So it's August, and the summer is more behind us than ahead of us. I know we call it Fall 2026, but I feel as though, in San Antonio, fall doesn't feel like fall until November at the earliest.
It's been an eventful summer. I started off the summer by discovering that I have a medical condition which affects most everything about my health and well-being and may be genetic. I have discovered my diet and lifestyle have to change — strict schedule, strict supplements, and food choices as an even bigger priority than it had been. I've had to re-evaluate many things in my life and determine what I do and do not want to spend my time doing. Don't feel badly for me — this has been a gift — truly. As Alfonso Liguori would say — God's will be done.
My responsibilities to the Vocations Committee, to the Knights of Columbus, and to Adoration have not changed. Men's Group is on a hiatus until next month. I need to prioritize my family when school is out of session and reconnect with friends and loved ones. Again — I see these as opportunities.
But my youngest sibling would not. She is suffering from mental and physical torment and has done everything that she can think of to rid herself of this — medically and spiritually. Please pray for her healing.
I've read a fair amount this summer, and tried to build up my prayer life, but the Rosary often slips as does Liturgy of the Hours. It was somewhat more consistent in June and July with the Magnificat, but I have to travel to a store to purchase it each month and miss out on the singing I enjoyed from my app for Lauds, Vespers and Compline.
Much of this letter is more of an update than a true reflection of any spiritual feast day or saint. I will say, recently I was reflecting briefly on the feast of the Transfiguration — the fruit of the mystery being the desire for holiness — which I assisted in leading during our church's Holy Hour for Vocations this past Thursday.
I have reflected on this — and specifically on the most significant event in my life. I have milestones in my life but I still cannot fully wrap my head around it. Our Lady appeared to me in a dream — my sense of self disappeared and only she was left. She encompassed all that was, sending me a direct message. I have had small blessings throughout my life, and many sufferings, but this was certainly what I would call extraordinary and miraculous. I dreamt in the past year of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She appeared to me and encouraged devotion to her. I think of it all the time — what that really means, what devotion means. The best I can understand it is bending my will to the will of God. Honoring her as Christ's mother. Putting God ahead of myself. Being a servant.
A year ago I would say I didn't expect to ever hear the voice of God or experience anything extraordinary or miraculous in my life. Two years ago I would say I didn't expect to become a Knight of Columbus. Three years ago I would not have expected to become a member of Eucharistic Adoration or even know what it entailed. I definitely would say I was too quiet and not outgoing enough to join a Men's Ministry group at church. Making new friends at my age, three or four years ago seemed incredibly unlikely. Just a few months ago I was not sure if I would ever find a way to maintain my health — it looked daunting.
But here I am. I'm writing to you — urging you to stay the course. I didn't know why I had to go through all that suffering. I left my comfort zone, I strove to become closer to God. I was tested. I am still tested each and every day. In John 21, Christ asks of Peter if he loves him. His experiences in life have made him humbled. He responds with *philio* — brotherly love. My life has humbled me. I stand as a Eucharistic minister and we recite, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." This is how I stand, eyes downward, contemplating the sacrifice that God makes to come into this world and die for our sins — again and again, to be the spotless victim. I am humbled because I am still a work in progress.
But God knows, Mary knows, and Christ in John 21 knows this of us. We are works in progress. That is why the third time Christ asks if Peter loves him (*philio*) he comes down to his level. Christ tries to meet us where we are — to meet us in our brokenness.
I am just a man. St. Bernadette Soubirous is a saint I hope to one day emulate. When asked about her apparition at Lourdes she said,
"The Virgin used me as a broom to remove the dust. When the work is done, the broom is put behind the door again."
My hope is to develop a humble heart. I aim for this humility each day. I don't always get there — but I try.
This month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, please pray for my family, pray for my soul, pray for our congregation at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church, pray for our world. God knows, we need more people like St. Bernadette Soubirous. And God also knows we need good seminarians.
Mary, mother of God, pray for us.