A Note From Deacon Rodrigo

FROM THE DESK OF FATHER JIM …
We are so fortunate to have Deacon Rodrigo Serna with us as he prepares for his priestly ordination in August. Please get to know him and please pray for him.

Traditionally, June is a month consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In many Latin American countries, children offer flowers to this image during the rosary. When I was a child, I did this. My mother dressed me in white with a red ribbon (like a deacon's stole) and when there was a song in the mystery of the rosary, a group of children would take those flowers to Jesus. This image of the Sacred Heart has always caught my attention because I thought how was it possible to have Jesus showing his heart? Isn't it supposed that having a heart outside would be dead? So why does Jesus show his heart? When I was growing up and I thought about the vocation to the priesthood I thought about the image of the Sacred Heart. A heart with fire and hurt is the proof of God's love for us. A heart that has loved humanity so much that he was able to give himself up to death.

In my chalice, right in front I have ordered an image of the Sacred Heart to be placed. He has open arms showing me his heart, therefore every time I lift this chalice, I will see this image as if it were there waiting for me to give me a hug. Jesus is always with open arms, waiting for us to turn to him at all times. In the heart of Jesus, we are each and every one of us,  the ones who form that heart. I am a few months away from priestly ordination, and I think of this heart, but also of my own heart. A heart full of defects, a wounded heart, healed by the heart of Jesus to heal broken people. This is the mystery of the vocation, recognizing oneself as a broken person healed by God to help heal his brothers.

Many years have passed since I began the process to the priesthood. I have been able to visit several countries and meet several people. I have had ups and downs, and the only answer to all this is just trust God. He is the only one who has a plan for each one of us. I never imagined coming to work in the United States, and he was in charge of bringing me to this land.

Deacon Rodrigo Serna