Genesis 2:7-9, 3:17; Romans 5:12-19 or 5:12, 17-19; Matthew 4:1-11. In the first reading, the woman and her husband eat fruit from the tree of life, and realize they are naked. In the Letter to the Romans, Paul reassures us that God’s grace surpasses any of our sins. In the Gospel, the devil tempts Jesus while he is in the desert, but Jesus says to him, Get away, Satan! And the devil leaves him.

Domenica 1A di Quaresima 

Gli idoli di sempre: l’avere, il potere, il valere quando impongono la loro logica generano solo chiusura, delusione, buoto, conflitti. Nel nostro ambiente e nella nostra vita, siamo testimoni degli effetti prodotti dalla sete di denaro, dall’ambizione e dal potere: ingiustizia, menzogna, odio, violenza, incomprensione tra coniugi o tra genitori e figli. Scegliere Dio è certamente scomodo, ma la vittoria di Cristo pervade di ottimismo chi ha aderito a Lui.

封齋期第一主日 

封齋期開始了，我們可能想到怎樣以祈禱、克己、哀矜，去善度今年的封齋期了，但到底為什麼有封齋期，我以為，首先，我們會想到在這段時日，望教的兄弟姊妹正在以祈禱、守齋、哀矜去準備在復活節時領洗。我們以團結的精神，和他們一起準備、歡迎他們進入教會。其次，我們藉着這段時日，更新、重整我們的心靈，好使能更接近天主，更愛祂、更多得到天主的恩寵。 

今天的的福音是我們熟悉的，耶穌在曠野祈禱、守齋。祂為我們祈禱，為給我們表樣，為準備祂的傳教工作。耶穌三次受到魔鬼試探，但祂都以聖經的教訓拒絕了魔鬼的引誘。我們一生之中，不知多少次遇到誘惑，使我們迷失走向天堂之路的方向。若我們經常以祈禱、守齋、哀矜去鍛鍊自己，並藉聖經的教訓去警惕自己，求耶穌和聖母幫助，我們就能超越一切誘惑困難。

From the Pastor’s Desk 

Dear brothers and sisters,

At the beginning of each liturgical season, we joyfully rediscover the grace of being Church, namely a community gathered to listen to the word of God. The voice of the Prophet Joel speaks to us, bringing each of us out of our isolation and showing us the urgent need for conversion, which is always both personal and public: “Gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast” (2:16). He mentions the most fragile and least suited to large gatherings, those whose absence would be easy to justify. The prophet goes on to refer to husband and wife: he seems to call them from the privacy of their marital life, so that they will feel part of a larger community. Then he turns to priests, who already find themselves — almost by duty — “between the vestibule and the altar” (v. 17). They are invited to weep and to express these fitting words on behalf of all: “Spare your people, O Lord!” (ibid). 

Even today, Lent remains a powerful time for community: “Gather the people. Sanctify the congregation” (Joel 2:16). We know that it has become increasingly difficult to gather people together and make them feel like a community — not in a nationalistic and aggressive way, but in a communion where each of us finds our place. Indeed, during Lent, a people is formed that recognizes its sins. These sins are evils that have not come from supposed enemies, but afflicts our hearts, and exist within us. We need to respond by courageously accepting responsibility for them. Moreover, we must accept that while this attitude is countercultural, it constitutes an authentic, honest and attractive option, especially in our times, when it is so easy to feel powerless in the face of a world that is in flames. Truly, the Church exists as a community of witnesses that recognize their sins. 

Naturally, sin is personal, but it takes shape in the real and virtual contexts of life, in the attitudes we adopt towards each other that mutually impact us, and often within real economic, cultural, political and even religious “structures of sin.” Scripture teaches us that opposing idolatry with worship of the living God means daring to be free, and rediscovering freedom through an exodus, a journey, where we are no longer paralyzed, rigid or complacent in our positions, but gathered together to move and change. How rare it is to find adults who repent — individuals, businesses and institutions that admit they have done wrong!

Today, we are reflecting precisely on this possibility of repentance. Indeed, it is no coincidence that, even in secularized contexts, many young people, more than in the past, are open to the invitation of Ash Wednesday. Young people especially understand clearly that it is possible to live a just lifestyle, and that there should be accountability for wrongdoings in the Church and in the world. We must therefore start where we can, with those who are around us. “Now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!” (2 Cor 6:2). Let us therefore embrace the missionary significance of Lent, not in a way that distracts us from our individual efforts, but in a way that introduces this season to the many restless people of good will who are seeking authentic ways to renew their lives, within the context of the Kingdom of God and his justice.

