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Signposts On The Way
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May 1, 2023Today is May 1st with a rich and controversial history: from the Spring fertility rites to International Workers’ Day to the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. In addition, it is Religious Brothers’ Day!
My life has been deeply enriched by Brothers. I belong to a missionary family that includes Brothers as Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. I count several among them as my dear friends with whom I have collaborated on committees and in ministries over many years. We are also part of the extended Vincentian Family, and one of my joys is working with Br. Venance Kalolo, Brothers of Charity, on an international retreat committee.
A unique experience I had of community life was during a sabbatical at Sangre de Cristo Center in Santa Fe, NM. It was the charism of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, with a special remembrance of Br. Joe Schmidt, and my spiritual director, Br. Dennis, that was transformative along my journey.
I could name many others… What they all have in common is stated in a Vatican Document: “The identity of a religious Brother is fraternity which is a gift received from the call of God, a gift shared in community, and a gift that is given away in mission.”
I hope you have had the gift of religious Brothers in your life. If so, please take time today or sometime this week to send an email or text to thank them for their community life and their multitude ways of serving God’s people.
