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

Summer 2026

Summer brings, in our Vocation Ministries Office, a time of change as Fr. Rodrigo Ulloa, our Director of Vocation Ministries, departs this ministry with much gratitude for the blessings he’s experienced through it.  In our Summer 2026

newsletter, Fr. Rodrigo offers parting words and photos that look back over his past six years as Vocation Director.  As Fr. Rodrigo remarks, “Praying our goodbyes is part of being a missioner… In moving on to my next assignment – our Formation House in Chicago – my bag is full of joy and my heart is bigger with the love of Christ, in whom we move, live, and have our being.”  We are grateful to Fr. Rodrigo for his years of service in vocation ministries.

We also announce the tentative dates of our next “Come and See” missionary discernment retreat — October 16th to 18th in Chicago, Illinois.  Please consider joining us for a weekend of insight, inspiration and encouragement in your own discernment of God’s call to missionary priesthood or Brotherhood.  If you would like to learn more, please email us at vocation@maryknoll.org.

Have a blessed summer!

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States. 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.