"He appointed twelve [whom he also named apostles] that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach." - Mark 3:14
I have thoroughly enjoyed the first half of my pastoral year at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Largo. One of the most profound graces I've experienced is to witness how several people who love the Lord and are blessed with many different talents come together in parish ministry. Like the Apostles, whose call from the Lord we hear about in today's Gospel, our ministers are all uniquely created by God and blessed in different ways but given the same mission: to proclaim the Good News.
We respect the sanctity of each individual life today as we celebrate the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children at Mass. From the Apostles to those who worship and minister in parishes today, we are united because our lives are precious in the eyes of the Father. In our diversity, we must stand united in prayer and action to defend all life at every moment from conception to natural death.
Do I recognize the God-given dignity and right to life in every person in my family, work, and other surroundings, even if it seems our differences divide rather than unite us?
Come, Holy Spirit, help us to embrace all life as sacred just as You helped Mary to embrace the Son of God Incarnate with her great "YES" to God the Father.
Reflection by:
Christian Galvan
Did You Know...
Christian Galvan is a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg currently enjoying his pastoral year assignment at St. Catherine of Siena in Largo. His home parish is St. Stephen in Riverview. He worked in engineering design and construction management for five years before discerning the call to priesthood. He enjoys singing, cooking, Rays Baseball, and Notre Dame Football.
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