Today

East and South --- if the planes are flying!

Today - headed to Santa Clotilde Mission in Peru, from Chicago, to begin a three year assignment are Dr. Antoinette Lullo and Dr. Brian Medernach with their little one Charlie.  Headed to Cameroon from Colorado are Dr. Michael and Mrs. Reneal Bowen who will serve at Njinikom Hospital in the Archdiocese of Bamenda.

When our doctors are traveling I am never quite relaxed until I’ve heard that they have landed safely and are in the ‘hands’ of those who will be meeting them. 

So today, I ask everyone to keep our travelers in your prayers - their flights may be delayed - they may be experiencing the joy of getting to airports, and through TSA lines with bags and a baby - they are especially on my mind until I get the text or email that assures me that they are safely arrived, and greeted!

Thanks for joining me in keeping them in our prayers.  I will let everyone know when I’ve heard all is well!

History and Gratitude

Yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of the passing of the founder of Mission Doctors, Msgr. Anthony Brouwers.

Our office took the opportunity to visit his graveside to pray and remember.  We were joined there by veteran LMH’er and Msgr.’s second cousin Marie Brouwers who shared that she remembered him standing from his wheel chair to baptize her younger sister in the days leading up to his death, when she was only 8 years old.

This very personal memory adds another layer to the stories I have heard over the years about a man whose vision and actions have touched every corner of the world.

I had the opportunity to meet individuals, fellow priests in the Archdiocese, even a man who served as Msgr.’s altar server who have shared funny, personal and inspiring stories about the man who made our mission possible.

It is always remarkable to me that before Vatican II – Msgr. recognized that lay people, even those married, or those with children can serve as lay missionaries.  It certainly fits with what Pope Frances is speaking about today, using our gifts to help others.

My thanks to Patti Wetzel who joined me at Calvary Cemetery this past Sunday,  cleaners, and clippers in hand. Thanks to Janice England who found music for our prayer service, thanks to all our office for being with us as we prayed in gratitude. 

Yes, I am overwhelmed with gratitude again - My prayer is that we continue to be faithful to Msgr. Brouwers legacy – ensuring lay people can follow a call to serve – and, as those of us who have served know – we are blessed beyond anything we could have imagined.