Dearest Members of Family Prayer Mission,

               

                As we emerge from the COVID-19 epoch of global lockdowns and restrictions, I wanted to take a moment to touch base with all of you and to thank both you and Our Almighty God, Who so oft works through you, for our many successes in evangelization, in charity, and, perhaps most importantly, in our paramount mission of encouraging unitive, prayerful meditation within the very foundational units of the Catholic Church… the family.

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                We hope you are keeping well. We have endured much over the last few years, — not least of which includes the unfortunate suspension of Family Prayer Mission (FPM)’s annual 3-day Lenten retreats — but while we often dwell on the evident, lasting consequences of the pandemic, we cannot overlook the many blessings bestowed upon us. Over the years we have overseen many rewarding, prayerful retreats, the providential acquisition of the Divine Retreat Centre property, the successful dissemination of meditational content, and most overlooked, though perhaps the most important, the very growth and unity that is foundational to this community’s existence.

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                Thank you to the members, volunteers, supporters, and priests involved in keeping this community alive during these uncertain times. Your unwavering commitment to the mission entrusted to us is inspiring. We are eternally grateful and thank you all for your continued support and well-wishes. We would also like to give a special ‘thank you’ to our retiring Archbishop of Toronto, H.E. Thomas Cardinal Collins, for his prayers, guidance, and support in FPM’s endeavours. As we usher in this era of renewal, we will persevere and continue our mission, even if the times call for creative ways to go about doing so.

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                As steadfast defenders of Christ in this dynamic temporal world, I ask that you join me in petitioning that the ever-increasing avenues of evangelization continue to multiply and widen, and that our courage and resolve only strengthen, through Christ, our Beloved Saviour, “for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” (1 Corinthians 16:9). Do not dismay, but rejoice, for there is much to be done but the Battle is already won.

 

Shiju Thomas

President

Family Prayer Mission