Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.
– 1 Peter 5:6
Dear friends,
Blessings to you this Lenten season!
During this time of year, we reflect on Christ’s call to emulate Him through justice, peace, and love—an often challenging call amidst the many chaotic distractions in our lives. I am always strengthened by our Jesuits in formation, who have risen above those distractions to hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit and follow them. Despite a continued decline of new seminarians throughout the country, we are blessed in the USA East Province with a consistent number of faith-filled men discerning a call to the Society of Jesus. Please pray that this trend continues and even grows for us.
As we prepare to renew our faith through the celebration of Easter, let us also renew our encounter with Jesus by renewing our encounters with others. As Jesuits, this mission of accompaniment guides our way of proceeding. While Lent may be a season of abstinence, let us never abstain from reaching out to those who most need to feel God’s comfort through our hearts and hands.
Your support can help a young Jesuit in formation, a Jesuit in pastoral, social, or educational ministry, or a Jesuit who needs care in his later years. It is a wonderful way to accompany us in our mission to serve others and spread the Gospel.
May God bless you this upcoming Easter season, and please be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Joseph M. O’Keefe, SJ
Provincial