it’s been awhile since we saw him last, he still remembered here at home.” us, which shows his deep connection with people,” ValenLocal parishioners were excited to pitch in and help zuela said. make Bishop Mulvey’s visit to Sarita a special one, accordBishop Mulvey said his travels throughout the diocese ing to Father James Foelker, OMI, pastor at Our Lady of during Lenten season hold a special meaning for him, as Guadalupe. “Our parishioners decided right away to host a luncheon for Bishop Mulvey after Mass, with less than a week to prepare,” he said, with a chuckle. “We only have approximately 35 registered families, but together we managed to get things done.” Bishop Mulvey has made an extensive effort to visit every parish and mission across the Diocese of Corpus Christi during the past six months. Just recently, he’s visited churches in Pettus, Tivoli, O’Connor Ranch, Bishop, Driscoll, Ben Bolt among others and will continue until he makes it to every parish and mission. “I enjoy visiting smaller churches I’ve never been to before,” Bishop Mulvey said. “I get to meet people and connect with them on an individual level. As bishop of a large Bishop Mulvey visits with Alex Jimenez of Riviera during a luncheon after Mass at diocese, it’s easy to get bogged down on Our Lady of Guadalupe in Sarita. administrative tasks, so I like to move from Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic behind the desk once in a while. I want to meet the people I am actually serving.” During his homily at the church, Bishop Mulvey implored with parishioners to leave sin behind, especially during the Lenten season. “We must have the humility to say ‘I have sinned.’ Today’s Gospel reminds us to examine our lives and ask ourselves ‘Where do I fail in loving God and loving my neighbor?’ Forgiveness is an encounter with God’s mercy. God is love. It’s a beautiful message that is ours to give to the world,” he said. After mass, Bishop Mulvey stayed to personally greet each parishioner as they left the church. Most headed directly to the parish hall, where a delicious carne guisada lunch with all the trimmings was served. Michael Valenzuela, a first year diaconate aspirant from nearby Riviera, said although he and his family have met Bishop Mulvey before, it was wonderful to interact First year diaconate aspirant Michael Valenzuela and his family pose for a photo with with him again. Bishop Mulvey after Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Sarita. “He’s very down to earth. Even though Rebecca Esparza for Sou Rebecca Esparza for South Texas Catholic
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SOUTH TEX AS CATHOLIC | APRIL 2013
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