All must embark on a path of dialogue

June 13, 2019

201. The majority of people living on our planet profess to be believers. This should spur religions to dialogue among themselves for the sake of protecting nature, defending the poor, and building networks of respect and fraternity. Dialogue among the various sciences is likewise needed, since each can tend to become enclosed in its own language, while specialization leads to a certain isolation and the absolutization of its own field of knowledge. This prevents us from confronting environmental problems effectively. An open and respectful dialogue is also needed between the various ecological movements, among which ideological conflicts are not infrequently encountered.

The gravity of the ecological crisis demands that we all look to the common good, embarking on a path of dialogue which demands patience, self-discipline and generosity, always keeping in mind that “realities are greater than ideas.” (Evangelii Gaudium)

Source : Laudato Si'

Msgr. Kenneth Schwanger

Our Lady of Lourdes Church

My Dear Family of Our Lady of Lourdes,

This weekend Our Lady of Lourdes will participate in the Mission Appeal Initiative organized by the Missionary Cooperative Plan of the Archdiocese of Miami. Through this program, the Archdiocese welcomes priests, religious and lay missioners from around the world to share their missionary experiences, successes and challenges in building up the Kingdom of God and serving those most in need.

This year we welcome Fr. Boniface Mbithi Nduva, a priest from the Machakos Diocese in Kenya who is currently serving there as pastor of Holy Trinity Parish. The Diocese of Machakos includes a population of about 1.1 million Catholics with 78 parishes and over 1000 outstations. It lies in a semi-arid area where drought, famine and poverty cause much suffering. The Catholic Church in Kenya has a unique role in the lives of the people and is able to make a positive impact where the government cannot. The purpose of the mission appeal is to support parish life through the renovation of churches and monies for pastoral ministry. Pastoral ministry includes formation in the Faith as well as education.

The testimony of our missionary brothers and sisters allows us to see the great efforts undertaken by the Church in every corner of the world and it reinforces our understanding of the universal call to mission we all share. It also provides a major source of funding for their ongoing efforts. Let us share with them the liveliness of our faith, our desire to serve, and the kindness of our solidarity!

Msgr. Kenneth Schwanger
Pastor