The St. Therese Mission on the old Spanish trail in California has become a sanctuary for peace and family get-togethers. Thanks to the presence of spiritual director Fr. Joel Aquino and the foresight and devotion of the Dizon family, headed by brothers Randy and Rondic, who developed the park and colombarium in Tecopa, just 45 minutes away from Las Vegas.
The columbarium-cemetery is the only Catholic cemetery serving Las Vegas and has become a favorite respite for families and the remembrance of departed loved ones.
In a place like the US, where life is fast-paced, the St. Therese Mission has offered what is needed most, a place for peace and relaxation.
Here are a few testimonials from its members:
In the times that the Laudate choir sang at St. Therese colombarium, Fernando would express his admiration of the beauty, the majesty and the serenity of St. Therese colombarium. He always remarked that when he dies, he would want it to be his resting place. We knew it was in jest that he would make that kind of remark considering that he was at the prime of his youth. But God had other plans for him. He left us unexpectedly. Laudate was his second family and since it seemed that there could not be anyone who would take responsibility of his final (funeral) services, the choir undertook it.
We were amazed at how the owners and the pastor displayed their sympathies by offering their help, in-forming us the possibility of getting a niche donated by a generous philanthropist. After we did the process required by the Mission, the approval by the commit-tee was awarded to Fernando. His family, especially his mother was ecstatic, and so were the Laudate Choir. We have been lucky to have met good people and would like to thank them for this very kind and generous deed. Our deepest gratitude to Fr. Joel Aquino, the Dizon family and last but surely not the least, our donors. We also thank the staff of the Magnificat who showed outstanding service.
In view of this, many members of the Laudate choir purchased niches for them and their families.
For what it is worth, we miss a beloved brother of ours but his death had enlightened many that death does come like a thief in the night. Needless to say, Fernando’s death is a re-minder to all that the time of our demise knows no boundaries. Only God knows when He wants us with Him in heaven. We have to be prepared not only spiritually but physically and emotionally. Being prepared with pre-funeral services is a must.
Thank you from the bottom of the hearts of those that loved and still love Fernando. You are great people.
Lita De Jesus
Laudate Choir
St. Therese Mission on the old Spanish trail, nestled on the Nevada and California desert.
David and I started attending St. Therese Mission after an unfortunate incident at our then parish in Pahrump. I now truly think the event was meant to happen to draw us to St. Therese. I feel very blessed to be a member of such a wonderful Mission. Several years ago, I had what I deemed a dream and I got up and told David that I would lead the people. Now that really freaked me out but I talked to several people about it and everyone just laughed it off. On October 26, 2014, my husband with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder of 39 years put a gun to his head and said I am done. Now I was less than 3 feet away from him and had no control but for some unknown reason God shows me David smiling and the event I witnessed has been erased from my memory.
Last week I picked up a gun and put it to head, luckily I knew it was not right and called my friend for help, I still do not know why I did such a thing. Then on Tuesday, I was driving south on Highway 95 to go kayaking with some friends at lake Havasu and I was half way there going around 60 MPH when a rear tire blew. It sent me spinning then flipped the jeep 2 1⁄2 times. I looked at the jeep and the only portion that survived any destruction was the seat I was sitting in. I think God has told me load and clear he needs me here to lead people to him or to save as many veterans and their families as possible.
But whatever the next mission is I will accept it with love and strength as I know the combination that you need to live this life and it is Faith, Hope, Love and Trust In God, if you lose one of those for some reason you end up lost, so keep all four and you can make it through any cross God gives you to carry. I thank God every day for sending me to the Mission I feel like its home and I know God wants me there. Only time will tell.
Patty Grubbs
Last year’s Thanksgiving Day was momentous. It was the day we both attended a Thanksgiving dinner party at a friend’s house. There, we got the chance to meet several people who go to Mass at St. Therese Mission. We also met Fr. Joel who impressed us with his humble and charismatic personality. Then, we got invited to attend the mass and the blessing of the Mission’s life-sized Nativity display. The Sunday that we first attended the celebration of the Eucharist at the Mission, we felt that it’s a truly different community; we felt the spirit of acceptance without any fear of discrimination.
We have decided we will never get tired of driving an hour to attend mass at the Mission. More so, we were so happy to be a part of the Sinulog celebration and had the chance to help set up the exhibit of the different relics of Senor Sto. Nino and participated in the initiative of showcasing our Filipino cultural fiesta celebration of the Child Jesus. Since then, we really felt the family spirit here at the Mission.
As we continue our spiritual journey here at the Mission and our growing relationship with St. Therese, we kept on relying on St. Therese who has never disappointed us. We are also thankful to Father Joel who is always ready to give us his real thoughts, guidance, and enlightenment.
The Mission is really of great help to us and we also find the third Sunday healing masses very significant to us especially that Ray’s son has type-1 diabetes. Every Sunday, Father Joel always shares very meaningful homilies that always give us thoughts to reflect on. With all of these experiences, we really are so thankful that the Mission exists and touches people’s lives, including our own and we are forever grateful.”
Tess, Ray, and Bear
Gene and I lived in Kansas City and attended St. Peter’s church for over 40 years. We served as Communion ministers and lector. The street we lived on was 90% Catholic. Saint Peter’s was home. It was not easy to leave!
We prayed a lot and began our new life as travelers. We prayed the rosary that we would be where we were supposed to be. Pahrump was not in our plans. My sister lives there and asked us to give it a try. We joined the church and volunteered for lector and Communion ministers. I taught Sunday classes to the primary children. We were there for two years, still not feeling a real part of the community. We heard about a new Catholic church in California and decided to find it. My mother had a daily novena she said to St. Therese so I thought it would be good to find the Mission.
At St. Therese Mission: We felt we are home
We took a ride and were led to St. Therese Mission while praying all the way that we were doing the right thing. When we drove up and saw the Mission, we felt our prayers were being heard. When we met Father Joel and some of his staff, we knew God had heard our prayers. We came that first Sunday and met more of the community. We feel we are home . That day was a new birthday. Thank you, mother and St. Therese.”
Mary Ann and Gene Kroger
For inquiries, please visit http://sttheresemission.com/
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