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IN THIS ISSUE
From the Desk of
Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
Dear Friends,
When I recently visited Archbishop Roger Schwietz, O.M.I., of
Anchorage, Alaska he told me some real “fish stories.” Archbishop Schwietz
wasn’t stretching the truth; he had many stories to share about his fishing
trips in the wilds of Alaska.
The Archbishop’s stories reminded me of the time when Jesus said to His disciples that if they followed Him they would become “fishers of men.” There are several stories in this issue that I think truly show how the Oblates are “fishers of people” in today’s world.
In Alaska we are “fishers of people” on a peninsula that had limited access to the Catholic faith for many years. In East St. Louis, Illinois we are“fishers of people” as we help to provide young men and women a final chance to earn their high school diploma. And at our Oblate novitiate we are training the next generation of “fishers of people” who will become missionaries with the poor and needy.
As you read through this issue of Oblates magazine I ask that you consider how you can be a “fisher of people.” Is there someone in your family or neighborhood to whom you can lend a hand at a difficult time in their life? Or maybe you can reach out to a complete stranger through prayer or a donation to a favorite charity.
I thank you for your past support of the ministries of the Missionary Oblates. Please keep the Oblates and the poor people we serve in your prayers. My brother Oblates and I will continue to remember your needs in our Masses and prayers.
Your friend in Christ,
Fr. John Madigna, O.M.I.
Oblate Director