Storm and Faith

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
June 21, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Jb 38:1, 8-11 / Psalm 107 / 2 Cor 5:14-17 / Mk 4:35-41
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

At some time in the past, some of us have experienced a storm while at sea, at the lake, or even while driving. For many of us, especially those who travel quite often, the closest experience that we may have is turbulence on a plane. During that time, it is a big relief when someone gives us assurance that everything will be fine. (more…)

Wireless Connection

Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 3, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Acts 9:26-31 / 1 Jn 3:18-24 / Jn 15:1-8
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

As we all know, we are living in a wireless world. Everything seems to be wireless. This microphone on the lectern is not wireless, but even if I step away from that microphone, you can still hear me, because I am using a wireless microphone on my neck. Even the microphone that Phil [choir member] is using is wireless, so he can go around the church and you can still hear him. (more…)

We Walk by Faith

Second Sunday of Easter/Divine Mercy Sunday
April 12, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Acts 4:32-35 / 1 Jn 5:1-6 / Jn 20:19-31
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Talking about accident forgiveness, one of the lines in the most recent TV commercial of Liberty Mutual Insurance, is “Insurance Companies: News Flash. Nobody’s perfect.” We all know that this is not news. It is a reality which is as old as humanity.

A few years ago, I saw a bumper sticker on a car which said: “I am not perfect, just forgiven.” (more…)

We Are a Resurrection People

Easter Sunday
April 5, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Acts 10:34a, 37-43; Psalm 118; Col 3:1-4; Jn 20:1-9
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

On Easter Sunday last year, in this same pulpit, in this same church of the Holy Name of Mary, Deacon Ray gave a homily about the Joy of the Resurrection. For those of you who were not here last year, I highly encourage you to read his inspiring homily at our Holy Name of Mary website. Preaching about Christ’s Resurrection he said “Death being conquered frees us to live and love with the knowledge that whatever happens, life and love extend beyond the grave.” (more…)

We Are God’s Temple

Third Sunday of Lent
March 8, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Ex 20:1-17 / 1 Cor 1:22-25 / Jn 2:13-25
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Spring is here, although not formally, not until March 20, but we already spring forward. I love those words: “Spring forward.” We don’t spring backward, we always spring forward. And this is what we do with our spiritual life. We always move forward. (more…)

The Joy of Listening to Jesus

Second Sunday of Lent
March 1, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Gn 22:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18; Psalm 116; Rom 8:31B-34; Mk 9:2-10
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

While I was away, Holy Name of Mary was in the Catholic Virginian again with Colleen’s article, “It All Began with a Word.” After consistently reading the sacred scriptures for several days, she got the inspiration to start the Holy Spirit Prayer Ministry. One of those who recently attended the Prayer Ministry said, “I came feeling sick and depressed. I left feeling joyful!” (more…)

Coming Home

First Sunday of Lent
February 22, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Gn 9:8-15; Psalm 25; 1 Pt 3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

I would like to thank all of you for praying for me while I traveled back from the Philippines. It’s quite a change from 90-degree temperature all the time to 8 degrees with snow. 99 percent of my relatives & friends in my hometown have never seen, much less touched, snow. So when they heard there was a snowstorm here, they asked me to try to explain snowflakes and snow formation. I tried, but (more…)

Listening to the Voice of God

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
January 18, 2015 – Year B
Readings: 1 Sm 3:3b-10, 19; Psalm 40, 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20; Jn 1:35-42
by Rev. Louis J. Canino, ofm

This past week, I was in Syracuse NY for the funeral of an aunt who died at 102 years of age. It was quite a celebration of her life. I hadn’t seen some of my cousins and relatives in years. After the wake and funeral, we gathered together in my aunt’s house. There were about 30-40 of us. In one particular circle of people, I felt there were about 3 conversations going on at one time, and I didn’t know who to listen to. (more…)

You’ll Never Walk Alone

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
January 11, 2015 – Year B
Readings: Is 42:1-4, 6-7; Psalm – Isaiah 12; Acts 10:34-38; Mk 1:7-11
by Rev. Mr. Eddie Craig, Permanent Deacon

From September 1940 until May 1941, Hitler’s Luftwaffe carried out an intense bombing campaign of London. His intent was to demoralize the British people and and encourage them to surrender quickly. The damage inflicted on the city was great and causalities were high. The destruction in the East End of London was especially bad. In spite of this and against the advice of many of his advisors, King George VI and his wife Elizabeth decided to stay in London instead of evacuating to the countryside. (more…)

Dwelling in God’s Eternal Kingdom

Mass of Christian Burial for Baby Moses Jacques Baptiste
January 2, 2015
Readings: Lamentations 3:17-26; Psalm 25; 1 John 3:1-2; Matthew 25:35-40
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

In 28 years of the priesthood, I have never had a funeral Mass for a baby as young as Baby Moses. This is a first for me. (more…)