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“Let us give thanks to the Father who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.”

Colossians 1:12

Gratitude is the memory of the heart, according to an old French saying. When the heart is nurtured well in God’s image, we can’t help but give thanks because gratitude is a natural expression of who we are. We are God’s children.

Today, I have gratitude for the abundance of our lives… especially our families, our parish communities, and the mission faith that sustains us. I will thank God on Thanksgiving Day for all of these gifts—and for you. You are the heart and soul of mission each time you live your faith with compassion. As you gather this week with loved ones, know that our Fathers and Brothers will remember you in prayer, deeply grateful for your commitment to serve beside us. Please say a prayer for us, too, because many of our missioners will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day far from home and loved ones.

I am also grateful for the ultimate mystery of our lives: God’s gift of creation. Today the Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King who reigns over all creation and imbues us with his love… another memory of the heart that encourages us to imitate Christ in all we do.

Friend, Thanksgiving is the holiday we celebrate as a nation. Christ the King is the feast day we celebrate as people of faith. May your celebration of holiday and holy day fill you with gratitude and joy. I always remind myself: giving away the gift of love costs nothing; and the reward for giving is knowledge of a life well lived in the presence of our God. May you experience the abundance of life this Thanksgiving.

 

 

Prayer for Feast of Christ the King

For life, health, family, friends,

we give You thanks, O Lord.

For food, shelter, clothing, books

we give You thanks, O Lord.

For creation: the seas and sky

the mountains, lakes and rivers,

the trees, animals, birds and fish,

flowers and butterflies,

we give You thanks, O Lord.

But most of all for the gift of Yourself,

Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit

through whom You give us faith and forgiveness

and a heart overflowing with praise and love

for all the people You bless me with

now and forever.

Amen.

Prayer by Father Joseph R. Veneroso

This is Father Ray Finch saying thank you for taking your journey of faith with me today.  Until next time, you are always in my prayers.

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.