RIP Deacon Pete Lobo

Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!

Sept. 8: We sang happy birthday to the Mother of God, after kids baked this birthday cake.

 

RIP Deacon Mike Urick

 

St. Ignatius Institute 50th Reunion

SII 50TH REUNION MASS

I graduated from the St. Ignatius Institute in Dec. 1995, at age 21, and "walked" the graduation stage in May 1996.  

Those were important years for any young adult.  

When I started SII at age 19, it was there that I learned theology, philosophy, history and literature through a Liberal Arts Great Books Program and many Jesuit professors and lay Thomists.  I was a shy kid that learned in SII how to articulate my thoughts, hone in reason/debate/critical thinking skills on my feet, and be in a college class of like-minded students that wanted to practice their Faith.

I owe my career to many Jesuits in both SII and USF as well as the lay Thomists that formed me.

Eventually, I walked the USF stage in May 1996 for a B.A. in Theology with a Philosphy Minor and a Certificate in the Liberal Arts (magna cum laude).

Since then, I have directly taught hundreds upon hundreds and indirectly thousands upon thousands in my 30 years since then until now in 2026.

Before I attended SII, my first theology teacher, Fr. Anthony Hernandez, wrote my recommendation letter for admission.

I still keep in touch with my teacher.

One college classmate is Bishop Steven Lopes (SII Class of 1996).

When I saw him after all these years at the class reunion, he said, "How are you, my friend?"  I replied, "Good," and, as I do with any Catholic bishop, I kissed his episcopal ring as a symbol of kissing the Church, the Bride of Christ.  I then gave him some space since he had to vest and had a handful of people around him.

Right before we took this photo, Bishop Lopes said to me, "Hey, remember freshman year?"  And I laughed my head off.

(Thank you to Deacon Cameron from St. Pat's Seminary who took the photo.)

Here's the YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/live/1SHZs6T9ADw?feature=shared

Holy Hour before the 1215pm Mass

This is Lisa Hamrick (the organizer).

I have memories of walking in the SII Office and Lisa helping me as a college student.

Lisa is one of the co-founders of Walk for Life West Coast, an annual walk in San Francisco, where thousands upon thousands come to be a voice for the voiceless babies.

Fr. Cornelius Buckley, S.J.

(He's over 100 years old.  I helped him vest before Mass, was responsible for handing him the Chalice of the Precious Blood during Communion, and I also helped him unvest after Mass.  In hindsight, I wish I had asked if I could role his wheelchair to the center of the aisle during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, since he was sitting in the front pew on the side.  There's no wheelchair ramp to the sanctuary.)

Before Mass, I helped him vest in his priest vestments.  While I did, I said, "Hi, Father, I'm Dennis from the Class of 1995.  I used to go to your 10pm Masses."  

(In college, we had daily 10pm Mass at night.  I used to go to late night Mass with classmates like Steven Lopes and Tom Clark (now Fr. Bede).

Father Buckley replied, "Oh, yes, Dennis, what's your last name?

 

Dispatched 2x Over Weekend to 2 Deaths

Served as police chaplain as part of deacon assignment.  

I prefer not to go into details other than to say I helped police officers to aid and comfort family as needed.

May God bless and protect our city.

"Shalom! Peace: A Fruit of the Eucharist" (Homily #289)

 

"Shalom!  Peace: A Fruit of the Eucharist" (Homily #289)

10th Priest Ordination Anniv of Fr. Raj Derivera