Latest Message from the Administrator – Designate: Fr. Ton Nguyen – June 21, 2026

Excerpt from a Holy Name Cathedral Bulletin Article by Fr. Ton Nguyen

THE STUMP OF JESSE – I Prefer Heaven – Part 4/5: Bringing Christ to Life

In his third Lenten reflection for 2026, Fr. Roberto Pasolini reflects on a beautiful passage from Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis says that believers become spouses, brothers, and even mothers of Christ. Strange image at first, right? But Francis explains that we become “mothers” of Christ whenever we carry Him within us through love, prayer, and a sincere heart, and then bring Him into the world through the way we live: “[We are] spouses, brothers and mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are spouses when the faithful soul is joined to our Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. We are brothers to Him when we do the will of the Father who is in Heaven; mothers, when we carry Him in our heart and body through divine love and pure and sincere consciences and when we give birth to Him through a holy manner of working, which should shine before others as an example” (2 Letter to the Faithful 50-53; Franciscan Sources 200).

Fr. Pasolini explains that generating Christ in others does not simply mean talking about Jesus or convincing people with perfect arguments. It means allowing Christ to change us first. Like a mother carrying a child quietly before birth, Christ must first grow within us – in silence, prayer, daily sacrifice, and ordinary acts of love. Only then does something begin to change around us. People are moved not only by what we say, but by what they see. A patient person in suffering. Someone who forgives. Someone who quietly serves without needing attention. Little by little, Christ becomes visible. That is how the Gospel spreads.

The Feast of Corpus Christi reveals this mystery beautifully. In the Eucharist, Christ gives Himself completely. His self-gift is not weakness – it is love. Every time we receive the Eucharist, we are invited to become what we receive. So maybe the real question of Corpus Christi is this: after receiving Jesus, are we becoming more loving? More patient? More free to serve others?

Back to our favorite movie, Saint Philip Neri: I Prefer Heaven. There is a beautiful moment when Philip receives money to build a church. Yet instead of focusing only on bricks and walls, he spends himself caring for the poor, the children, and the forgotten people around him. As the deadline for the church’s completion approaches, things look hopeless. The church is still unfinished, and the Pope is already on his way for the visit. But then something beautiful happens. The very people whom Philip had loved and cared for throughout the years come together to finish the church themselves. Why? Because they had already seen Christ alive in Francis. The final scene is wonderful. As the Pope enters the village, the people finish the bell tower just in time. The church bell rings out loudly across the town. Honestly, it is hard not to smile during that scene. And maybe that is the point. When Christ truly grows within us, something beautiful begins to ring through our lives too. Not because we are perfect, but because the Holy Spirit quietly works through ordinary people who are willing to love. Sometimes the best sermon is simply a life that makes others wonder, “Where does that joy come from?”

FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR – DESIGNATE’S DESK: FR. TON NGUYEN – During this time of transition, I am deeply grateful to Fr. Paul Cao and our dedicated parish staff for their support, generosity, and encouragement. I am especially thankful to Fr. Paul Eruva, our associate pastor, who this year celebrates 30 years of faithful priestly ministry – wow! I know, right? – as well as to our resident priests who continue to serve our parish community with dedication and care. Their generous service, steady presence, and commitment to the people of God help ensure that parish life remains vibrant and welcoming. As we move forward together, I am grateful for their shared commitment to the mission of the Church and for the many ways they embody Christ’s loving care for His people. As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, I extend my heartfelt prayers and gratitude to all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and father figures in our parish family. Thank you for the love, sacrifice, guidance, and faith you share with your families. May St. Joseph, faithful husband and devoted father, intercede for you and inspire you in your vocation. Happy Father’s Day, and may God bless you abundantly.

I love being a priest. JMJ.

Fr. Ton Nguyen
Administrator – Designate of St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish