Lynwood Rotary Meeting Update 03.03.2016

At the March 3,  Meeting members and guests heard a presentation from Fr. Rigoberto Rodriguez, Pastor, St. Emydius Catholic Church, Lynwood.  Daniel mentioned that he first met Fr. Rigoberto Rodriguez, when he officiated at the internment of Rotary member Ramon Rodriguez’s mother at the All Souls Cemetary in Long Beach.  Fr. Rodriguez thanked the Lynwood Rotary for inviting him to be the speaker.  He explained that he has completed a 4-1/2 year period at the parish, that will end after a total of 6 years, as set by the Arch Bishop of the Los Angeles  Arch Diocese.  Relating to the history of the parish, it was started about 80 years ago by Italians.  It is a very large parish, and Fr. Rodriguez is assisted by three other priests.  The Paster noted that on a weekend, a total of 10,000 persons attend masses and other services, with 12 masses held on Sundays. (The previous pastor was Fr. Dennis O'Neal, who became the bishop of the diocese of San Bernardino, before he retired.)

Pastor Rodriguez mentioned he traveled to Mexico to see Pope Francis on the Pope’s  recent visit to Mexico.  He spoke approvingly of Pope Francis’ caring and ministry to all the poor in the world.  One example noted, is the the Pope has had showers constructed in the Vatican to serve the homeless in Rome. 

One problem the parish is dealing with, is the need for more parking on Sundays.  One property that has been identified is a large corner lot with apartments.  Providing for substitute housing for the apartment residents adds to the potential cost and difficulties of this site, were the parish (and Arch Diocese) to decide to acquire the property for parking.  Regarding one negative incident, Martina asked if they caught the perpetrators of a major vandalism incident that occurred one night.  Pastor Rodriguez said not yet.  The parish's surveillance cameras were not working at the time.  The Pastor noted that the grafitti was of a distinctively anti-Christian nature, “a devil orientation.”

Of particular interest is the Convent of the Missionaries of Charity, which convent is adjacent  to the church.  This order of nuns was founded by Mother Teresa, whose order established  this convent around 1988, and who stayed in the convent when she was visiting in LA in 94 (and who passed away in 97).  The Pastor passed around a photo album of the sisters from the convent, to include Mother Teresa when she was staying there.  There are now 6 nuns, but sometimes as many as 9 nuns. Pastor Rodriquez noted that the nuns have decorated several walls in the Sacristy of the church with prayers and religious expressions, including “I thirst” adjacent to a crucifix image of Jesus. Within the Convent, the sisters are housing and caring for young pregnant women.  On Fridays they provide food for the needy outside of the convent within the campus of the church.  They also will provide food for needy people within Lynwood.  Sometimes walking to their residences if close by or using their one van to visit needy people (also to go shopping for food).  The Pastor noted the humble life style of the sisters.  They only wear sandals, not shoes, no watches and basically only travel with a rosary. They eat by themselves, do not have medical insurance and travel without money.  The order is located in many countries, but the majority come from India.  Those from India grew up speaking English, but they have to learn other languages based on where they are deployed.  For example, there are group of convents in Baja California from Tijuana south to Rosarita Beach.

Questions from the audience, included Rotary member Raj, who asked what was the ethnic origin of Mother Teresa.  Apparently it was Eastern European.  Also, Dr. Carlos Manlapaz, wanted to know if there was a petition to the Arch Bishop of the LA  Arch Diocese could Fr. Rodriguez stay longer at the parish?  The Pastor's response was that it is possible that he might stay longer, but also he is now of retirement age and not sure that he would seek to stay longer.  Other comments:  Martina Rodriguez noted that she and Tila Millan had purchased a book of Mother Teresa's writings and found them very inspiring.  Also Daniel noted that he had seen the feature length movie, “Cartas” meaning “Letters” in Spanish, about the life of Mother Teresa in India and found the movie most inspiring!  Also Rotary member Ivan, noted that when he was in the Fifth grade of St. Emydius School, he saw Mother Teresa in 1994, while she was staying at the Convent.  A final note about Mother Teresa, Pastor Rodriguez mentioned that on Sep 4, at the Vatican, Mother Teresa will be canonized, that is, made a saint.  So Daniel suggested that Pastor Rodriguez remind our Rotary Club of this event in August so that we may share our thoughts again about Mother Teresa.

Before the speaker, President Martina Rodriguez did not have any announcements. Daniel mentioned that there is an Art Walk this Sat, March 5, 11am- 2pm at the Senator Ricardo Lara Linear Park, at Fernwood  and Gertrude Ave.  The event is planned and supported in part by Lynwood United, with Chair Rowland Becerra.  Rotary member Ivan Esquivel, agreed to show up and introduce himself to Rowland communicating that the Lynwood Rotary strongly supports this event.  Daniel congratulated Rowland for the Lynwood art event held at the Lynwood Library on Tue, Feb 23 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm that resulted in 400 persons attending!  Also coming to the Lynwood Library on Tue, Mar 29, 5:30- 8:00 pm is an art exhibition by professional artist, Felix Quintana, a graduate  of LUSD schools, and of several universities, who has had art exhibitions at several art galleries  

Daniel Miller /  Omar Franco  Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club