Before we arrive at the joy and hope of Christ’s resurrection on Easter, we walk through the quiet, searching days of Lent—days that ask us to look honestly at our world and our hearts. Lent reminds us that resurrection rises from sacrifice, springing from the love we pour out. When love is strong enough, what looks like sacrifice feels like joy.
During these 40 days, I reflect on what it means to stand with those in our communities who carry heavy crosses today: the single mother searching for stability and dignity at Our Lady of Immaculate Heart in San Antonio, the child deserving a good education and sense of belonging at Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Chicago, the residents at Villa Guadalupe Senior Community seeking safety, companionship, and joy in the later chapters of life.
As Claretians, we are called to be missionaries on fire with the Word of God. That means we must go where faith is fragile, where hope is dim, where voices are unheard. And once there, we must share a prophetic commitment to justice in the same way Jesus did. We are called to be present to the poor and marginalized and through our love, transform lives.
I invite you this Lent to demonstrate love and hope without borders and without limitation. As Provincial, I witness daily how our shared Claretian values come alive through faithful partners like you. Together, we build faith communities animated by a missionary spirit that refuses to give up.
Through our lay collaborations, you empower our mission of love in the Province to reach more than 3 million devotees of the Shrine of St. Jude, directly serve 850,000 people in our communities, and journey in faith with 1 million readers of U.S, Catholic. Together, we continue ministries that embody compassion, foster human dignity, and proclaim the transforming power of Christ’s love — from coast to coast and in 72 countries globally
May the Risen Christ fill you with the radiant joy of resurrection hope!
With gratitude, peace, and prayer,
