My dear friends,
On this beautiful Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, we are lifted by the hope and promise of Christ’s Eternal Kingdom. As Jesus ascended to the Father, the disciples were reminded that their mission was not ending, but beginning. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, they were called to become witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The Ascension is therefore not a farewell, but a sending forth. Jesus remains with His Church, leading us through the power of the Spirit and nourishing us through prayer, the Eucharist, and communion with one another.
These truths have been especially alive during our Annual Clergy Retreat 2026, guided by Thomas Cardinal Collins under the theme, “Oases to Sustain Us on the Desert Journey.” The reflections on the “Oasis of Time” and the “Oasis of Absolution” reminded us that time itself is sacred when offered to God, and that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a place where mercy restores and renews the soul.
This retreat has also been a profound experience of priestly fraternity. Amid the many responsibilities of parish life and ministry, it is a blessing for brother priests and deacons to gather in prayer, silence, and conversation. In sharing our joys, struggles, and hopes, we rediscover that we do not walk alone. These moments become true “oases” where the Lord strengthens us through one another’s witness and friendship.
A particularly moving reflection centered on Lectio Divina and the joy of reading. Spiritual reading becomes “fuel for prayer,” helping us grow in wisdom, perspective, and attentiveness to God’s Word. We are called not simply to read for information, but to hear, know, and love the Lord more deeply.
Finally, we reflected on the Holy Sacrifice and the call to “become fire” through sacrificial love, purification, repentance, and Pentecostal zeal. Every vocation begins before the mystery and majesty of God, like Moses before the burning bush.
As St. Paul prays in Ephesians, may “the eyes of our hearts be enlightened,” so that we may live with hope, courage, and missionary zeal. May this Ascension Sunday renew in all of us the desire to seek Christ above, while faithfully serving Him here on earth. Amen.
God Loves You!
~ Fr. Neil