As I write this message, I have tears in my eyes. I have just returned from the Ogeechee Area Hospice, where my friend, Father Mike Smith, has been staying since Tuesday morning, June 13.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This refrain echoes from my childhood. But, as is often the case with popular “proverbs,” there’s no truth in the statement.

Perhaps you have read the article “Surprising Mercy” by Christopher West in the book “Beautiful Mercy,” which was given to all of our parishioners at Easter. Excerpts from the article:

The last few weeks have found me a little emotional. What do I mean by that?

“Where’s Noah’s long flashlight?!” Jesse hollered as he turned the corner in the hall one afternoon.

"Necesitamos, más bien nuestro pueblo necesita, la presencia de la Iglesia Católica. Necesitamos que la Iglesia sea el buen samaritano".