Forty days after Christmas, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, an event that the evangelist Luke recounts in Chapter 2 of his Gospel. In the East, the celebration of this feast dates back to the 4th century. By the year 450, it was called The Feast of the Meeting of the Lord because Jesus enters the Temple and “meets” the priests, as well as Simeon and Anna, representatives of the people of God. Around the middle of the 5th century, we know the feast was also celebrated in Rome. At a certain point, the blessing of candles was added to this feast to recall that Jesus is the “light to the gentiles”. Thus, this feast is also sometimes referred to as Candlemas.

How strong is our faith to be able to welcome God’s word coming from unexpected visitors? Do we dare ask, "Who is my neighbor?” Or are we even bolder to accept the challenge of becoming neighbors to God approaching us under the guise of the sick, the stranger, the imprisoned, the unbeliever, those who do not think or worship alike? To whom may I become a better witness of God’s love with the help of God’s grace? How willing am I to allow for my loving outreach to turn me into an outcast? Pope Francis has said: “Jesus reverses the perspective… You can become neighbor to any needy person you meet, and you will know that you have compassion in your heart, that is, whether you have the capacity so suffer with the other.” May God’s grace allow our gratitude to make room for a love like the Good Samaritan’s to find generous hospitality among us.

February is Black History Month

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the fullness of African American history and culture. It also serves as an opportunity to recognize the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Today's Catholic Newspaper joins all those celebrating Black History Month and will continue to advocate for our neighbors with love, respect, and dignity.



The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General has designated February 8 as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. On this day, Catholics all over the world are encouraged to host or attend prayer services to create greater awareness about this phenomenon. The Catholic Church observes the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking on February 8, the feast day of Saint Josephine Bakhita, the patroness of human trafficking survivors.

Life Awareness is a retreat weekend that provides time and space for single men and women to discern a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life. The event brings participants ages 18-40 together with priests and religious brothers and sisters, for lectures, group discussions, private consultations, and prayer. The objective is to develop a realistic view of what service as an ordained or consecrated leader in the Church entails. It will be held at the Cordi-Marian Sisters Retreat Center (11624 Culebra Road, San Antonio TX 78253 – Directions) and registration is now open!

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In September of 1966, St. Francis Xavier Mission was established as a parish by Archbishop Robert E. Lucey. In 1968 plans for a new rectory were formulated and the new rectory was blessed on September 22, 1968. Distinguished guests included President, Lyndon B. Johnson, accompanied by the First lady, his daughter and grandson. On April 28, 1974 a new bell tower and gathering area was added to the front of the church. St. Francis Xavier Church has grown and prospered over the years into the wonderful parish that serves Stonewall and the surrounding communities.

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Contact Jordan McMorrough, Director of Communications and Editor of Today's Catholic Newspaper, at TCpaper@archsa.org.

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