Greetings! 
  

Recently, I was speaking with a teacher about the miracle of the loaves and fishes.  I mentioned that I had heard this story once described as a "miracle of compassion."  Jesus instructs the disciples to feed the people themselves with the little that they have, and the people are fed.  The teacher replied to me - rather profoundly - that "it's nice to think of compassion as a miracle."  She elaborated that we often think of miracles as the big, hand-of-God moments, but that we do not often think about the every day gifts of God's Grace in our hearts.

As another school year begins, this notion must be especially prevalent in the minds of teachers and parents.  It sounds cliched to describe each child as a miracle, but from conception to death, each will lead an entirely unique existence - and will offer a completely irreplacable and inimitable gift to the world.  As parents, teachers, clergy, grandparents, aunts and uncles, older siblings, or simply adults in the community, it is our job to guide them with love and compassion to acheive the most of themselves and to fully live out their faith. 

This is especially true now, as we see more and more young people with no memory of the terrible violence of September 11th, 2001.  This is also especially true of a world that continues to struggle with famine and poverty, and of a nation in which the poverty level continues to rise. 

This month, then, Maryknoll celebrates not only its past with our Centennial Celebration, but also its current and future work in the name of Christ's mission.  We are continually trying to reach out to local schools, parishes, and others to fulfill the loving peace of Christ and build the Kingdom. 

Please enjoy this month's mailing, and, as always, feel free to send us your comments, questions, and advice!

Peace,

Kevin Foy and the Maryknoll Team

kfoy@maryknoll.org