Pope Leo XIV
Homily of Ash Wednesday, 2026

Mass Intentions For The Week

Sunday              February 22, 2026
8:45     Elena, Angelo, & Delia Serafini +
10:15  For the People of Saints Peter and Paul – Fr. Mario Rosso, SDB +
12:00  Loriano & Anita Belluomini +
5:00     Mike Paselk  + 

Monday             February 23, 2026
7:00     Joseph Leo Torre & Family +
9:00     Joseph Maggiora & the Maggiora Family + – Fifth Anniversary of the Death of Amanda Timko + 

Tuesday            February 24, 2026
7:00     The Birthday of Amelia DeNicolai + – Fr. David Purdy, SDB +
9:00     Angelo Sanguinetti + – Healing Sonia Hyman 

Wednesday    February 25, 2026
7:00     Edward & Ernest Sabini +
9:00     Joseph & Irene Bondanza + ‑  Fr. John Cardoso Silva +                       

Thursday          February 26, 2026
7:00     Antonio & Lilian Sia Lu & Family (Thanksgiving)
9:00     Birthday of Fr. Mario Rosso, SDB + – Thanksgiving to St. Anthony 

Friday                 February 27, 2026
7:00     Fr. Dave Zunino, SDB +
9:00     Gary Shelton + – Mr. & Mrs. Paul Lance +                    

Saturday          February 28, 2026
7:30     Carlos & Frances Tia & Family (Thanksgiving)
9:00     The Giurlani Family +
5:00     The DeNicolai Family + ‑ Dolores Brockenshire & Michael Czuprynski +

Baptisms
Eileen Marie Aicardi -Giacomo Al Forte Morales 

Rest in Peace
Jeanne Carlson – John Hodel 

Particular Items

Second Collection: Today we will have a second collection for our Archdiocesan Annual Appeal. 

Lenten Opportunities: 

Lenten Disciplines: Abstinence: Everyone 14 years and older is bound to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent, and Good Friday. Mass attendance: During Lent, the Church encourages attendance at daily Mass and reception of the Eucharist. Almsgiving: During Lent, the Church encourages generosity to local, national, and worldwide programs of sharing. 

Bible Study! Deacon Khoa leads Bible Study every Thursday at 7:00 PM. Come join us in exploring the word of God! 

Fridays of Lent: On all the Fridays of Lent we will have Eucharistic Adoration, confession, and the Rosary following the 7:00 AM Mass.We will also have the Stations of the Cross and Soup Supper at these times: 

February 27 at 6:00 PM, led by Walk for Life/Madonna De Lume/Madonna Addolorata
March 6 at 6:30 PM, led by the Chinese Apostolate
March 13 at 6:00 PM, led by Salesian Boys' and Girls' Club
March 20 at 6:30 PM. led by the Salesian Young Adults
March 27 at 6:00 PM, led by the Salesian Cooperators.

40 Days for Life” is a peaceful prayer vigil that takes place from Ash Wednesday (February 18) through Palm Sunday (March 29) at the Planned Parenthood  abortion business at 1522 Bush Street. 40 Days for Life prayer vigils are held in 622 cities in 64 countries. (Our former Archbishop George Niederauer called abortion businesses “the Golgotha of our time”). To learn more or schedule a vigil time, go to: http://www.40daysforlife.com/sanfrancisco/

Salesian Cooperators Monthly Formation Meeting: Our monthly formation meeting for those interested in becoming a Salesian Cooperator will be on Monday, February 23rd at 7pm by Zoom. Sr. Mary Link, FMA will be the facilitator. Cooperators share in the charisms or gifts, of the Salesian Family and support parish and youth ministry in a variety of ways. Many of you are already unofficial Cooperators. For more information,  please contact Frank Lavin at 415.310.8551, or franklavin@comcast.net).

