Video Transcript

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In a variety of ways, Jesus constantly fulfills His promise: “Behold, I am with you always.” In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, above all, He gives us the gift of His own Body and Blood, soul and divinity. In this wondrous mystery of love is found the source and summit of the Church’s life in Christ. As St. John Paul II said, “The Church draws her life from the Eucharist.” This explains why there was such rejoicing this past Sunday, when the public celebration of the Mass began again in our Diocese.

Even though the numbers who came were limited, since the gravity of the COVID-19 pandemic remains, I am deeply grateful that many parishes were able to take the steps needed to resume this central act of the Church’s worship of God. We look forward to other parish communities following suite when it is safe. Mindful that unity does not mean uniformity, I am grateful to all our pastors and their staffs for their efforts to discern when it is possible and prudent to fulfill publicly the command of Jesus at the Last Supper, “Do this in memory of me.”

While we have done our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, a key protocol for keeping safe was expressed by the words “Social Distancing.” Recently, a senior priest wrote to me that we should not be encouraging the use of this phrase, since we humans, by our very nature, are social beings. Created in the image of the Blessed Trinity, we are called to encounter others, not socially distance ourselves from them; to develop healthy relationships and to live in harmony built on truth and love.

Of course, we know that term “social distancing” was coined to prevent the spread of a dangerous disease, to keep a physical separation between people to slow the pandemic. But the term “social distancing” could imply emotional and human estrangement. A better word to use is “physical distancing” because we can be apart spatially, but we need to be socially close to family, friends, and all our brothers and sisters in Christ’s Body, the Church.

Let us remember that the precautions taken in recent months were done for the good of public health.

Last Sunday, some were able to come together for Mass, but a risk remains for many. The general dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation continues. So, with the light of the Holy Spirit, determine what is best for you and your family. Catholics in the Diocese of Phoenix who are vulnerable or elderly are encouraged to stay home. Please watch the televised Mass or your parish live stream and make a spiritual communion.

You who can come to Mass will notice how our parishes are working hard to clean and sanitize public spaces; however, it is important for individuals and families to take personal responsibility to protect themselves by adhering to physical distancing guidelines, frequent hand washing, and using face coverings while in public. While it may be a sacrifice, please remember these precautions are not only to protect yourself but also to protect others around you.

Remember those wonderful words of Jesus at the Last Supper: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever remains in Me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without Me you can do nothing.” As we move through this pandemic, let us savor these words of Jesus our Lord. Like the Holy Family at Nazareth, let us stay connected to one another with acts of kindness, pray for one another unceasingly, and in union with Christ, give glory and honor to God.

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. Amen.