By Fr Michael Martin

Fr Michael Martin

Though it’s not Christmas Time, Fr Michael Martin’s Christmas email to his friends last December reminds us how central to the lives of followers of Jesus is an awareness of God’s loving presence in our lives and a deep sense of gratitude for that.

Dear Family and Friends,

‘Home is where you are understood’ - a quote which constantly reminds me that I am blessed with two homes: in Ireland, and in the Philippines. I've had countless life-giving, happy experiences of being loved and understood, and I’ve felt the pain of separation too. Worlds apart, both nations are thankful; both are faith-filled; both rejoice in St John’s words: ‘See what love the Father has poured out on us that we be called children of God. That is what we really are’.

2012 marks the Golden Jubilee of the opening of the Second Vatican Council (Vatican II). The bishops of the whole world met in Rome each year for four years. And it was actually within days of the end of Vatican II that my classmates and I were ordained priest-missionaries. It was a privilege to be called and sent as disciples of Jesus to witness to God’s love and compassion to other nations. Listening to the pain of the world, as in violent or meaningless deaths, was always heavy; trying to do it in another language was humbling. Every step was a challenge. But the outpouring of the Spirit, so obvious in Vatican II, urged us on. We often laughed at our own mistakes and insensitivity; and we shed tears in the face of misery alongside shameless greed.

Father Mickey with Columban Lay Missionaries.

Now I am 72-and-a-half, and lucky enough to have that ‘half’ because of a blocked stent! I enjoyed the six months of the Irish Missionary Union’s Sabbatical Program which helped me to rejoice in my life journey and mission experience, and practice growing old gracefully. To all who made these luxuries possible, and to those who restored me to health, a thousand thanks. And thank God for modern medicine. I tried to act my age, cancelled many trips and visits, got medical approval, and arrived back home in Manila on 20 September. I have settled in to a reduced workload and a recipe for more rest, golf, and contemplation. I am very happy to be back.

Father Mickey with young friends.

Awareness exposes and prevents abuse, in whatever form it appears. Today, thankfully, awareness of child abuse is high. Sadly, this is not yet true of our abuse of God’s creation. Our consumerism is destroying the environment on which our life depends. Inspired by this Year of Faith, the great work today is to begin healing, and stop destroying, our planet.

My prayer is that your life will be happy and fruitful, and a real blessing to many others. Please pass on my greetings to friends whose email addresses I do not have. All of us are invited to celebrate the Savior’s birthday, and all are invited to the banquet of the Lord.

A Blessed and a Happy Christmas be yours! Thank you for being a part of my life.

God is with you. This note is just a reminder.

(Father) Michael Martin