Vocations Newsletter

When was the last time you updated your résumé?I’m kidding, of course, but not by much. The most important title any of us can have is “Compassionate Missioner,” although I imagine that’s not how you usually talk about yourself! As we begin our third week of the Church’s Extraordinary Month of Mission, I invite you to think about how you can grow as a compassionate missioner, and build up our Church along the way.Our Holy Father Pope Francis calls this a commitment to missionary formation: the process of preparing ourselves to go out into the world as disciples of the Gospel. Spending a little more time studying scripture and celebrating our sacraments and liturgies are all good ways to do that. Then let’s not forget about those who came before us: the martyrs and saints, and the role models in our own family and parishes who gave us an early appreciation for our faith. Recalling their devotion is a good way to strengthen our mission spirit.In the end, we are known by our good works… visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, and caring for the most vulnerable. Each time we express our faith this way, we are not just growing…
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For people of faith like us, we have a trove of inspiration to help us live our mission calling. I’m talking about the saints and martyrs—and the unsung heroes of everyday life who have crossed paths with us and left behind a blessing or two.This week, during our Extraordinary Month of Mission, our Holy Father Pope Francis asks us to deepen our faith by spending time with the missionary saints, martyrs and confessors. From the earliest days of the Church right through the present century, we can call on their examples of self-sacrifice and devotion as a guide for our own mission journey.Here are a few companions to invite into your life this week—and all the weeks that follow…St. Francis of Assisi who sacrificed status and wealth to follow the Gospel as a humble servant of the Lord.St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a patron saint of the missions thanks to her constant prayers and letters in support of missionaries. She is a reminder that it is the little things that grow God’s kingdom.The North American martyrs, eight Jesuit missioners who died heroically for their faith.St. John Paul II who said at his elevation in 1978, “Swing wide the gates to Christ…”…
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Welcome to the Extraordinary Month of Mission!Our Holy Father Pope Francis invites each of us to practice our faith a little more deeply, with a little more fervor this month. Here’s why: In order to increase our faith, as Luke says, we must go out to others. That’s what mission is—a personal relationship with Jesus impelling us to be more and do more in his name. He is asking you to be his personal ambassador.Proclaiming mission is something we were gifted in baptism. So our Holy Father has come up with four ways—one for each week of October—to renew our mission spirit now and for the rest of our lives.
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“Indeed the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”1st Letter to Timothy, Chapter 1 Verse 14In devoted service to the Mabatini region of Tanzania, Transfiguration is celebrating 15 years of evangelization. Here, practicing the Gospel values of caring and compassion are part of everyday life.

“We say, ‘Kristo anaishi hapa Mabatini,’ ”says Maryknoll Father Lam Hua (NOTE:pronounced hwah). Transfiguration’s pastor. “That means, ‘Christ is living in Mabatini!’ And he is. Our parishioners constantly transfigure Christ by caring for one another, sharing each other’s joys and difficulties, and celebrating the Sacraments. We are one family in the Lord,” says Father Lam (NOTE: pronounced Lahm).

Transfiguration began as a small mission under its founder, Maryknoll Father James E. Eble. Over the past 15 years the parish grew as more people left rural areas and migrated to the city. Today, Father Lam serves with the steady support of his assistant pastor, Father John W. Eybel (NOTE: pronounced eye-bl).Father Lam and Father John call Transfiguration a healing ministry. If you haven’t already read the story of Transfiguration in the July/August edition of Maryknoll Magazine, I encourage you to do so! Healing for the soul is…
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