Message from the President

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

During these unusual times, we face a multitude of imbalances in our lifestyles, health and finances. It is discouraging to view the state of the world, as suffering continues to increase with no end in sight. This is a period of true suffering, where our needs are highlighted. Yes, remaining healthy and financially stable are both incredibly important, but as Churches remain closed, it proves easy to neglect our faith.
 

Recently, while watching the Sunday mass with my wife and children, my son introduced to me a young priest by the name of Fr. Michael Schmitz, one popular amongst young adults. Starting the celebration, Fr. Michael shares a message of hope and gentle reminder, that this is no time to loosen our reigns on our faith. He quotes St. Padre Pio saying, “The earth could exist more easily without the sun than without the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass”. This is true, as the celebration of the holy sacrifice of the altar has not ceased, although it may feel as such. Our priests continue to celebrate the mass every day, offering us, who are unable to receive Jesus physically, at the foot of the cross daily. 

“Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) 
 

Brothers and sisters, do not despair but keep your faith close to your hearts in hope. As for our faithful priests, as they serve us and pray for us fervently, the least we can do is to pray for them. Reach out to your parish priest and thank them for their silent fight. 
 

Shiju Thomas
President, 
Family Prayer Mission

Risen Lord Jesus, you love priests with all your priestly heart. Hear our heartfelt prayer for all our priests. We pray for faithful and fervent priests, for unfaithful and tepid priests, for priests who labour home and abroad, for tempted priests, for lonely and desolate priests, for young and old priests, for sick and dying priests, and for the souls of priests in purgatory.

 
Merciful Jesus, remember all your priests. Give them a deep faith, a bright and firm hope, and a burning love. We ask that, in their loneliness, you comfort them; in their sorrow, you strengthen them; in their frustrations, you show them that it is through suffering that the soul is purified. Eternal high priest, keep them close to your heart, and bless them abundantly, in time and in eternity. Amen.