Our Lady of the Lake Church, Leominster, MA.

09/13/2026

This weekend, we are reminded that forgiveness is not weakness, it is a decision to choose life.

After the tragedy of 9/11, a damaged Callery pear tree was found buried beneath the rubble at Ground Zero. It was burned, broken, and almost impossible to imagine surviving. But it was rescued, cared for, and eventually returned to the Memorial plaza. Today, the Survivor Tree stands more than 30 feet tall; a living sign of resilience, restoration, and hope.

Sometimes betrayal, loss, or deep wounds can leave our hearts feeling like ruins. Forgiveness does not erase what happened, excuse injustice, or deny our pain. But it can help us refuse to remain prisoners of what wounded us.

When Jesus tells us to forgive “seventy times seven,” He is not asking us to pretend that nothing happened. He is inviting us to keep choosing freedom, healing, and life.

Like the Survivor Tree, we may be wounded, but destruction does not have to have the final word. With God’s grace, something beautiful can still grow from the ruins like a little green branch (if you came to church this weekend, you know what I am talking about) 🌿😉

09/12/2026

9/13/26 Weekly Bulletin

09/11/2026

Never forget.🙏

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09/08/2026

Driving this morning to the Hospital to visit someone, my playlist suggested Bill Haley & his comets 🎵🎼🥳 hmmm
Do some of you remember back in the 50’s and 60’s when rock & roll arrived and people were convinced it would ruin a generation? 🫢🤪It was associated with rebellion and even called “satanic music.” 🎸

Then came different clothes, hairstyles, and ways of expressing ourselves. (Not me really, I was not even born ) 😉… but I saw when Records became cassettes, cassettes became CDs, CDs became USBs and streaming. ☎️Rotary phones became smartphones. The internet, once something strange and unfamiliar, became one of the greatest tools for connecting the world. Back in my country I paid a lot for one hour of internet in a coffee shop.

And now, here we are!!!

AI talks with us. Alexa plays our music. ▶️
Technology helps us work, learn, communicate, and makes many parts of everyday life easier.

The world develops…It always has!

Maybe the challenge is not to be afraid of everything new, nor to accept everything new without reflection. The challenge is balance.🙏

As technology becomes smarter, perhaps we need to become more intentional about being human.

More conversations where we actually look at each other.😍
More listening without checking a screen.
More time around the table.😉
More attention to what is happening inside our hearts.❤️
More prayer.🙏
More kindness.💙
More love.❤️

Technology can connect us in incredible ways, but it cannot replace the depth of a human heart encountering another human heart.

So let’s thank God for the creativity, intelligence, and progress that continue to connect our world. Let’s not live afraid of the future. Let’s enter it wisely, keeping our feet on the ground, our hearts close to one another, and our lives rooted in God.

And yes… with a little rock & roll playing on Alexa. 🎸😊 how about “Tutti Frutti”?

Stay connected—but above all, stay connected in love.☀️
Happy Tuesday !!!

09/07/2026

09/07/2026

As we acknowledge the contributions of workers this Labor Day, may we remember that our own daily efforts are a sacred offering. Whatever we do - our jobs, chores, or any task - we should do it with full effort and dedication. God sees our effort, and He will reward us for striving to best honor and serve Him! 🙏🏼❤️🛠️🧰

09/06/2026

Readings for this weekend:
Ez 33:7–9, Mt 18:15–20 📖

😇💙Do you have something to say about someone?
Before you say it, walk a mile in their shoes.

Sometimes what looks like carelessness is exhaustion. What looks like distance may be pain. What looks like a bad attitude may be a battle we know nothing about.❤️‍🩹

💙🙏Jesus teaches us not simply how to correct one another, but how to love one another: with dignity, patience, understanding, and compassion.😇

Support and understanding are born from love—and love is the fulfillment of the law. Rom 13:8–10

Before speaking about someone, try walking beside them. ❤️🙏

Hope you all have a blessed week!
Fr Juan

09/04/2026

Weekly Bulletin 9/6/26

09/02/2026

Someone came to me after church and asked me kindly: “father! You haven’t posted anything today on Facebook?! 🫢😉 well. It was 8:30 AM 🫢
Well…As this day comes to an end, just a little simple reminder… ❤️

💙😇Your life matters. 😇💙..Your prayers are heard by God no matter who you are, what you have done, or what others may think of you…you are loved!!!

And if tonight you don’t feel that love, close your eyes for a moment and remember: you are God’s masterpiece!
You are here for a reason! I mean, MANY reasons!

✝️❤️So don’t end the day angry, cranky, or holding on to things that really don’t matter. Not even angry at God or yourself!
Somewhere tonight, someone is struggling more than we know. (Your suffering matters too!) 🥲Someone is serving in a hospital, militaries far from home while family is holding a picture, our city police officers starting a long shift, or many, many, MANY people around us quietly serving in our own lives without ever being noticed.

Maybe tonight, instead of complaining, we can simply say: Thank you, God. Thank you for my life. And bless those who made my day a little easier without me even noticing.

Tomorrow is another gift. Tonight, rest knowing that you are loved. 🙏❤️

Should I promise I will post something tomorrow? 🫢 then you have to give me ideas 😇😉
Fr Juan

08/31/2026

Our Lady of the Lake Food Pantry has been selected as a nonprofit partner in the HANNAFORD FIGHT HUNGER BAG PROGRAM. We will receive $1 for each $2.50 reusable Fight Hunger Bag sold throughout the month of September 2026 at Hannaford, 927 Merriam Ave., Twin City Plaza, Leominster.