Our pastor is a Franciscan Missionary of Hope—
a joyful, gentle son of Tanzania,
a man whose smile preaches before any homily begins.
Recently, he returned home to bury his eldest brother.
And ever since, he has been trying to come back to us—
held up by red tape, delays,
and the slow hands of those meant to help him.
His absence weighs on our hearts.
But today, the Church gives us St. Philip Neri—
the patron saint of joy.
A saint who believed that music, art, and laughter
were not extras in the spiritual life
but pathways into the very heart of God.
He carried the fruit of the Spirit
we forget too easily: Joy.
And Scripture reminds us
that those who preach the Good News
serve not themselves, but you—
offering mysteries “into which angels long to look.”
Jesus Himself promises
that anyone who leaves home or family for His sake
will receive a hundredfold,
and eternal life besides.
Our pastor has given up everything for the Gospel.
And though he is far away,
we hold him close.
We pray that the deep, steady joy of the Holy Spirit
will meet him where he is,
carry him through every delay,
and bring him home to us soon.
Because in Christ,
the last are lifted,
the weary are strengthened,
and joy always finds its way back.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,fill our hearts with the quiet joy of Your Spirit.
Strengthen those who serve far from home.
Lift the weary, steady the waiting,
and let Your peace travel where we cannot.
Amen
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