When describing Franciscan values, Miguel Alcantar, OFM, said, "Franciscans are to be always moving and not attached to things. To be Franciscan is to be wherever is needed." Although it is natural to grow attached to routines, comfort zone, and traditions, the genius of Franciscan values shares the beauty of flexibility and movement. When Bishop Baldacchino of the Las Cruces Diocese announced on March 16th that all public gatherings were suspended, Eduardo "Lalo" Espinosa, OFM, decided to follow the footsteps of St. Francis and go "wherever is needed."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, "wherever is needed" is best defined as individual homes. While the faithful are advised to stay in their homes, Fr. Lalo, Pastor of St. John the Baptist, helped to turn his parishioners' homes into churches by embracing live-streaming through social media, the web, and radio broadcasts. In addition to streaming daily Masses, Holy Week services, and rosaries, the parish worked to create a safe way to distribute palms on Palm Sunday and the Holy Eucharist on Easter Sunday. 

The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Parishioners prayerfully follow along during live-stream Masses by typing prayers and praises in the comment sections. One parishioner commented, "God bless you and thank you for your service Father Lalo and your staff."  The fruits of live-streaming Masses have been hopeful for Fr. Lalo. He initially did not want to live-steam Masses but changed his mind after speaking with his parishioners. He shared, "At first I didn’t consider it important because right now Facebook and YouTube are full of celebrations from all over. After talking with some parishioners they expressed how important is for them to see their own parish and pastor." After hearing their words, Fr. Lalo knew he needed to go wherever is needed. "I am not a fan of Facebook or any social media, but after seeing the impact in my parishioners, I realized it is not about me but is about feeding my people with some hope amid the pandemic. Now the people are more at peace, trying to live this situation in their family, and trying to discover the treasure they have in their own family." Please continue to pray for Fr. Lalo, and all parish pastor's as they navigate how to best meet their flocks' needs during this pandemic.