On Sunday, July 20, 2025, Bishop Joseph celebrated Mass with the faithful of St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish in Green Meadows, which was followed by their much-loved Annual Parish Picnic.
In his homily for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the bishop reflected on the Gospel story of Martha and Mary, offering a timely and heartfelt meditation on Christian hospitality – a call to welcome others not just through acts of service, but through the gift of presence.
He reminded the community that hospitality in the Christian sense is not just about offering food or shelter, but about creating spaces filled with love, attentiveness, and genuine warmth, responding to people’s physical and especially spiritual needs. Like Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet and listened, we are called to be truly present to others – to listen, to care, and to make room for Christ in each person we meet.
“Christian hospitality means creating space where people are seen, known, and welcomed – not as strangers, but as Christ himself. In our homes, parishes, and communities, may we be Marthas with hearts like Mary.”
As the community gathered afterwards for fellowship and celebration, Bishop Joseph’s words were a beautiful reminder that our Eucharistic celebration doesn’t end at the altar, it continues in how we receive each other, care for one another, and build a Church of open hearts and open doors.
See more photos on our Flickr album – https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCpz9q