Good evening, and welcome to this blessed gathering, in which we celebrate not only the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, but also the Works of the Cross and the entire Family of the Cross. We come together with great joy and gratitude, especially as we honor our brother, now Blessed, Father Moisés Lira Serafín. His life of holiness will continue to inspire us all because – as Pope Francis has said – the new blessed spent his life helping people to advance in faith and in love of the Lord.
We remain united, drawn together by the Holy Spirit, who gives life to our shared spirituality and mission. The Works of the Cross and the Family of the Cross are expressions of the same divine love, passed down through our founders and witnessed not only by them, but also by Blessed Moisés and many others through whom the light of Christ has shone upon us. As Father Félix de Jesús Rougier taught us, it is our responsibility, particularly as Missionaries of the Holy Spirit, to cultivate and protect this unity. Let us remain vigilant, ensuring that the Holy Spirit continues to be the bond that holds us together as we serve the Lord for the salvation of all souls.
Let us pray. Loving Father, we thank You for the gift of unity and the example of Blessed Moisés Lira Serafín. Look favorably upon our gathering tonight and fill our hearts with the fire of the Holy Spirit, that we may continue to walk together in faith, hope, and love. As Pope Francis said last Sunday, may the apostolic zeal of Blessed Moisés Lira “encourage priests to give themselves unreservedly, for the spiritual good of the holy people of God.” Strengthen us in our shared mission to proclaim the Gospel and embody Your love in the world. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
