May the Peace and Joy of the risen Christ be with you.

 This is the time of the year when the Season of Spring breaks out all over.  New life blooms everywhere.  It is also the time of year that we celebrate and live the mystery of Christ’s resurrection.  When I reflect on the words “Lord, teach me your ways…”, it recalls my missionary experience of being a mentor.  While the risen Lord is our heavenly mentor,  the one who guides us, it was a privilege for me to have Blessed Mother Teresa as an earthly mentor for 25 years.  In turn, I became a mentor to many Hansen’s Disease patients and their families.  We are all called to be mentors in life, especially to those who need our support.  Being present to others, responding with an affirming word or offering encouraging advice, can be so meaningful to another individual.  While in the missions, often it was the people I worked with who were mentors to me by their words or example.  Be willing to open yourself to the charism of others and your life will be enriched.

 At our Sacred Hearts Mission office, a new mentor is being appointed.  Fr. Stan Kolasa, who assumes the responsibility as Director of Development, will be writing our mission letters and will continue to work with Fr. Gabriel Healy.  As Provincial Superior of our SS.CC. USA East Province, I will always be connected with the work, but Fr. Stan is making himself available to expand our Sacred Hearts Missions ministry.  There are many needs for the Congregation’s work both at home and abroad.

 Fr. Stan will be a wonderful mentor for us as we continue to share the congregation’s apostolate.  His intense experience of missionary life will serve to call forth new interest in the vision and mission as seen through the compassion of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.  I extend my gratitude and congratulations to Fr. Stan for accepting this new responsibility and for the future contributions he will make to the office of Sacred Hearts Missions.