Fr. Arnold Aurillo, pastor of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Tucson, updated parishioners on his and another priest's recent positive COVID-19 tests.

"God indeed has always been faithful and His love is so great," Aurillo said in the parish's Nov. 29 bulletin. "I could not thank Him enough for all the blessings He has bestowed upon me."

Aurillo admitted that he never expected he would test positive for the coronavirus because he had tried to be careful. He said that he began feeling symptoms on Nov. 17 and decided to get tested the following day.

"That Tuesday I already texted the Bishop and I communicated with the Chancery personnel because Fr. Tom got tested COVID positive as well," Aurillo said in the bulletin. "The Chancery ordered that the parish church and the office be locked down for at least 10 days. I felt sad for all my parishioners because they were not able to celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King."

The pastor said that he and Fr. Tom Quirk have been touched by the prayers and love they've received from parishioners.

"We received calls, emails, texts and messages from families, relatives, friends and parishioners checking on us and wishing us to get well soon," Aurillo said. "We were also blessed to have received provisions and food from families and individuals. We felt all your love for us."

Aurillo announced that there are likely to be changes due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, but he hopes parishioners will cooperate and understand the new protocols. 

He also hopes that as the season of Advent approaches, parishioners will not miss the opportunity to prepare their hearts for God.

"We were 'THANKFUL' when we all celebrated the 'Thanksgiving Day' this year, but let us be more spiritual as part of our resolve," Fr. Aurillo said. "Let us heed Jesus' reminder not only of the Second Coming, but of His coming as WORD that which will break through and announce the Kingdom of God."