Sister parish visit

By parishioner Kelsi Vanada

Fr Jesús David Portillo, Fr Henry Hoffman, and Kelsi Vanada

Fr Henry and I spent a wonderful weekend visiting Saint Philip’s sister parish, Parroquia Santa María Virgen, in Hermosillo, Mexico.

The parish has a vibrant community that shows strong signs of growth. Fr Jesús David Portillo has been Rector for two years and is clearly well-loved by his parishioners. He has worked hard to bring improvements such as air conditioning (acquired with the money Saint Philip’s paid for the stained glass window) and adding Stations of the Cross and altar elements that draw hearts heavenward. He is inspiring the community to greater love of God and neighbor.

A couple from the parish picked us up at the airport on Friday and treated us to a wonderful meal in their home. That evening, Fr Henry vested to help Fr Jesús David officiate a wedding in a local chapel. We then did a bit of sightseeing with some members of Fr Jesús David’s family that ended with a drive to the top of the “mirador” (lookout) for a view of the sparkling city by night.

On Saturday, Fr Jesús David’s family lovingly prepared a mid-day meal of fresh shrimp and fish with homemade salsa and refried beans. We then helped prepare the church for a First Communion service that evening.

Bishop Ricardo Joel Gómez-Osnaya arrived just in time for the service! It was a beautiful celebration that included Fr Henry reading the Gospel. Bishop Goméz spoke about how each of us plays a participatory role in the church in order to build a community.

We ended the day sitting around a big table on the patio enjoying Tecate beers and learning from each other’s traditions, joys, and challenges.

Sunday was a big day for the parish: Confirmation day! The church was packed with congregants—standing room only.

One desire is for Rector Jesús David to be able to travel to Arizona to join the Diocesan Convention in Scottsdale this October as a representative of his diocese (Diocese of Western Mexico). Should he be able to travel, Fr Henry will host him and Saint Philip’s community will have the opportunity to meet him on Sunday, October 22.

Please keep the fellow faithful at Santa María Virgen in your prayers. We hope that the connections established during this trip will continue to lead to exchanges and mutual support as sister parishes. 

If you are interested in being a part of this work, please come to a lunch meeting, 11:30am-12:30pm, in the Children’s Chapel on Sunday, October 8.