Habemus Papam!
For the past twelve years, Pope Francis led the Church as an intellectual who happened to be a pastor – and a pastor who happened to be an intellectual. I will personally remember him for encouraging priests to spend time crafting their homilies in ways that touch not only the ears but the hearts of the faithful.
How can we forget the moment when, in the gloom of a rainy evening, he walked from the middle of St. Peter’s Square to pray for a world absorbed in fear from the emerging global COVID-19 pandemic? There are so many portraits and gestures, words of mercy, and grace-filled moments that will stay with us forever. Among Pope Leo XIV’s first public remarks from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, upon being elected pontiff, was “Thank you, Pope Francis!” We echo these words in gratitude to a holy man who came from, as Pope Francis said of himself, “the ends of the earth” to lead the Church through tumultuous times. He leaves a legacy that will inspire vocations to mission in years to come. Viva El Papa!
I’m often asked, by those discerning missionary priesthood or Brotherhood, about our Maryknoll admission requirements. Here are the basics: you need to be between 21–40 years old; have some work experience; hold a high school degree; have some college credits, preferably a bachelor’s degree; be in good health and largely debt-free, to name some. Those discerning from abroad would also need to be from a country where we currently serve. When you contact me, I can explain more about these requirements.
But, there’s more – that “something more” that has to do with passion, prayer and people. It’s that “something more” we could recognize in Pope Francis and see, even now, in the life story of our new pope, Leo XIV. It’s a sense of life and purpose that draws one’s heart to God and humanity, bringing both together in the same moment, prayer and open hand of service. It’s the passion to seek what makes you come alive, and then doing it. As the great American theologian and mystic, Howard Thurman observed, “What the world needs right now are people who have come alive.”
Are you one of them? Or, do you long to be? If so, contact us!Let’s talk, explore and seek together life where it yearns to be found – in Christ.
So, where do we go from here? In June, Maryknoll celebrates two priesthood ordinations. We are blessed to have the Bishop of El Paso, Bishop Mark J. Seitz, travel to our mother house in New York to ordain our two soon-to-be priests. Their first assignment is Taiwan! 祝你們平安.
Finally, the next time Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter Sunday on the same day will be in the year 2028. As pilgrims of hope, we pray for Christian unity. Though our languages and cultures may seem unintelligible, may the fire of life and Spirit unite us all in Christ through Pentecost. Habemus missionem!
Be assured of my prayers! Thanks for reading our newsletter. Until next edition…
– Fr. Rodrigo
