Video Transcript

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Little things can make a big difference. Servant of God Dorothy Day wrote, “Most of our life is unimportant, filled with trivial things from morning till night. But when it is transformed by love, it is of interest even to the angels.”

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been working diligently with our pastors and their volunteers and staff to promote a healthy, smart, and holy approach to caring for the spiritual and physical well-being of one another. Much of what we do are “little things” but they make a real difference.

Priests, religious and lay leaders have worked diligently to minister and communicate with their communities throughout the pandemic. Their many efforts made it possible to keep churches open for private prayer and Eucharistic adoration, and to administer sacraments like Confession, even when we were unable to celebrate the Mass publicly. Their commitment to you and the larger community continues to this day and shows no sign of letting up. I am deeply grateful to them for keeping focused on the Lord Jesus even as they attended to countless details, thereby reminding us that, in good times and in bad, He is always with us, and His angels are at our side.

While initial efforts at physical distancing and encouraging good hygiene appeared to be successful in flattening the curve here in Arizona, recent data points to an alarming increase of those who are seriously afflicted. So, for the sake of the common good and to protect individuals and the community, I am asking you to continue to do little things like following the mandatory policies that have been implemented throughout Arizona. When you attend Mass, please wear a face mask in a spirit of care for your fellow parishioners. I thank our many staff and volunteers for doing the same while on campus and moving about in public areas when physical distancing is impossible.

We wish we could rely on the Angels to guard us without our own cooperation. But holiness does not work that way. We each have a part to play. Face masks, when used in tandem with proper physical distancing and good hygiene, help reduce the spread of this deadly virus. I know this may be a burden for some but, keeping in mind what is best for the common good, let us offer it up as a loving sacrifice to God. If you do not feel safe attending Mass yet, that is understandable. Remember that the Sunday obligation to attend Mass is dispensed during this pandemic. But still, on the Lord’s Day, watch the livestream or televised broadcast of the Mass from the safety of your home, and remember, no matter where we are, we are surrounded by Angels.

As we head into the heart of the summer, I pray you stay healthy, smart, holy — and cool! If you have travel plans, invite the Angels to accompany you, assisting you to take good care of yourself and to love your neighbor. I will be praying for you, as will Bishop Nevares. And please keep in mind his inspiring motto: “Serve the Lord with gladness.”

Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Diocese of Phoenix, pray for us.

Jesus, we trust in You.

May Almighty God bless you – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.