From Upstate New York to refugee camps in South Sudan, Father Mike Bassano has spent 50 years as a Maryknoll priest walking with those on the margins—offering presence, compassion, and hope.

In this recent NY1 feature, Fr. Mike reflects on his life in mission—from ministering to children orphaned by war to comforting those suffering from AIDS and leprosy.

It’s in the stillness of nature where Father Mike Bassano says he feels closest to God.

“This is God’s cathedral out here, something much greater, something that inspires me, that moves me,” said Bassano.

He has always tried to follow the path to create a life led by that spiritual voice.

Bassano recently celebrated 50 years as a Catholic priest, serving mostly as a traveling missionary with the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers based in Ossining.

He has spent decades living in some of the most dangerous regions of the world, helping the poorest of the poor in Africa, Asia and South America.

“I remember people in the camp who would come up to me and embrace me and say, ‘we are glad that you are here.’ And that would fill me with tears and emotion,” Bassano said. “And that’s the gift of mission, to be present for people in their most dire moments of need, struggle and conflict; to let them know they are not alone.”

Check out the full story and video with Fr. Bassano.


Discover what it means to serve in mission today:
https://maryknollsociety.org/vocations

Dear Friend in Mission,

With hearts full of hope, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers joyfully welcomes the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. In this historic moment for the universal Church, we give thanks to God for the gift of a new pope—chosen to succeed Pope Francis and guide us forward in faith, love, and missionary zeal.

Pope Leo XIV brings with him a deep commitment to dialogue, peace, and global solidarity—values that echo the very heart of our missionary vocation. A seasoned pastoral leader and thoughtful theologian, he is known for his compassionate outreach and dedication to the spiritual and social needs of the Church, particularly in regions experiencing hardship and need.

His years of missionary service in Peru, working among underserved communities, reflect a profound dedication to the Church’s mission of presence, accompaniment, and evangelization. His firsthand experience on the peripheries of society has shaped his vision for a Church that listens, serves, and uplifts—all grounded in Christ’s love.

As missionaries, we have been deeply inspired by Pope Francis’s call to go to the peripheries, to serve the poor, and to be instruments of God’s mercy and peace. We now look with prayerful anticipation to Pope Leo XIV, confident that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead the Church through his words and witness.

We invite you to join us in praying for our new pope, asking the Lord to bless him with wisdom, courage, and compassion as he begins his ministry as the Vicar of Christ and visible sign of unity for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

Thank you for walking with us on this missionary journey. Together, in communion with the successor of St. Peter, we remain committed to proclaiming the Gospel and witnessing to Christ’s love around the world.

In gratitude and peace,

Reverend Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.
Superior General

Featured image: Pope Francis waves to visitors in St. Peter’s Square while riding the popemobile after his general audience at the Vatican May 22, 2024. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza)