After the long work of retrofit and restoration of the church, we are ending the last phase of the job. I want to thank all workers, volunteers, Bishop O'Connell, and parishioners who have been helping to complete the entire job through this challenging time. As you know, one parishioner knowing our financial limitations helped us fix the emergency with the church roof, live the concerns by lightly the costs. During the last months, we have been streaming the Adoration and the Eucharist. Friends from outside of the Parish, and parishioners, supported Fr. Roberto to accomplish a professional and successful transmission. I have been touched by the generosity and the love of many people to Jesus at the Eucharist. Parishioners and people like them in other places followed the transmissions praying with us as we learn to deal with the COVID-19. As we move forward to the reopening, we will begin with the registration to participate in the Eucharists here at Saint Mary's. The government addressed this action to all religious places preventing the spread of the virus. We are living new times, and we must adapt ourselves to this reality trusting in the love of our Lord. The restoration has shown the beauty of the sanctuary, helping us pray with more confidence in a great place where we share our love with God. I hope that soon we can see all of you. I pray that we can strengthen our faith in our parish, with the joy of following Jesus as Don Bosco did. I hope to see you soon back in your home, Saint Mary's Parish.

Después de un proceso largo en los trabajos de re-cimentación y restauración del templo, actualmente estamos finalizando la última fase del proceso. Quisiera agradecer a todos los trabajadores, voluntarios, al Obispo O'connell y muchos de ustedes feligreses, que han estado ayudando a completar el trabajo a pesar de los momentos difíciles por los que atravesamos. Recientemente, un feligrés conociendo nuestras limitaciones, ayudó a arreglar el techo de la iglesia, solucionando las áreas que necesitaban ser reparadas, con su ayuda hizo que las preocupaciones financieras fueran más ligeras. Durante los últimos meses, hemos estado transmitiendo la Adoración y la Eucaristía. Varios amigos que vinieron de otras parroquias, junto a algunos feligreses, apoyaron al Padre Roberto para las transmisiones. La generosidad y el amor de muchas de todos ellas a Jesús en la Eucaristía, es algo que toca nuestros corazones. Gracias a este servicio, gente de la parroquia y de muchos otros lugares han seguido las transmisiones orando con nosotros por quienes han sido afectados a lo largo de esta pandemia producida por el COVID-19. A medida que avanzamos hacia la reapertura, comenzaremos registrando a quienes deseen participar en los Eucaristías con nosotros. El gobierno exige realizar esta acción a todos los lugares religiosos buscando prevenir la propagación del virus. Ciertamente estamos viviendo nuevos tiempos, en la medida en que aprendemos a adaptarnos a esta realidad confiando siempre en el amor de nuestro Señor. La restauración ha resaltado la belleza del santuario, creando un espacio donde podremos orar con más confianza sintiendo el amor de Dios. Espero que pronto podamos verlos en Santa María que es su casa. Ruego que podamos fortalecer nuestra fe en nuestra parroquia, con la alegría de seguir a Jesús como lo hizo Don Bosco. Espero verlos pronto en su casa, que es la parroquia de Santa María.

The devotion to the Sacred Heart recalls the Calvary when Jesus was pierced with a spear in his heart. In the XVII century, Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque had a revelation where she contemplated Jesus. In 1675, during the octave of Corpus Christi, Margaret Mary Alacoque saw Jesus again, who showed his heart. The devotion became popular after the death of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. On May 8, 1873, Pope Pius IX formally approved the devotion to the Sacred Heart. Twenty-six years later, Pope Leo XIII recommended to the bishops of the world to observe the feast of the Sacred Heart in their dioceses. This is when Don Bosco enters into the scene, living the time of devotion to the Sacred Heart. Pope Leo XIII asked him to build a Basilica of the Sacred Heart, without granting him financial aid. Don Bosco accepted on the condition that he let him establish a work in favor of the unfortunate youth. The construction of the temple cost to Don Bosco an incredible effort and considerable sacrifices. Finally, on May 14, 1887, the church was consecrated. For the last time, Don Bosco celebrated Mass in the Basilica. It was May 16, 1887. During the celebration, Don Bosco constantly cried moved with tenderness and gratitude, thinking about the things that the Lord and our Blessed Mother had done in his life. In 1921, Pope Benedict XV declared the temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome, a Minor Basilica. The Basilica is near the train station called Termini in Rome. Pope Francis, in 2014 decided to visit some parishes in Rome, and the first one that he visited was the Sacred Heart. He recognized the social impact of the work there with youth and more disadvantaged people. Fr. Michael Rua, Don Bosco's first successor, consecrated the Salesian congregation to the Sacred Heart. This month we have been promoting the devotion to the Sacred Heart here at Saint Mary's. Join us and pray with us that, imitating Jesus, we will give hope by promoting justice here in Boyle Heights, primarily looking after the youngest.