You will teach them to fly, but they will not fly your flight. You will teach them to dream, but they will not dream your dream. You will teach them to live, but they will not live your life. Nevertheless, in every flight, in every life, in every dream, the print of the way you taught them will remain.
--St. Mother Teresa
Even after so many years at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and so many apparently insurmountable challenges, you continue to teach us so much, Fr. Pat! Your pastoral devotion to this community throughout the pandemic has been extraordinary; your commitment to making Communion – and community – possible both in person and via live stream, has been phenomenal; your preaching on social justice and the gospel of love has inspired us all. On this, the anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood, we pray for you a version of the prayers said over confirmandees:
Renew in your servant Patrick Michaels the covenant you made with him at his baptism; send him forth in the power of that Spirit to perform the service you set before him. Defend, O Lord, your servant Patrick Michaels with your heavenly grace, that he may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more until he comes into the fullness of your everlasting kingdom. Strengthen, O Lord, your servant Patrick Michaels with your Holy Spirit, empower him for your service, and sustain him all the days of his life.
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/mountcarmelmv/photos/a.3382414085153323/3382456685149063 (Photo credit: Mike Kuczkowski)
Quotation source
Prayer source
Thanks and blessings to you, Fr. Pat!
ReplyDeleteFather Pat, blessings and congratulations on a vocation well-followed. It has been my pleasure to "attend" mass, remotely, with you and your congregation. I am especially proud of your thoughtful and inspiring homilies. I have no doubt that Angela and Mike are looking down on you and your parish with pride.
ReplyDeleteEarl (Dub) and I send prayers for your good health and congratulations as you continue your ministry.
Dear Father Pat, My warmest congratulations on this anniversary of your Ordination. A big Thank You to God for sending you to Our Lady of Mt.Carmel, and a very big Thank You to you,for always giving us your very best.Your outreach to our community has been a joy to witness, and to participate in. May you continue to thrive here in Mill Valley. May God bless you always.
ReplyDeleteMary Peirano