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Message from Father Bernardin

 
THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE. . .
We are all affected by sins in many ways. During mass we admit that we sin against God and against our brothers and sisters. Sins come to us in different ways: in our thoughts, in our words, in what we have done and in what we have failed to do.

1. In my thoughts: Thoughts are known to be the root of sin. Sins that come to life start often in our thoughts. In our thoughts we make plans of how when and where our sins will be committed. If we let these evil minds grow, soon or later, they will come to life. That is why we are called to avoid impure thoughts and confess them.

2. In my words: we use words to communicate to each other. Language is God’s gift to all human beings. Imagine what mute people have to go through. It is very difficult for them. I remember in seminary we had a week retreat where we were forbidden to speak. Honestly, it was hard. Sometimes we would hide and talk. But with words, we gossip, we lie, we curse, we swear, we use bad words… all these hurt God and our neighbor. It is a good habit to avoid all these, to have a mouth clean. Only confession will help us to stay away from them.

3. In what I have done: Most of the time this looks like the only sin we count. We feel its weight, its shame and sometimes its consequences. We have so many people behind bars because of what they have done. It is good to do all we can to avoid doing wrong. The best way to do it, is to confess them as soon as possible without waiting too long.

4. In what I have failed to do: Christians are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the Earth. Often we are too lazy to go to church on Sunday, or unwilling to do something good for our brothers and sisters. The parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16: 19-31) is a good example that failing to do good to our neighbors can have great consequences. The parable of the Fig tree reminds us that we have a second chance. Let us take advantage of it by going to confessions, by repenting all our sins. Jesus came to forgive us our sins so that we may be God’s true sons and daughters.

May God Bless You – Fr. Bernardin

Our Lenten penance service will be on March 24th in Cedarville after the 2:30 pm Mass. In Alturas on March 24th at 6:00 pm. Father Patrick Henry will be here for the service.

 




 

Father Bernardin Mugabo ( formerly Mugabowakigeri) is appointed parochial administrator (half time) of Sacred Heart Parish in Alturas and parochial vicar (half time) of Holy Cross Parish in Tulelake. He most recently served as parochial vicar of St. John Parish in Quincy and Our Lady of the Snows Parish in Westwood since Spetember 2006. He also served as parochial vicar of St. Patrick Parish in Grass Valley from 2005 to 2006, of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Carmichael from 2004 to 2005, and of Presentation Parish in Sacramento from 2000 to 2004. A native of Rwanda, where he studied for the priesthood, he was ordained there in July 1996. He was incardinated into the diocese in 2006.

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