Year of Consecrated Life Was Abundantly Blessed!