As your pastor, I am sure many of you have heard me say those words over the years. I am often trying to encourage others to realize that God has a plan for our lives, even when we are unsure or tentative in our trusting Him. Last week was filled with planning and preparation for me, (especially with the help of our wonderful volunteers), in anticipation of the Centennial Memorial Mass and Celebration in honor of Father Narcisse Martin. You may have heard me mention that name a few times. An added joy for me was a very short trip of three days that I was embarking on—to...

For the past two weeks, I have written about the great celebration of Father Martin’s Centennial Memorial Mass and the Festival of Joy on Sunday, August 6. I also invited each of you to consider joining our initial team of a dozen volunteers. The response has been beyond my expectations...joy is contagious! I always believed that the preparation of any major event is as important as the event itself. The French philosopher, Montaigne, is often quoted for having stated, “Les voyages forment la jeunesse”. Literally, “Travels form/shape/educate the youth”, or ‘travels broaden the minds of the youth’. Whether young, middle-aged or old, it is true. I remember writing an essay on the topic for my final test for graduation from high school (National written exam). I recall dividing my essay into three parts: 1. Preparation before trip departure. 2. The trip itself. 3. After the trip. This is why pilgrimages and summer camps are so crucial for...

Last week, in my column, I wrote the latest information about the great celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the death of Father Martin (1845-1923), on Sunday, August 6—the Feast Day of the Transfiguration of the Lord!! At the end of each Mass I celebrated last weekend, I said I will be relentless during the last four weeks of preparation for this major event, one of the most Powerful and Joyful celebrations EVER held at Our Lady Help of Christians! It is a privilege and honor for our parish to host this event, but it is not about our parish. It is all about Father Narcisse Martin, how his legacy is still alive 100 years after his death, and ought to be shared with the world beyond Waldorf. Last week, I informed you of the highlights of the Sunday, August 6, 11:30 a.m. Mass. Today, I would like to present to you the highlights of the Festival of Joy beginning (12:30 p.m.) that will follow the Mass: 1. This Festival of Joy is inspired by the famous annual picnics that Father Martin held at St. Peter’s, St. Michael’s, and St. Dominic’s churches. At that time, our parish was not yet born; we were established in 1980, over 50 years after the death of Father Martin, with the Waldorf population rapidly increasing with the new St. Charles developments (which continue today). 2. As you well know, JOY is my favorite...

We are only one month away from the Great Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the death of Father Narcisse Martin (1845-1923) on Sunday, August 6!! This will be one of the most Powerful and Joyful Celebrations EVER held at Our Lady Help of Christians! MOST POWERFUL! We are celebrating the life of a Saint who served the entire areas of Waldorf/Baden/Accokeek for 29 long and holy years (1894-1923). Father Martin was a true inspiration in ways to evangelize recent immigrants including German- and French-speaking farmers (from Europe), African-Americans (many former slaves), and Native Americans (the Piscataway Indians). We are remembering the legacy of someone who demonstrated...