Nativity in Torrance

A Century of Catholic Faith

1924 — 2024

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Happy Easter! Alleluia! Jesus is risen!

Easter is not just one day—it is a season of 50 days, from Easter Sunday to Pentecost. The Church celebrates it this way because the Resurrection of Jesus is too great to be contained in a single day. In the Old Testament, the Jewish people celebrated Passover, remembering how God freed them from slavery in Egypt. After Passover, they entered a sacred period leading to another great feast. This pattern helps us understand what God was preparing: not just a moment of salvation, but a journey into new life.

Jesus rose from the dead during Passover, revealing that He is the true Passover Lamb. As St. Paul writes, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Just as Israel was freed from physical slavery, we are freed from sin and death through the Resurrection. After rising, Jesus remained with His disciples for forty days, appearing to them and strengthening their faith (Acts 1:3).

Then came the Ascension and, finally, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. These events form one great mystery of salvation. The Church invites us to live these 50 days as one long celebration because the Resurrection changes everything. We are not meant to “move on” from Easter, but to live from it. These days are an opportunity to deepen our joy, renew our faith, and remember that Christ has conquered sin and death.

The Resurrection is not just something we celebrate—it is the life we are now called to live.

Message from Father Gregorio “Goyo” Hidalgo

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

With deep gratitude and joy, I write to you as your new Pastor/Administrator here at Nativity. It is truly a

blessing to be welcomed into this faith community, and I look forward to walking with you as we

continue to grow together in faith, hope, and love. From the moment I learned that I would be joining this

parish, I have been praying for all of you and asking the Holy Spirit to guide me as we begin this journey

together.

From my very first day, I have felt so blessed to belong to such a generous and faith-filled community.

Saying “thank you” hardly feels enough, but please know how deeply grateful I am for your love and

generosity from day one.

As you know, I am originally from Spain—and apparently, the accent is here to stay! I’ll try to speak a bit

slower, but it’s part of my genes. Please stop me if I speak too fast; it’s just because I’m excited and

happy to be here.

I was ordained a priest in 2016, and throughout my ministry I have had the privilege of serving in several

parishes where I have witnessed the beauty of God’s people living their faith with joy and generosity. My

greatest joy as a priest is celebrating the Eucharist and accompanying people in every season of their

lives—through moments of joy, sorrow, and hope.

My prayer and desire as I begin this new chapter at Nativity is to walk with you on this journey toward

Christ. I hope to foster a welcoming and prayerful community where everyone feels at home and where

our love for Christ is reflected in everything we do. I believe that together, guided by the Holy Spirit, we

can strengthen our parish family and continue to be a light of Christ in our neighborhood and beyond.

I know I will make mistakes, and I won’t be able to be everywhere at once since there’s only one of

me—and for that, I ask your understanding. But I promise I will always give you my best (though I admit,

early mornings might find me a tiny bit grumpy—you’ll soon learn I’m not a morning person! ).

Please keep me in your prayers, as I promise to keep all of you in mine. It may take some time to get to

know everyone, but I’m confident we have plenty of time for that. I look forward to celebrating the

liturgical year with you—especially Christmas, which, after all, is the name of our parish!

Once again, thank you so much for your generous contributions to the Christmas Fund and the Building

Fund. With your help, we’ll be able to clean and paint our church in preparation for Christmas. I’ll do my

best not to disappoint you this Christmas season!

May the Lord bless our journey together and make us ever more faithful to His call.

In Christ,

Father Gregorio “Goyo” Hidalgo

Holy Father Pope Leo XIV

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Laudato Sí

ACTION PLATFORM

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is a unique collaboration between the Vatican, an international coalition of Catholic organizations, and “all men and women of good will.” (LS 3) Taking a truly ground-up approach, it is rooted in the strengths and realities of communities around the world, empowering all to take “decisive action, here and now” as we journey towards a better future together. (LS 161)

Action is urgently needed. Our Creator called the human family to be the steward of creation, but we have neglected that call. Our hotter, dirtier, deader planet is driving up the risk of suffering. The most vulnerable suffer above all.

At this kairos moment, we are responding to the call for healing in our relationships with God, our neighbors, and the Earth itself. Through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, we are walking the “path to renewal” together (LS 202).