The hands of Christ in a broken world

Deacon Pedro

March 6, 2012
Recently, we met with several priests from the Archdiocese of Toronto and asked them what they loved about being priests. The answers were varied and inspiring. For me, the most moving was Fr. Peter Marr who said, "I love that I can bring more love, more healing into the world, which is so broken, and discover that I can't do it on my own. In fact, I can't do it at all. It's only the Lord who can do it. And He allows me to participate in healing the world." It reminded me once again that we are so blessed to have priests who've been called to participate in Christ's ministry. It's good to be reminded, especially when the world seems to be telling us otherwise.
In making the video we also spoke with four deacons at St. Augustine's and Redemptoris Mater Seminaries in Toronto who will be ordained to the priesthood this May: Chris and Francesco for Toronto, Mike for Pembroke and Craig for Halifax-Yarmouth. Each, eager to give their all for Christ, for spreading the Good News, for sharing Christ's love with the world. Each one hoping to do their best, through the Sacraments and through their ministry, to be the hands of Christ that brings healing into our broken world. How important it is for us to hear this from seminarians and priests and to let them know how grateful we are for their sacrifice.
So, as we approach a season of called by name campaigns, priestly ordinations and ordinandi dinners, do me a favour: Take the time to send a message to your local seminary or chancery, or to your parish, and let these guys know that you are thankful for them. And pray for them that they will always keep their eyes on the face of Christ, knowing that they can't do it at all; it is Christ who does it. Thank them for saying yes to Christ's call to participate in the healing of the world.