Peace of the Risen LORD to you!
I’m far from doing this perfectly, but I do try very much to do whatever the LORD asks me to do. I try to say “yes” to Him, to be open and docile to the One Who is Love. This is why I became a Capuchin friar and why I am a priest. It’s also why three years ago I came to Philadelphia from a place and people I found very difficult to leave. It is, I believe, why I have come to really love Philly and each one of you! And today, it is why I must say “yes” again to the LORD of Love as He calls me to another field in His vast vineyard.
Today, the Feast of our first Capuchin saint, St. Felix of Cantalice, I received a new assignment to work in the Capuchin Formation Program at Borromeo Seminary, Wickliffe, OH, beginning August 1, 2020. I will remain in Philly, at St. John’s and Holy Redeemer, until I move to my new assignment the last week of July.
I am at peace with this new assignment and look forward to working with our young men in formation. But my heart is also heavy as it will bring to a completion my time here with you. As I’ve already said, I have really come to love Philly and each of you whom I’ve had the joy of encountering here. My heart is heavy, because it is full of your love and goodness! I now have that much more to give to others, because of what you have given to me. And in this way, the Kingdom of God continues to grow! Thank you for your own “yes” to the LORD!
For us, who know the LORD, even the most difficult things are transformed and redeemed by the Risen Christ into glory. This time of pandemic, with all its tragedies, has already been the occasion of tremendous grace and an outpouring of great goodness. See how it has brought forth so much love from so many people... from each of you! The Risen LORD is with us even here! And it is He Who will always remain with us, and if we let Him, will always transform every sorrow into joy!
(I preach here to myself, as well as to you.)
I love you, I will miss you, and I will continue to see you in prayer!
Persevere!
“May God the source of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that through the power of the Holy Spirit you may have hope in abundance!” - Rm. 15:13
In Jesus,
Fr. John Paul