St. Joseph’s Church pastor Monsignor Richard Martini estimates he’s walked over 90 miles through the neighborhoods of Carpinteria since March 21. Monsignor Martini said he’s bringing Christ to the people since the church closed temporarily because of the coronavirus.
“We asked ourselves the question, ‘How can we bring Jesus to the people when they can no longer come to church?’ This is our way of praying for all the people in Carpinteria, asking God to keep everyone safe, of asking the Lord to protect everyone, but most especially we are asking the Lord to help us become conscious that he is with us,” Monsignor Martini said.
“Catholics believe that Christ is present in what looks like bread. And so as we walk around with it (the Blessed Sacrament), we’re literally revealing that Christ is present, Christ is here with you even in this.”
So far, Monsignor Martini has walked through Sandpiper Mobile Home Park, Franciscan Village, Casa de las Flores, Linden Avenue, Carpinteria Avenue, Holly Avenue, Ash Avenue and many other local spots.
From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday evening, Monsignor Martini walked from La Mirada Drive and Shepard Mesa and Cate Mesa Road and Gobernador Canyon to Alvarado Street, Foothill Road, Seacoast Village, Jay Street, Kathy Street, Dariesa Street, and Myra Street.
“We’re doing our very best to walk past every single dwelling,” Monsignor Martini said.
During the walk, Monsignor Martini will carry an exhibition vessel, called a monstrance, filled with a thin wafer of bread called a Host. Catholics believe the bread is the physical presence of Jesus Christ.
Two members of The School of the Cross men’s group and a guitar player will walk with Monsignor Martini.
“We are wearing a humeral veil and so we are actually, because of the sacredness of (the Host), holding (the monstrance) with this veil, and we are ringing a bell as we go to alert people. Many people are coming out on the street, everybody keeps social distance, even though it’s walking, it’s not a huge procession,” Monsignor Martini said.
He added that the community has embraced the procession and people walk out of their houses to watch, take pictures, cheer them on and to pray.
The walk will conclude Wednesday evening at the ranches along Foothill Road.
The above comes from an April 2 story in the Santa Barbara News-Press
God bless the pastor for taking care of his people. A great example for all of us.
Amen
Yes, an uplifting article in the midst of so much bad news. God bless him.
Keep it up Fr Martini
God Bless you Fr. Martini! If you want, come to Thousand Oaks we are waiting for the Lord!
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Cute! he must really love his people..
Fr. Martini is facing Christ with the people in this picture, he could do it also in his private Masses if he chooses to do so, and the altar is situated for such a position. God bless him for doing the best he can.
Oh goodness, I meant “if the altar is situated for such a position.”.
The print that comes up in my comment section is so small it hard for me to read and type correctly, although the posted comments come up larger.