Ahead of my 8th ordination anniversary on Monday, May 13 (Our Lady of Fatima) – eternally a gift to me – I think of all the women who acted as mother figures to me as I was growing up, when I was in seminary formation, and now as a priest of our Diocese.

I give all my love and respect back to mothers who took on the responsibility of rearing children in their wombs, seeing to it that their children are taken care of and nourished the best way possible, that even in challenging times, making themselves available physically or in spirit to nurture, protect and guide.

We honor these women this weekend – Mother’s Day – today and always really. From them, especially to Nanay and Lola (my grandmothers), I am indebted for who I am today, and I imagine they are grateful, too, to all of you for continuing to look after their grandson.

Everything I have given, I have received.

For these, and everything else that will be, I am eternally grateful.

In a very special way, I ask that you pray for a special woman: wife, mother, grandmother, friend and mentor – Barbara – who passed away as I was writing this message. We keep her in prayers, as we also extend our condolences to Chris, our music director, and the rest of the family in this time of loss.

Always grateful,
Father Erick

(For Ascension Sunday and Mothers’ Day, 2024)