Today we celebrate the Memorial of St. Francis Xavier, one of the Church’s greatest missionaries. In the Office of Readings, he writes with urgency and love: “Many, many people hereabouts are not becoming Christians for one reason only: there is nobody to make them Christians.” His words echo across the centuries and land squarely in our own backyard here in Fall River.
Within our parish boundaries live more than 23,000 souls whom the Lord desires to know His love and the joy of life with Him. We often lament that people don’t come to church, and our efforts sometimes focus on social events or fundraisers—good things, but not the things that change lives. What is missing is the personal invitation to encounter Christ.
Advent meets us where we are and turns our hearts back to Jesus. But Advent isn’t only for us—it is for everyone. They will know that only if we live as true missionary disciples.
Living in Love with God 
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