Born in 1347, St. Catherine of Siena was a mystic and reformer whose bold faith influenced popes and healed divisions in the Church. Though she lived in a turbulent time,…
Monthly Newsletter
Many years ago, I worked in a small, rural town in the Philippines. Most of the people lived in neighboring barrios and had small parcels of land. They were not very…
April brings us face-to-face with the miracle of Easter — the empty tomb and the risen Lord. The mission of the Church flows directly from the Resurrection. Because Jesus…
Lord, in April I thank You for the hope of Easter, for the victory of Christ over sin and death. Thank You that the tomb is empty, and because He lives, I too shall live.…
As spring awakens the earth, we remember that mission is about planting seeds. “One plants, another waters, but God gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Our efforts may…
Eladio was a most engaging character. He was a parishioner in the parish when I was a newly ordained priest in the Philippines. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was…
St. Patrick (c. 385–461) was taken captive by Irish raiders as a teenager and enslaved far from home. Years later, after escaping, he felt a divine call to return to
Lord, March brings signs of new life—buds forming, days lengthening, hope rising. I thank You for being the God of growth, both in nature and in my spirit.
Born in Sudan around 1869, Josephine Bakhita was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery. Through unimaginable suffering, she discovered faith in Christ and eventually…
There are many stories told about Columban Fr. Dick Pankratz, who passed away recently. Fr. Dick was from Wisconsin. He worked in the Philippines for many years. He was…
Father, this month I pause to thank You for Your perfect love. The world celebrates love in fleeting ways, but You remind me that love is patient, kind, and eternal. Thank…
February brings thoughts of love — a fitting reminder that mission is rooted in love. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). God’s mission in the world is love…
