Part of being a Christian means having the heart of a servant, something Pope Francis demonstrated beautifully throughout his pontificate. Jesus summarizes the greatest commandments: to love God with all your heart, soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. (Mt. 22:37-40) It's especially impactful to ponder this during this Jubilee Year of Hope. When we see our brothers and sisters being as Christ to one another, doesn't it give us a sense of renewed hope?

In this issue, you will meet three of our pioneer permanent deacons, who serve as living icons of Christ the Servant (page 16). You'll also read about the Sacred Heart Mission in Gladwin (page 14), whose service to families needing food assistance has more than doubled in just seven years. In fact, the need and their response have grown so great that they have expanded with the help of numerous donors and volunteers. I pray reading their stories will give you hope, since Christian service and hope are inextricably intertwined.

I believe his servant's heart will be Pope Francis’ legacy. His pontificate was defined by outreach to the marginalized, humility, unwavering care for the dignity of every human person, exhortations for peace and above all his love for our Lord Jesus. In his final Urbi et Orbi, he said:

“The resurrection of Jesus is indeed the basis of our hope. For in the light of this event, hope is no longer an illusion. Thanks to Christ — crucified and risen from the dead — hope does not disappoint! Spes non confundit! (cf. Rom 5:5)  That hope is not an evasion, but a challenge; it does not delude, but empowers us.”

To Jesus through Mary,

Danielle