I want to thank you for your affection last Saturday on the day of my birthday. That day, at 6 am, I was following a COVID-19 podcast in my room, and suddenly I heard “las mañanitas.” The music was lovely, and I thought that they were singing to someone in the neighborhood, and then I thought, “wait a minute, it is my birthday”! I went to the other side of the rectory, and yes, they were parishioners singing in the alley, far from my room. I enjoyed the “Mexican serenata”. My day began with lots of affection, and through the hours, I received many more messages of love from many of you during this quarantine. My last surprise was in the evening, when a “caravan of families” came through the parking lot, honking their cars and singing happy birthday. Keeping the distance, I greeted and blessed them. You have touched me! I feel lucky to serve you here at Saint Mary’s where I found a family in all parishioners and friends. Thank you! The time that we have been in quarantine, I feel close to you. Thanks to Fr. Roberto’s effort and his hard work with social media, we reached people all over our country. It seems that the internet has increased the ability to connect with people, and our parish has become a virtual place holding souls in our continent. It is incredible how the platform evangelizes promoting the love to the Eucharist and Mary. It is lovely the daily adoration and the rosary during the novena. Thank you for being with us. The title “Help of Christians” in these critical times, strengths ourselves towards deep confidence in the Lord. We work for a better world, and we know that this pandemic will pass. We trust in Mary, we entrust ourselves to her as we patiently wait for better news regarding the pandemic. The devotion to Mary Help of Christians encourages us to transform our society in a better place. In our transmissions, prayers, and actions, we would like to be in your homes, sharing the love personally to our blessed Mother. However, in these circumstances, through social media, we want to spread life, confidence, and hope. Happiness is at the bottom of our hearts, and we would like to reach it through our actions. In this context, faith in God lived as meaning, hope, and promotion for more human life is not something superfluous. These days of the novena, we can take back the words of Elizabeth to Mary, “Blessed are you who believed!” Yes, we believe that we can change our personal life with good options, reflecting, and trusting. May our love to Mary today, give us joy that we have the help of the Mother of God, to grow facing the challenges of these times, as we embrace every day more and more, God’s will for us through her intercession. Have a great celebration!