Topic: Salesian Cooperators
Time: Monday, February 24, 2025 7PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/88551558778?pwd=ZUp6NFNJOGp0UXZETEVaanEzb1c4QT09 

Meeting ID: 885 5155 8778
Passcode: 369884

Chinese New Year Mass & Banquet: The Lunar New Year Mass & Banquet will be celebrated on February 28 at St. Mary’s Cathedral The Mass, celebrated by Archbishop Cordileone, begins at 2:30 PM, . It is followed by the Rite of Ancestor Veneration. The banquet begins at 5:00 PM. Tickets are $80—call the parish office or the Chinese Ministry of the Archdiocese at (415) 614 5575

The Don Bosco Study Group will meet by Zoom at 4pm, Tuesday, March 3. They will discuss the movie, “Tender Mercies,” starring recently deceased Rober Duvall. It is available on Amazon Prime and other streaming. We will also discuss Chapter 1 of Fr. Ron Rolheiser’s early classic, “The Holy Longing.” For more information, or a copy of the book excerpt, contact Frank Lavin 415.310.8551, or franklavin@comcast.net).

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85812363113?pwd=Q21vVlRkTWYyTG1DdTlra2p3bm5ZUT09 

Meeting ID: 858 1236 3113
Passcode: 841830

Madonna del Lume News! On March 5 the Madonna del Lume Society will honor the late Frank Cresci with a plaque dedication at the Fishermen's and Seamen's Memorial Chapel.  As many may be aware - Frank was integral to keeping our Festa della Madonna del Lume going for many years. The dedication will be followed by dinner reception at Sabella La Torre Restaurant, a short walk from the Chapel. For more information and dinner tickets, pick up a flyer or email mailto:mmdlnewssf@gmail.comailto:

SAVE THE DATE! School Centennial March 14, 2026: Saints Peter & Paul School is thrilled to be celebrating our Centennial year with a Gala event at Bimbo's 365 Club! Join us as we look back on the SSPP School legacy -- and forward to a bright future! Saturday, March 14, 2026. Tickets on Sale November 2025. Visit ssppevents.org/gala-100 or email centennial@sspeterpaulsf.org for more information. That’s Sr. Celine with some of the students back in 2008 when the fire department paid a visit!

Saints Peter and Paul Salesian School & Pre-K Accepting Applications: Our K-8 Salesian school is accepting applications for this year and next. Please email Dr. Lisa Harris at the school at mailto:lharris@sspeterpaulsf.org, or Jessyca Ng at the Pre-K at mailto:jng@sspeterpaulsf.org to learn more. 

Sponsor a Student! The Salesians started by educating the children of the poor and we are not about to stop now—but like Don Bosco before us we need your help! We invite financially able parishioners to help with this ministry. Please call Fr. Tho at 415-421-0809 or Dr. Lisa Harris at 415-421-5219. 

玫瑰經 Chinese Apostolate First Sunday Rosary: The Apostolate meets every first Sunday of the month, following the 10:15 AM Mass, to pray the Rosary in the Don Bosco Room.

Archdiocesan Annual Appeal: This year our assessment is $74,903, and we have received or had pledged $3,538 to date, leaving us with a balance of $71,365. If you are able, join the 1% club—give $749. If you do that monthly over the next 10 months it’s $75 a month—just $2.50 a day!

Catholic Medical Care right in our Parish! Bella Primary Care offers primary & pediatric healthcare in accordance with Catholic principles. They are located at 2000 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 304, in San Francisco. Now scheduling appointments for:
PEDIATRICS: Wellness visits for ages 6 months to 18 years with our pro-life pediatrician Dr. Tammy Mahaney.
WOMEN and MEN: Comprehensive annual exam.
EXPECTANT MOMS: Pregnancy verification, initial ultrasound and blood work.
FERTILITY: Initial and follow-up appointments using natural fertility assessment methods. 

For appointments, call 415-775-1500 or email our office at mailto:minfo@bellaprimarycare.org%20%20ailto:We look forward to caring for your families in a Christ-centered way!

 Liturgical Calendar
Sunday               22          The First Sunday of Lent
Monday             23          Lenten Weekday. Polycarp; Bishop, Martyr
Tuesday             24          Lenten Weekday
Wednesday     25          Lenten Weekday
Thursday           26          Lenten Weekday
Friday                27          Lenten Weekday, Gregory of Narek; Abbot, Doctor
Saturday           28          Lenten Weekday
Sunday              29          The Second Sunday of Lent

Your gifts of February 14 & 15:            $5,014.
Weekly Goal:                                           $8,670.
Shortfall:                                                  $3,656.
Archdiocesan Appeal:                                 $915. 

We are always in shortfall. Fr. Tho asks for your help Please consider donating an amount equal to a breakfast or lunch or movie ticket. Your parish needs & appreciates your support!