The life we live is certainly full of hopes and struggles. But through many of the struggles comes the great gift of Joy! We may not always understand all the reasons for the directions that we take in life but isn’t it funny how we look back and reflect on how we arrived at where we are today. Sometimes it is easy to see how the different choices we made led us to where we are today!

As I look at where I am right now, and reflect on the struggles that have been part of my journey; I can see how each love, each pain, each person and each year in formation have0 blessed me beyond belief!  Today I feel even more blessed because I received my letter stating that I have been approved for Perpetual Vows with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate!  I have it in my hand right now!!!  I give thanks to God for this particular moment in time. I will profess these vows for life on September 3rd, 2011.

As I sit here I also stare at a suitcase sitting on my bed. It is time for me to leave this parish here in the Northeast and return for a brief time to San Antonio, Texas. It is there I will complete my last year of theology and seek ordination. From there I travel to France with 4 of my brother Oblates to meet up with many Oblates from around the world who are also professing final vows. We will be in Aix-en-Provence – the place where we were founded. From there we will be in Lourdes for 10 days providing tours to English and Spanish speaking pilgrims, many of whom will be on their way to World Youth Day in Madrid.

 It seems as if my journey has been so long but I know it has been worth it. I am sure I will look back one day and think that the time flew by quickly! The other day I was speaking with a man who is entering Oblate formation in the fall and it was good to see someone at the beginning of the process and sharing some of the excitement with him. We have 5 new pre-novices entering in August, a couple returning from last year and a total 17 in post novitiate studies. This is exciting and gives hope to the future of our Province!!

Until next, I will ask you to pray for Deacons Benjamin Romero, CMF and Webert Merilan, OMI who will be seeking ordination to the priesthood this year!  The prayers are important because none of our vocations are possible without prayer!

Praised be Jesus Christ!!!!