The community of Loraine had no Catholic Church in 1915 when Antonio Pantoja traveled to Abilene, the nearest place a priest could be found, to request Mass.

Priesthood Sunday is a special day set aside each year to affirm the role of the priesthood in the church in the United States. It is celebrated on the last Sunday of September, which will be September 29 this year. This day honors priests, without whom the Mass and most other sacraments could not be celebrated.

Coyanosa is a small community in the desert of Pecos County. The only church of any denomination in town is St. Isidore Catholic Mission. From the corner where the church sits, you can see the headquarters of the volunteer fire department, the public library, and the community center, all within half a block or so. The population of Coyanosa is about 150. In a standing-room-only Mass on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 24, it seemed the whole town and more had gathered to worship at the church and later feast in the new Pecos County Coyanosa Community Center.

El Avivamiento Eucarístico Nacional está verdaderamente inspirado por el Espíritu Santo y está teniendo un impacto positivo histórico en la fe católica de este país. Sin embargo, hay algunos en la Iglesia que han criticado este avivamiento, alegando que está poniendo atención exclusiva en la piedad Eucarística, la adoración, y las procesiones solemnes, mientras que ignora el llamado a amar al prójimo en actos concretos de caridad. Pero eso no es cierto en absoluto.

The National Eucharistic Revival is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is having an historic positive impact on the Catholic faith in this country. Nevertheless, there are some in the church who have been critical of this revival, claiming that it is putting exclusive attention on Eucharistic piety, adoration, and solemn processions, while ignoring the call to love our neighbor in concrete acts of charity. But that is not true at all.

Las obras de misericordia corporales son de suma importancia para la práctica de la fe católica. Están arraigados en las Escrituras y en la práctica constante de la iglesia. Animo a todos los seguidores de Jesús a practicar con frecuencia estos actos de caridad y compasión.

The corporal works of mercy are of utmost importance to the practice of the Catholic faith. They are rooted in Scripture and in the constant practice of the church. I encourage all followers of Jesus to practice these acts of charity and compassion often.