Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church

Fear not, for I am with you (Isaiah 41:10).

Dear friends, this is the first time in my life that the Catholic Church has had to restrict Holy Mass and church activities. We know all too well that this virus is very serious.  Recently, I read these words: “God will make a way where there seems to be no way”. We must persist in faith of our Lord’s protection and His love.

Before this time, I heard so often, “Father Liju, I have no time. I’m so busy”. But now the whole world is stopping, and people suddenly have so much time.  Some are even bored. Maybe many of us are finally getting enough sleep. Please consider that this time at home is more than just free time away from work or school.  Please beware of extra screen time, excessive TV bingeing, infinite phone calls, outrageous memes, and maybe, constant snacks. What about quiet time with God? The Lord will renew us and restore our spirits and our stamina when we let Him. He doesn’t force prayer or meditation on us. He knows what you need, and He wants to give you His peace, but He leaves these choices up to us. “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).  Spend quiet time with your Creator in prayer and rosary recitation, Bible reading, or quiet meditation. Ask Him to help you prioritize your “to-do” list items. Dr. Vance Havner, a famous one-liner preacher, said, “God does not run an antique shop. He makes all things new.” This is the best time in our life to connect with God. Thank Him for our homes, food, medicines, and clean water for drinking and for bathing, for electricity, technology, music and books. Ask God to protect and take care of our family and friends. Ask Him to put His loving arms around those who are sick, doctors, nurses, scientists and those who work tirelessly and at the risk of their own health. “Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).

From the cross, Jesus gave His mother to the world, and so, Mary is OUR Blessed

Mother. In the MEMORARE prayer, we turn to her in our worries, “That never was it know that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided.” The rosary is a powerful prayer.  With that confidence, let us join together in our rosaries asking the Blessed Mother’s intercession to Jesus for our world. Recite the rosary with different intentions each day. God is merciful in leading His people back from adversity. He forgives and saves us from our own sinfulness. Giving ourselves totally to God is a

Way of receiving Him. I am for God, and God is for me. Let us give ourselves to Him and join our OLV brothers, sisters and Catholics around the world to pray together, “Lord, save us.  Lord, stay with us now and forever. Lord, be with us and with our brothers and sisters around the world. Amen.”

With Love and Prayers 

Fr.Liju Paul Parambeth

March 25, 2020 – Today, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, at 12:00pm Rome Time (6:00am Central Daylight Time), Pope Francis named Bishop Steven John Raica as Fifth Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama.

Bishop Raica is currently bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan, where he has served since 2014. Previously, he was a priest of the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan. He originally comes from the town of Munising, Michigan, which is located in the Upper Peninsula. He was ordained a priest in 1978, has had a wide range of parish and other pastoral experiences over the years, and holds a doctorate in Canon Law from the Gregorian University in Rome.

With Bishop Raica’s nomination, Bishop Robert Baker’s resignation now becomes effective and he assumes the title of Bishop Emeritus. He has also been named Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese for the time leading up to Bishop Raica’s installation. We are so grateful for Bishop Baker’s 13-year service to our diocese and our Cathedral parish. We know this is not goodbye, and look forward to his continued presence with us in retirement. Thank you, Bishop Baker!

A press conference will be held at 10:00am in the Chancery to welcome Bishop Raica, who remains in Michigan due to the COVID-19 crisis and will join via livestream. We await the news of when Bishop Raica will visit Birmingham. His installation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2020. More information will be available soon concerning the time and other details connected with his installation.

Welcome, Bishop Raica!

Please visit the diocesan web site for more information: http://www.bhmdiocese.org.

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