EYES OF FAITH

Like so many of you, I was deeply moved by the wonderful Memorial Mass celebrated by Bishop Sullivan in memory of our beloved Fr. Alfred Onyutha. I was also touched by the beautiful homily preached by Fr. Al's brother priest and friend from Uganda, Fr. Alfred Mungujakisa (aka "Little Al"). In his homily, Father spoke not only of Fr. Al's journey as a priest, but also of his tremendous care for the poor and less fortunate. Fr. Al sent so much of his monthly salary back home to care for his diocese, his family and the poor. A makeshift will that we found in his room showed the depths of Father's generosity, outlining an impressive number of projects, sponsored by Fr. Al to his native home. A few weeks ago, a parishioner, moved by an account given by Fr. Al of the conditions back home gave him all that he had in his wallet - a donation of $20. The parishioner, embarrassed that $20 was all that he could give, apologized. Fr. Al reassured the parishioner that his gift of $20 could save lives. 

Even our own patron saint had a strong desire to care for the needy, the sick and the suffering. From the time he arrived in San Giovanni Rotundo, Padre Pio worked to build a place where one could minister to both the spiritual and physical needs of the less fortunate. That hospital, the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, or “Home for the Relief of the Suffering”, is still in existence today. What started as a 25 bed clinic is now a state of the art hospital administrated by the Holy See (the Vatican) with 1000 beds to care for the sick and suffering and provide ethical research for medical advancements in treatment. A small act by a poor friar that made a unbelievable impact. This zeal for souls and for the poor is evident in a prayer by Pope St. John Paul II written to St. Pio of Pietrelcina. John Paul II writes, " Obtain for us the eyes of faith that will help us recognize in the poor and suffering, the very face of Jesus." 

We, too, are called to look at the world with the eyes of faith. Like Padre Pio, like Fr. Al, like so many people of faith, we are prompted by the Holy Spirit to recognize the needs of the sick and the poor in our community, our region, our nation and our world. What small act with tremendous impact is the Lord asking us to be a part of today? How are we called to serve those "least ones", our brothers and sisters in need? Let us pray we may be open to the inspiration that the Lord gives us to serve our brothers and sisters.