May 3, 2007
Welcome to Deacons for the Poor, brainchild of our Pilgrimage Director, Father Paul Wilderotter.
Your first question….why May 3rd, when this date has already passed? This date is very special (for me) as it marks the twentieth anniversary of my ordination (Pentecost 1987).
My attachment to this ministry has to be fulfillment, rather than accident. The deacon is called to serve (diakona) and having to relocate from Jamaica to Florida and still incardinated in Jamaica, had me wondering what next and where to? He sent me to serve where He saw a need. For me, service to His poor fulfills my call to diakona, until He sends me elsewhere.
It is our prayer that this medium will help to keep us in touch with those who have already journeyed with us and to encourage others to ‘come aboard’.
The following excerpt from our invitational brochure to come on pilgrimage, says it all:
“We offer you this trip free of charge as an experience of the Gospel. Your pilgrimage will allow you to experience firsthand the suffering Christ in the poor. During your pilgrimage, you will better understand the anawim of the Old Testament as well as the Lamb of God of the New Testament. Our purpose is to familiarize you with the plight of the suffering poor of Christ while showing you what is being done to alleviate injustices and poverty in the Third World.
For many who travel with us, these trips become spiritual journeys, leading to a deeper understanding of how God’s grace is revealed in today’s world. As you walk in Christ’s footsteps among the poor, you recognize Him in the faces of the hungry and destitute. This life-changing experience builds a special stewardship towards the poor. It nurtures your faith. And it develops a keener sense of community among the caring. You also become a ‘living bridge’ to educate First World Christians about the harsh realities of life for Third World Christians.”
Please, let us continue the pilgrimage of life together in faith in Him who promised to be with us to the end of time.
4 comments:
Glad you decided to start this... we need to keep in touch and share our experiences.
Richard Robinson
I agree. I have been offering ever since my trip to speak in other parishes, and have yet to get a response. But I still am glad to see this and look forward to seeing how other deacons have brought the message home.
Deacon Tom Craig
25th anniversary on May 22nd
Deacontc83@yahoo.com
I am glad to see that other deacons are sharing experiances and callings. Each one of us open to the Holy Spirit is open to where and how and when we follow.
27th anniversary May 17th
Deacon Frank Falotico
deacon_frank@hotmail.com
God's plan for us starts long before our first pilgrimage. Even though I have spoken to my parish, I don't need a group to speak about the poorest of the poor. Just a listening ear and a open heart. May we continue to pray for FFP and for all who help the poor. Deacon Ken Mitchell
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