We had the great privilege of having Bishop James A. Wall, Bishop of Gallup to come and celebrate our “Christmas Midnight Mass” at 7:00 p.m. During the homily, Bishop Wall said that when we think of Christmas so often we think of gift giving. “Yet the Church has given us a wonderful gift this year. A gift especially for the Navajo Nation, for diocese of Gallup, and for the whole Church, in announcing the upcoming canonization of Kateri Tekawitha. In declaring her a Saint, the Church gives an example of one who has made Christ the center of her life, in both good times and in times of trials. And in keeping Christ at the center we are able to give of ourselves.”
This announcement has meant much to the Franciscan community, since they came to New Mexico to serve the Navajo Nation in many ways. It was the Franciscans who first came to evangelize the Navajos and who were the first to write down their language. Here at Villa Guadalupe we are happy to have two Franciscans, Fr. Terrence Rhoades and Brother Mark Schomack, (shown here with Bishop Wall), both who have been true witnesses of the Gospel.
