The Wonder of America: A Message of Hope, a Call to Renew Our Faith
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The Wonder of America: A Message of Hope, a Call to Renew Our Faith
God knows and loves each of us, and He calls us to share His love with others. This encouraging truth runs through Archbishop José Gomez’s new pastoral letter, The Wonder of America, written in preparation for the 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s apparitions in 2031.
Released October 22, the Feast of Saint John Paul II, the letter invites us to reflect on Mary’s care for her children and the mission she entrusted to Saint Juan Diego. Archbishop José also shares memories of his own devotion to Our Lady, helping us consider how she accompanies us and draws us closer to Jesus.
God calls ordinary people
At the heart of the Guadalupe story is an ordinary man. Juan Diego had family responsibilities, worries, and doubts. When his efforts met resistance, he felt inadequate and asked Mary to send someone more important. Yet she had chosen him personally to carry her message.
We may recognize something of ourselves in Juan Diego. We wonder what we have to offer or whether our efforts make a difference. His story reminds us that God works through ordinary people who say yes to Him.
That calling takes shape in daily life: in the patience we show at home, the care we offer a neighbor, the encouragement we give a child, and our willingness to speak about the faith that sustains us. Archbishop José especially urges us to help young people discover that their lives matter to God and that He has something beautiful for them to do.Mary leads us to Jesus
Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to an indigenous man in Mexico, but her message embraces the whole family of God. Whatever our background, she invites us to know her as our mother and to place our trust in her Son.
When Juan Diego feared that his uncle was dying, Mary reassured him of her presence and protection. Her tenderness speaks to our own anxieties as we face illness, grief, uncertainty, and the needs of those we love. She helps us entrust ourselves to Jesus and follow Him with courage.As at the wedding feast at Cana, Mary teaches us to listen to her Son and do whatever He tells us. Our devotion to her bears fruit as we learn to follow Him more faithfully.
Our response as a parish
The Archbishop recalls the generations whose faith, sacrifice, and service helped others come to know Christ throughout the Americas and here in Los Angeles. We have received that same gift of faith. Now we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to share it.
For us at St. Martin of Tours, that begins with the people God places before us. Someone may need a listening ear, help through a difficult time, or reassurance that they have a place in our parish family. Someone may be waiting for an invitation to return to Mass or take a first step toward learning about the faith.
As we look toward 2031, we can begin now: making time for prayer, growing in our understanding of the Gospel, and asking the Lord to help us recognize and respond to the needs around us.
I invite you to read the letter prayerfully, perhaps a section at a time. Consider the people God has entrusted to your care. Who needs your encouragement? Whose suffering calls for your attention? Who might welcome an invitation to pray or come to Mass with you?May Our Lady of Guadalupe help us respond with faith, courage, and joy.
Fr. Paul
Read The Wonder of America
The full pastoral letter and a downloadable PDF are available on the archdiocesan website.