Fr. Louis Guardiola, C.P.M.

Finally the Mass is the Divinely ordained means of applying the merits of Calvary. Christ won for the world all the graces it needs for sanctification and salvation. But these blessings are conferred gradually and continually since Calvary and mainly through the Mass. Their measure of conferral is in proportion to the faith and loving response of the faithful who unite themselves in spirit with the Mass.

It is in this sense that The Mass is an oblation of the whole Mystical Body, head and members. Yet, among the faithful some have been ordained priests and their role is substantially different from that of the laity. The priest is indispensable since he alone by his powers can change the elements of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Nevertheless, the role of the participants is of great importance, not as there would be no Mass without a congregation, but because the people’s, “full, active and conscious participation will involve them both body and soul and will inspire them with faith, hope and charity.”

The more active this participation, the more glory is given to God and grace is bestowed not only on the Church Herself, but on all members of the human race.

About Fr. Lou Guardiola

Father Louis was born March 23rd, 1953 into a Mexican-American family in Detroit, Michigan. He has been a member of the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima since 1967. He attended Loyola University of Chicago, graduating Cum Laude in Scholastic Philosophy and Classical languages in 1976, having studied four years of Latin and five years of Greek. He taught Religious Education for many years in Illinois, Michigan, Kentucky and Connecticut as a layperson, novice, religious brother, Deacon and Priest. He studied under Fr. John Hardon as a Lay Catechist for seven years (1989-96) assisting him in research for his articles, books, and catechisms and in coordinating conferences with bishops and cardinals. Father Louis entered religious life with the Fathers of Mercy in 1996. He studied at Holy Apostles Seminary 1997-2001, graduating with M.A. in Divinity and M.A. in Theology, Magna cum Laude and class valedictorian. He was ordained May 31st, 2001, then assigned as assistant Pastor of Sacred Heart Church and interim Pastor of St. Peter?s church 2001-2. Father now resides at the Fathers of Mercy Generalate in South Union, Kentucky when he is not preaching missions, retreats and 40 hours devotions. Fr. Louis, and other members of the congregation, in conjunction with The Real Presence Association , is available to: Come to your parish as Eucharistic Speakers to promote Perpetual Adoration and Education Come to your parish to conduct a 40 hours devotion Come to your parish to conduct a week-long Eucharistic mission or retreat