SpiritofthePreacher

The friars of the Western Dominican Province have gathered at St. Albert's Priory in Oakland for our provincial meeting.

Every few years, brothers who are usually scattered across parishes, campuses, schools, and priories come together to pray, discern, discuss important matters, and reconnect with one another.

It is a reminder that while we spend most of our lives traveling to preach the Gospel, occasionally we all end up in the same place at the same time.

Please keep us in your prayers during these days of fraternity, conversation, and discernment.

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

God Bless America and all those who serve to protect our freedom.

Growing up on an island, I've always been drawn to the water. While in Alaska, I was lucky enough to see whales breaching just offshore.

It's hard to witness something like that and not be reminded of the beauty, power, and creativity of God. Creation has a way of drawing us out of ourselves and back into a sense of wonder.

I'm grateful for this time of prayer and renewal, and for the unexpected reminders that God's handiwork is often even more impressive than the photos.

Making some new friends in Alaska today.

Greetings from Alaska! I am at The National Shrine of St. Thérèse retreat center in Juneau for the next few days to facilitate a retreat for the Deacons of the Diocese and their wives.

Today marks 30 years since my ordination to the priesthood. Here is a picture from the Mass at St. Dominic's Church in San Francisco, where I was ordained by the Most Rev. Bishop Carlos Sevilla, S.J., on June 1, 1996.

I’m grateful for every step of the journey—filled with surprises, challenges, and a whole lot of grace. I never imagined all the places this vocation would take me or the people I’d be blessed to walk with along the way.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this path—your prayers, support, and friendship mean more than you know!

Memorial Day | We Remember and Pray

As we enjoy the blessings of rest and time off from work, we pause to remember the true meaning of this day.

Today we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country—on distant battlefields and here at home. They answered the call to defend freedom, protect the innocent, and stand by their brothers and sisters in arms.

🕊️ May their courage be remembered.
🕊️ May their example inspire future generations.
🕊️ May their sacrifice be honored in love.
🕊️ And may their souls rest in the embrace of our merciful God.

We pray for peace in our world, and for all who continue to serve.

Last night, a missile strike destroyed a building next to the Dominican Monastery and the St Thomas Aquinas Institute of Religious Studies in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Fr Jaroslaw Krawiec- who had recently visited our community in Seattle, sent us a message this morning:

"In our monastery, many windows and doors were shattered and damaged. Our cells – the rooms where we live – as well as the chapel, the auditorium, and the lecture halls of the Institute of St Thomas Aquinas were affected. Thanks be to God, none of the brothers nor our guests were harmed – for which we are deeply grateful. Unfortunately, some of our neighbors were injured by shrapnel.

It was one of the worst nights in our area since the beginning of this war. We commend ourselves to your prayers…

This morning, despite the damage to the chapel windows, we celebrated the Pentecost Masses as usual.”

On this feast of Pentecost, when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the foundations of our Church, I ask in your charity that you pray for our brothers and sisters who find themselves in harms way doing the work of the Lord. May the Holy Spirit guide and protect them 🙏🏻

St. Thomas Aquinas says, “True friendship is that of the good/virtuous, who desire the other’s well-being for their own sake, not for personal gain.” I’m grateful for the visit of the Martinez family who have been good friends of mine for many years. I encourage you to celebrate your friends and tell them how they help make life worth living.