Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Amidst my monthly angst of getting something in mind to be able to put pen to paper for the Beacon, I saw an invitation to an event that I attended which was called the “Hope Harvest Festival.” Seeing the words HOPE – HARVEST- FESTIVAL – my pondering became truly clear to me. For I realized then that I am experiencing and harvesting renewed hope by my participation in special experiences recently.

October brought with it our Redemptorist Rectors and Pastors Workshop (October 9-12) and our Province Convocation (October 17-20) at San Alfonso Retreat House. Both programs were well attended and generously engaged by all the confreres who came together for the sake of our mission to God’s people and for the life and well-being of our community. It is no small measure of hope when we come together as confreres to listen and learn from one another, and to share and celebrate with each other, the competent and compassionate religious and priests that we are. Hope runs deep in the wellspring of learning and discerning with abiding trust in God’s Providence and abundant love.

Two other events involving the special recognition and grateful celebration of two individual confreres are also a special part of the great harvest of hope that I am experiencing as I write this message. Father John McGowan was honored and celebrated at an October Homecoming Celebration at our OLPH Parish in Brooklyn. A son of the parish, as well as its former pastor, Fr. John’s love, service, and devotion to the parish has blessed countless people and generations of families through the years.

Father Francis Gargani was also recently honored by The Center at Mariandale and the Dominican Sisters of Hope in Ossining, NY, for his longstanding service to the Mariandale community as preacher, liturgist, spiritual director, and program presenter, and for his ardent and unwavering commitment to peace, justice, care for the earth, and the dignity of every human being.

What a joy it was for me to be with John and Francis at these fall festivals of joyful thanksgiving and grateful appreciation! To see so many people gathered to say thanks to God, -and to John and Francis - filled me with deep gratitude for all that has been and with great hope for all that is yet to be. Hope runs deep in the wellspring of grateful affirmation and generous recognition.

May these days of Autumn grace you with life experiences that lead you to a harvest of hope in your heart - for your well-being and for the peace and healing of our world. Peace and blessings!