"Discipleship is not keeping Jesus to ourselves."

“Discipleship is not keeping Jesus to ourselves. That is selfishness. A Eucharistic People is a Missionary and Evangelizing People.” This was the closing message of the National Eucharistic Congress (NEC) by Pope Francis’s envoy, Cardinal Tagle. In our Brotherhood, we have tirelessly tried to build our apostolates with this end in mind. It is not enough for the Brothers to help people encounter Jesus. We want others to give their lives to Him, to follow Him wholeheartedly, and to share the love of Christ with others. For us to see that our ministry efforts are in line with the vision of the Catholic Church in America has been deeply encouraging to all the Brothers.

    Being at the Eucharistic Congress, worshiping our Lord with 60,000 fellow Christians, and receiving the Church’s message was very edifying. Bishop Cozzens likened the hope and message of the Congress to The Big Bang. “This power goes forward through space and time. That’s the same with the Eucharistic Revival. We’re meant to go forth and the renewal is meant to grow through us.” To know that our Brotherhood is dedicated to this and that we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves fills me with gratitude for the work that God has done, and is continuing to do, in and through this small Band of Brothers. Glory to God!

    An added encouragement the Lord brought during our participation in the NEC, was running into various alumni from our campus ministries and seeing how they’re living as Missionary Disciples. Br. Chris Puglia came through our ministry at Northeastern University (NU) in Boston. After college he entered the workforce for a while and is now in formation to become a priest with a Religious Community, the Oblates of the Virgin Mary. Through OMV’s charism of Ignatian Spirituality, Br. Chris is currently serving at a parish in Los Angeles and helps out with retreats. 

Another alumna, Renee Lemire, graduated from Florida State University, served as a Missionary at NU for 2 years, and is currently serving as the Associate Director of Worship for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in Florida.

    What a joy it is to see the Holy Spirit continuing to work in His Church and our Ministries. To Him be glory for ever.