Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

As I wonder through the hallways of Maryknoll Lay Missioner Bethany house I am surrounded by the images of holy men, woman and children.  My room is on the 3rd floor so I either climb the stairs or take the elevator.  Both doors open and face an image of Oscar Romero.  He was an Archbishop in El Salvador who was killed during Mass in 1980 for fighting for the rights of the poor.  On the chapel walls hang images of four Maryknoll woman who were killed in 1980 in El Salvador.  And throughout the building I am surrounded by photos of woman, children, and men working with the poor and marginalized in countries throughout the world. Each day I see a photo for the first time and I am struck by the beauty of ordinary men and woman who have dedicated their lives to building a better world.

The images are amazing here at Bethany but also at the Society's (Priests) and Congregation's (Sisters) home.  More than the images are the real people that we get to meet who have amazing stories to tell.  The other night the priests and brothers had us over for happy hour.  As I scanned the room I was overwhelmed by the history, wisdom, and witness that was gathered in that room.  Each person had a story to tell.  We have add a lot of opportunities to meet with Lay Missioners, Priests, and Sisters who have served throughout the world.  They tell stories of working in places like China, Korea, Central America, South America, and Africa to name a few.  Some of these missioners worked with people like Oscar Romero.  They were friends with some of the people who have died for their faith and the rights of the poor.  They have built amazing relationships and done inspiring work with the poor.

We were lucky to have our Regional Coordinators with us for the past week.  Every day these men and woman go to work and address issues like land mines in Cambodia, orphans and aids in Africa, and poverty and violence in Brazil.  They are our leaders our mentors.  I am humbled to think that in a few short months the 13 of us in orientation will be joining them in the field.

The Maryknoll Priests were founded 100 years ago and the Sisters followed a year later.  From them the Lay Missioners were born 36 years ago.  We are three separate entities and yet together we make up the Maryknoll family. Each day I am reminded that we stand on the shoulders of giants.  Giants who have championed the rights of the poor in mission for the Catholic Church for 100 years.  I am so humbled to follow in the footsteps of these missioners and I can only hope that by learning from them I will be able to make a small difference in the lives of the people of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Driveway of MKLM Bethany House

For now I am just trying to take in all of the history, wisdom and beauty that surrounds me.  I see beauty in the people I have met and the pathways that I walk.

(P.S. Mom don't worry my picture will not be hanging on the wall with those have died.  I promise).