Monsignor Gilles Wach, the founder and Prior General of the Institute of Christ the King, Sovereign Priest, accompanied by Canon Talarico, the Provincial of the Institute in the United States, made a first ever official visitation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Oratory in San Jose, California on June 12, 2016.  Our Oratory family received them with great joy, knowing what a sacrifice it was for each of them to come so far, Monsignor Wach traveling from Italy and Canon Talarico from Chicago.  The Immaculate Heart of Mary Oratory, having been newly transplanted to Five Wounds Portuguese National Church in the recent past in December 2013 by our local ordinary, Bishop McGrath, keenly felt the blessing that the presence and guidance of our founder signified.

We demonstrated the gratitude and joy we felt at receiving our visitors by assisting reverently at Mass offered by Monsignor Wach.  Monsignor was ably assisted by Canon Talarico, Canon Ueda, Abbe Kevin and the most altar servers that we have ever had.  Canon Talarico translated the beautiful homily preached by Monsignor Wach from French into English for us.  Our little community then pulled out all the stops in hosting a potluck in the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School next door after Mass.  What a blessing it was to have so many priests at the head table that every seat was filled!  Besides Monsignor Wach, Canon Talarico, Canon Ueda, Father Morgan and Abbe Kevin, Frater Julian Tsai,Norbertine Seminarian joined us for the celebration.  May the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Patron Saint of the Oratory continue to watch over each one of her children.

Written by Ms. Marta McGrath, IHM Oratory faithful

Photos courtesy of Mr. Jay Balza