Fr. Kevin Mannara, CSB: Message to Alumni

April 1, 2020

A note from the Director of Campus Ministry

Fr. Kevin Mannara, CSB

Dear Alumni,

The motto of our College, “Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge,” identifies what we need during this troubling pandemic. Goodness…to pursue what benefits the well-being of all. Discipline…to make personal sacrifices and focus on the long-range picture. Knowledge…we need to heed the information coming from scientists and health care experts. But perhaps the most important words in our motto, “Teach me…” God, our Creator and Father, is anxious to teach us what we need when we listen with humility and an open heart. We can learn much through this current crisis.

Our patron, St. John Fisher, often quoted St. Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. In the fourth chapter St. Paul tells us, “God lets light shine out of darkness (v6).” At this time of darkness and uncertainty, it is good to recall that we may feel “afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; struck down, but not destroyed (v8-9).” God remains with us through it all. When we accompany each other, God’s light shines. On Friday Pope Francis invited us to, “uncover once more that blessed common belonging…as brothers and sisters.”

In this spirit, I invite you to share your prayer intentions with me so that I might include them at Mass and in the prayers of the Basilian Fathers. Prayer intentions can be sent to kmannara@sjfc.edu. Mass is livestreamed from the Basilian residence on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and Monday-Friday at 12:30 p.m. on Facebook (SJFC Campus Ministry) and Instagram (sjfcministry). Please join us.

St. Basil the Great said, “Beside every believer is an angel as protector and shepherd, leading him to life.” Let us be such angels to others, especially to those who need us most.

Peace,
Fr. Kevin Mannara, CSB