Our Better Angels

Voices of Our World

What motivates these prove souls to overcome
Fears, doubts and, oft times, it seems
Even common sense to go
No, run towards that from which most people flee?

And who are these who lay aside concern
For their own health and safety to minister
To strangers, whose only claim to assistance
Is their desperate need for hello and healing?

How is it thot despite perhaps on indifferent or
Ungrateful public, still these women and men arise
Even after little rest and no relaxation;
Ignoring death and defeat, to do and do again?

These are the very soul and conscience of our land
Who do what most dare not nor cannot comprehend
For in their selfless service more than individuals
Are saved, comforted or consoled.

For all of us, through them, are ennobled, encouraged,
Inspired and enriched beyond what we deserve
And because of these angels the human race will endure
With brighter eyes, clearer thoughts and purer hearts.

– Joe Veneroso, MM

Winter 2025

Fr. Rodrigo begins our Winter 2025 – 2026 Vocation Newsletter by observing that, much like the signs of God’s love that guide us through the Advent and Christmas seasons, discerning a vocation requires attention to the signs that God sends us in our daily lives. We see, discern, and live into these signs as turn our hearts to God’s call, to the needs of others, and to the gifts we bring to those lowly of birth. As Maryknoll Father Bill Mullan remarked of his own ministry in Central America, “The missioner is a sign of hope, someone from the outside showing respect, love and concern for people in, at times, desperate situations.”

We also announce our 2026 Holy Week “Come and See” Retreat, April 1st — 5th, 2026, for men discerning priesthood or Brotherhood. Please join us at our Mission Center at Maryknoll, NY, where we will journey together with Christ to a new life in God’s love.

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.