It is two weeks before Christmas and Sally, an unwed mother of a baby girl is living out of her car feeling hopeless. The temperatures are cold in Phoenix, Arizona, at this time of year and any money Sally has keeps the vehicle running. The hungry mother is devastated by misfortune and prays for a sign to help her turn her life around. Lucky for Sally, and hundreds in the Phoenix area, the André House of Hospitality ministers to guests seeking food, clothing, laundry services, showers, and so much more.
The impactful organization, started by two Holy Cross priests responding to the basic needs of the poor while encouraging others to do the same, celebrated 40 years of providing basic and transitional services to the Phoenix community. André House 40th Anniversary events happened on January 11 and 12. Festivities were organized by Rev. Andrew D. Fritz, C.S.C., who serves as Pastoral Director for André House.
The celebration began with visitors learning how André House began which included light refreshments. Saturday morning visitors enjoyed a panel discussion with several former executive directors of André House. On Sunday, a Mass was celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix Most Rev. Eduardo A. Nevares, and Bishop of Cheyenne, Wyoming Most Rev. Steven R. Biegler, along with several Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers concelebrants including Provincial Superior Rev. William M. Lies, C.S.C., Rev. John H. Pearson, C.S.C., Rev. David L. Guffey, C.S.C., Rev. Brian D. Kennedy, C.S.C., and Rev. Andrew D. Fritz, C.S.C.
Fr. Bill Lies, C.S.C., shared a homily that reflected on our challenges, noting the recent New Year’s tragedy in New Orleans. He explored human suffering, faith, and God’s role in difficult times. These trying times can create theological struggles that make us all question God’s love and presence. In his reflection, Fr. Bill Lies, C.S.C., reminds us that in life’s struggles, God is with us offering support and a way forward. Jesus’ baptism symbolizes God’s commitment to humanity. We need to trust in God’s unwavering love and solidarity with humanity.
“That’s the message that Br. André preached through his gentle, kind healing welcome of all who passed through his door, and it’s the message that André House has preached through its gentle, kind, and healing welcome of all who entered through our doors. These are acts of baptism. Br. André and so many who have served at – and been welcomed to – André House have immersed their lives so deeply into the lives of one another in solidarity. And as such, homeless or helper, humbled or hopeful, they have done for other human beings what Jesus did for all humanity,” said Fr. Bill Lies, C.S.C.
“I cannot help but believe that here at André House is a place where the heavens have opened, the Spirit descends, and God is pleased with his children. The solidarity enacted at Jesus’ baptism is the foundation for human solidarity that crosses boundaries of race, nationality, economics, and religions. It is the foundation from which the fractures in the human heart will be healed. Every one of us is called to live a life of solidarity, with God and each other. We can do that only because God did it first. It is the only way we will ever survive the explosions of life, the only way we can ever form new relationships and reconcile old ones, the only way in which justice and mercy will meet,” concluded Fr. Bill Lies, C.S.C.
