Light in the Darkness: Celebrating Ordination, Sharing Christmas Hope, and Reflecting on Advent

Dec

2025

Celebrating Kaique Santos’ Ordination to the Diaconate

Last Saturday, Kaique Santos was ordained to the transitional diaconate. I gave thanks to God for calling him to this day and offered gratitude to all who supported and formed him throughout his ongoing journey. As Mary said yes to God, I thanked Kaique for giving his “YES” to the Lord and for coming all the way from Brazil to join our diocese. His “YES” is not to honor or privilege but to serve the Lord, His Church, and all God’s people with joy. As the Gospel reminds us, “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you,” and Kaique is on this journey because God called him and he answered, “Here I am.”

I spoke first about his duty to carry on the ministry of the Word. Like Samuel who answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening,” Kaique must listen to the Word of God before proclaiming it to the people he will serve. He will be called to help the Bishop and priests in this ministry and to show himself as a servant of the Gospel.

I then reflected on Kaique’s second duty, to serve at the altar. He will prepare for the celebration of the Sacrifice, distribute the Lord’s Body and Blood, and teach the Faith by word and example.

His third duty is the ministry of Charity, in which Kaique is called to imitate Jesus by washing the feet of others and serving as one who came “not to be served but to serve.” I encouraged him not to be afraid to be human, imperfect, or vulnerable, for “we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.” He will not have all the answers and is not expected to. Instead, he will need to recognize his need for God, for others, and for prayer.

Finally, I reminded everyone who joined us for the Mass of Jesus’ words: “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant,” and urged Kaique to serve the people in love and joy, following the Lord in love, prayer, service, and charity.. He will find great joy in his ministry by remaining firmly rooted in faith, a steward of God’s mysteries, expressing by his actions the Word he proclaims, so that one day he may hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter the joy of the Lord.”

Ensuring that No One is Forgotten at Christmas

This Christmas, our Catholic Charities in the Diocese invited the community to donate small personal items, warm clothing, snacks, and gift cards to create “Blessing Bags” for guests staying in its shelters. Last Thursday, I had the joy of joining volunteers from Community Connections and directors from several of our Catholic Charities’ shelters to help assemble more than 200 of these gift bags.

With housing and food insecurity at record levels, we wanted to offer something simple yet meaningful and send a reminder that no one is forgotten at Christmas. These Blessing Bags, filled with essentials and small comforts, will be distributed at our shelters from Hyannis to Attleboro. I am deeply grateful to our Catholic Charities staff, volunteers, and generous donors whose kindness makes this work possible. Their compassion brings real warmth to our shelters and a bit of light to those facing difficult times this Christmas. Susan Mazzarella, our Director of Catholic Charities, summarized it perfectly when she shared that, “For shelter guests, especially at this time of year, these gifts are more than necessities, they’re a reminder that they are seen, valued, and supported.”

Reflecting on the Third Week of Advent

We conclude the weekly reflections offered by the Deans of the Diocese, which began with Christ the King and will conclude on the last Sunday of Advent. Fr. Riley Williams provided a reflection to begin the series, and Fr. Thomas Washburn offered a reflection on the first Sunday of Advent and the start of a new Liturgical year for the Church. Two weeks ago, Fr. Christopher Peschel reflected on the second Sunday of Advent and last week, Father Neil Wack shared a reflection on the third Sunday of Advent. This week, Father David A. Costa, who is Dean of the Attleboro Deanery and pastor of Transfiguration of the Lord Parish in North Attleborough, shares the final reflection.

A few years back I was gifted with a single, resin sculpture of the Holy Family. This unique piece depicts the infant Jesus in the arms of Mary, his mother, sleeping on a bed of hay with Joseph lying beside them in a gentle, yet protective embrace. A donkey, a lamb, and a dove complete this peaceful, intimate nativity scene. Joseph’s pose, unlike many other depictions, says so much about the holy man the Church introduces this Fourth Sunday of Advent.

A key person in Saint Matthew’s infancy account, the historic Joseph is a person about whom we know very little. We do know that Joseph is from the line of King David. He was a carpenter and like, Mary, his betrothed, lived in Nazareth. Joseph never speaks a single syllable in the Scripture, but his actions speak volumes. Uniquely, Joseph’s annunciation-moment comes in his sleep. These limited and somewhat distinct details offer a number of themes for our meditation in these final Advent days.

Joseph is the humble protector. He embodies a quiet, steadfast protection. Conscious of his responsibilities, this “man of few words” acts justly and decisively, protecting Mary and Jesus. He reminds us that selfless devotion, care and guidance are key ingredients of parenting, making him a model for fathers and guardians today.

Joseph is faithfully obedient. Faced with a challenging decision, he is willing to listen to God’s voice and obey, even when it meant accepting an unconventional path. Joseph trusts God’s will, moving through internal conflict and external chaos. He knows God is with him and will not disappoint.

Joseph is a guide in darkness. Pope Francis called Joseph a guide for those feeling “hidden” or “in the shadows,” reminding us that seemingly small, mundane daily acts of faithfulness do make a difference. Joseph is the quiet man of God. He is the solid figure, a man of deliberate action, who quietly goes about the work of God.

As you look upon the nativity scene in your home or at your parish church in these last days of Advent and throughout the Christmas season, don’t miss Joseph. Whether he’s standing quietly beside or behind Mary and the Christ-Child, or lying peacefully beside them, may his stance challenge you to grow in quiet humility, faithful obedience, and deliberate action, open to and following God’s plan.