“We await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.” (2 Peter 3:14)

There is a difference between waiting and being idle.  One act can have purpose; the other doesn’t.  That’s an important lesson to keep in mind during the weeks of Advent because our souls need attention, too—just as much as our social calendars. 

Right now we anticipate the arrival of the Christ Child, our Lord and Savior.  Preparations abound in our homes but there are things we can do each day to make the waiting an act of spiritual fulfillment.

As part of your Advent practice of “waiting with purpose,” think about the one thing you want to grow in—not just in the weeks before Christmas but all year long.  Maybe it’s patience or forgiveness.  Perhaps it’s seeing the good in someone or a circumstance before (or instead of) focusing on the negative.  Advent is a good time to make purposeful waiting an act of spiritual growth, realizing that God is already here to help.   

Accepting the presence of God in our lives means we can never really fail.  We just get better at reflecting the compassion of Our Lord.  Pope Francis often reminds us that even before we seek Christ, he is present lifting us back up after we fall, and helping us grow stronger in faith.  “Turn your heart to God,” is how our pontiff puts it, and be fulfilled. 

Friend, as you prepare for the Christ Child, know that in the second week of Advent the Lord is already here… never late… always on time… available to comfort and reassure anytime and every time you pray.  Knowing that will make waiting for Christmas Day truly a season of joy and fulfillment.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.

Prayer for 1st Sunday

How long must we wait, O Lord,

for our prayer to be answered,

our hope fulfilled and

our dreams realized?

We await Your coming again

in glory even as Your people

awaited Your birth 2,000 years ago.

We long for Your peace, justice,

love and forgiveness more than

sentinels wait for the dawn.

Yet even in our waiting

grace and holiness abound

as you teach us the virtue

of patience and perseverance.

Come, Lord, abide and be with us

as we await the fullness of Your kingdom

when every tear will be wiped away

and every wound sanctified and healed

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer by Maryknoll Missioner, Father Joseph Veneroso

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.

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,

Father Lance Nadeau, M.M. signature

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

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