“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to [escape the tribulations that are imminent and to] stand before the Son of Man.”   Luke 21:36

  Time to take stock.  In just a couple of weeks, we begin a new liturgical year.  But before then, we have a little work to do.

Rather than think about a literal “end of the world”—the images in today’s readings—let’s think instead about the fulfillment of God’s reign on earth, something each of us can contribute to because we are all missioners.  The world we hope to end is one of darkness and disillusion.  The world we want to create is built on God’s eternal love and the promise of salvation that we are gifted in the Christ Child.

From this perspective, preparing for the arrival of the Son of Man becomes a more hopeful kind of challenge.  So I suggest taking the time between now and the beginning of Advent to see where God in your life right now.  How do you reflect the joy of our faith at home? At work? In your neighborhood? In your parish?  How much time are you making for prayer and self-reflection?  Where God is absent, how are you being called to make the Lord’s presence known?

Friend, as Advent approaches, now is a good time for an examination of conscience—a checklist for the soul that results in eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that overflows with the love of Christ himself.  That’s all we really

need to prepare for as one season ends—and a new one begins.  May your journey be rich and rewarding. 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Lance Nadeau, M.M.

Prayer for 2nd Sunday

God of all times and seasons

we long for the coming of Your reign

where love, peace and justice prevail

over the powers of darkness and sin.

Help me to do my part by defending

the weak, protecting the powerless

and lifting up the downtrodden to their

rightful place as sons and daughters

of You, our most merciful God.

May I reflect Your joy to everyone I meet in public,

at work, at home or in church that they too might

experience Your forgiveness, healing and

fullness of life.

Amen.

Prayer by Father Joe Veneroso, M.M.

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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