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People often ask me, "What is a brother?" I like to turn that question around and ask, "What is brotherhood?"

On July 20, 2019, the Brotherhood of Hope rejoiced deeply when seven men displayed their humble obedience and love for God by professing their temporary vows during Mass at St. Basil’s in Methuen, Massachusetts.

This summer I had the privilege to participate in Launch, a week-long conference that trains campus ministers. The title of my presentation was “Be bold in the Lord.” Perhaps not surprisingly, while preparing my talk I recalled many situations when I had been far from bold in the Lord. 

Students tell us they are searching for authentic friendships, a supportive community and a way to live a life of purpose in today’s secular college environment. 

Two novices to profess first vows, five Brothers to renew their temporary vows

One afternoon, when I was ten or eleven, I was walking through the kitchen as shouts came up from the basement.

Jesus wants to enter into the circumstances and the direction of the life that you live on this earth. It took me a long time to come to realize that. I took the route of official Catholicism. I learned all the stuff and I did all the things I was supposed to do, but Jesus was not in my life. He was outside it, as it were, looking in.

I was struck by the resurrection account in Luke’s Gospel, where the women who were following Jesus go to the tomb carrying spices to anoint His body.

Prior to Jesus, every one of our human ancestors has been held captive in darkness, since Adam.

In our spiritual desolations it is easy to forget all the graces and consolations we have received in life.

At many of our campuses on Holy Thursday, we invite students to stay with us to more deeply enter into the Holy Triduum. Throughout the night, students will keep watch with Jesus during his agony in the garden through a vigil, an ancient practice in the Church. 

Our prayer, fasting and almsgiving during this Lenten season have been moments of grace to be partakers of the Cross and to share also in the Resurrection and in His life.

When reflecting on her prayerful time at adoration on Saturday night Sarah said, “It really hit me that I hadn’t been vulnerable to God at all. I realized that I wasn’t able to give Him my burdens. This weekend I feel like I really found God again.”

There is nothing more effective than sharing the Gospel one-on-one in a personal way. Each conversation is unique to the person and their background.

My formation through the Brothers’ ministry solidified and deepened my love for our Lord and His Church at a time when many of my friends from high school youth group fell away.

Give your email. Get holy.

“Wreck my life” was the prayer I prayed throughout the spring of 2017 as I prepared for a mission trip to Kolkata, India. I knew the Lord was transforming me in more ways than I realized, but also that I had many blind spots and areas to grow.

The physical journey to Kolkata, India, to work alongside Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity can take more than 24 hours from some parts of the U.S. But it’s the spiritual journey of serving the “poorest of poor” alongside the sisters that leaves a lasting impression.

Your continued prayers and generosity make it possible for our campus ministries to thrive and give hope to thousands of students on six campuses in four states, and beyond. You were right there with us as we helped prepare the next generation to renew the Church through our campus ministries.

We hear Jesus’ words in the Gospels that He thirsts.  And what does He thirst for?