Fr. Marciano Lopez Solis, A.A., with Bishop Seitz in the Migrant Shelter housed at St. Francis Xavier Parish

The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water …
And the ransomed of the LORD shall enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They meet with joy and gladness … sorrow and mourning flee away. (Isaiah 35: 7, 10)

On Tuesday, December 7th, St. Francis Xavier Parish received a visit from Bishop Mark Seitz, the bishop of the Diocese of El Paso. Bishop Seitz is a strong supporter and initiator of the work being done with migrants throughout the diocese. You can read his most recent pastoral letter on the topic, “Sorrow and Mourning Flee Away,” here.

He celebrated Mass at the parish, toured our temporary shelter, and encouraged the local Assumptionist community, parishioners and volunteers to continue their work with migrants, applauding them for the example they give to the rest of the diocese. He thanked the volunteers for their hard work and assured them of the diocese’s support.

During Evening Prayer on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Joseph Binh Nguyen, our young Vietnamese-American, was welcomed into the Assumptionist Postulancy Program at the Center. This was Binh's first formal step towards religious life in the Assumption. This joyous celebration was continued by a festive meal. Soon he will move to St. Anne's in Sturbridge for this chapter of his formation with Fr. John Franck as his formator. We wish Binh the Lord's choicest blessings as he continues his faith-filled journey!

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In our Final Video Tour, Abbi Sullivan ‘23 accompanies Br. Daniele Caglioni, A.A. on a guided tour of the Emmanuel House, home of the Augustinians of the Assumption! Here we learn about their home, lifestyle, and community!