Text By: Bishop James A. Tamayo

Last Monday, like most in our community, I awoke to the shocking revelation that our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI has tendered his resignation effective February 28, 2013 at 7 p.m. Rome time. I was filled with mixed emotions at the news. At first, I was saddened that His Holiness would no longer serve as the successor to St. Peter in a way that only he could—as a loving shepherd of his flock, as an unparalleled scholar and as a man who served God with humility. Nearly 86-years-old, the pope cited being tired of body and mind for his resignation. Pope Benedict XVI is a faithful servant of God and offers his resignation under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And it is the Holy Spirit who will now guide the Cardinals in the selection of our next Pope. As I do every morning, I offered a special intention for Pope Benedict XVI during my daily prayers. I also prayed for the ensuing Conclave of Cardinals who will soon be electing a new pope. And it was during this time that I also listened with my heart. I realize that the Holy Spirit is working through our Holy Father to encourage us to walk through the door of faith that has opened wide. I recognized how blessed we are to have Pope Benedict XVI serve as our shepherd. I recalled and gave thanks to God that we had the opportunity to witness his travels to the United States and Mexico. During his visit to Washington D.C., our Holy Father visited the White House as the leader of state. However, it was his visit to Nationals Park, Yankee Stadium and St. Patrick’s Cathedral as well as Guanajuato in Mexico as the shepherd of the Catholic faith that reverberated with a message of hope throughout these great republics. This marks an important moment in our lives. Nearly 600-years have passed since a pontiff has relinquished the chair of St. Peter. We are all witness to a great act of humility out of concern for the future of the universal church. As bishop of the Diocese of Laredo, I invite all Catholics and all people of good will to join us in continued prayer for the good health of Pope Benedict XVI. We also offer our prayers that the Holy Spirit, always present in the Church, enlightens the Conclave to select a worthy successor to St. Peter and one who is prepared to meet the challenges of today’s world— Todo Con Amor.

By SALO OTERO

South Texas Food Bank Marketing Director

The South Texas Food Bank mission is to feed the hungry. With more than 30 percent of South Texas residents living below the poverty guidelines, the hungry are plentiful. And equally important as the mission to feed the hungry is to bring awareness that hungry people exist in our own backyard. “If you or I have never been hungry, it’s sometimes hard to convince others that there are hungry in our community,” says a South Texas Food Bank spokesperson. Bringing the hunger issue to the forefront via documentation is key. Three South Texas Food Bank employees were recognized at the monthly board meeting at Commerce Bank by Feeding America and the Texas Department of Health and Human Resources for their role in gathering information to support that there is food insecurity among our residents.

You wouldn’t consider going to a doctor or beautician who isn’t licensed to practice, because we know that licensing is in place as a means of protecting consumers from potentially dangerous situations. Yet, many people will allow anyone to rewire their home – whether licensed to do so, or not.   Just placing an ad in the newspaper doesn’t make someone qualified. It is illegal for unlicensed electricians to practice because it’s dangerous! Those who utilize these self-professed electricians are putting their safety and that of their family at serious risk from fire and electrocution.   To find out if someone is licensed in Texas, go to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website at www.license.state.tx.us/licensesearch. Select “Inquire by License Type” and “Electricians” from the drop down menu. Then, select “Inquire by County”, and pick your county from the drop down menu. A list will appear of those in your county who are licensed by the state. You can also elect to do a search by name to see if a specific person is qualified. Just type the name in the designated space.

Article courtesy of Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc.