Letter from the Prelate (12 July 2019)

During his pastoral trip through the United States and Canada, Msgr Ocariz recalls the strength of the Communion of Saints and how we can help and support each other right where we are.

New York, 12 July 2019

My dearest children, may Jesus watch over my daughters and sons for me!

During these days, ever since I left Rome, I have been thanking God especially for the marvel of the Communion of Saints. With the certainty given by faith, we know that we are even closer to one another than if we were physically in the same place.

When I arrive at a place, it seems as if those of us who are there have always been together. And the same happens on leaving somewhere: the goodbyes simply produce another way of being together. We are always at home, and we can always do the Work and serve the Church, from wherever we are.

In these difficult times too, we find strength in this reality, which unites us so closely and which is the result of our personal union with Jesus Christ.

I remember some words written by St Josemaría in the Honduran Legation in times when he could hardly move. “I’m always a hundred miles from the physical place where I find myself” (30 April 1937). He could say this because he knew he was also very united to the people who were not close at hand.

I know that I can count on the support of your prayer and cheerfulness during this trip through the United States and Canada. And I am also there with all of you; we meet in a special way in the Holy Mass every day.

A very affectionate blessing from

your Father