A hope that is lived every day
Lent and Easter 2026 brought two missionary experiences that, though different in context, shared the same spirit: the invitation to rediscover hope as a living reality, rooted in prayer, community, and daily participations.
Marystown: a small community, a big heart
From March 15–18, 2026, Sacred Heart Parish in Marystown, NL—a town of about 5,000 located 300 kilometers from St. John’s—hosted a four-night Lenten parish mission on the theme “Finding Hope During Lent.” Father Tony Bidgood, C.Ss.R., led the sermon, offering reflections that invited attendees to a deeper encounter with Christ through prayer, repentance, and a renewed trust in God’s mercy.
Every evening, a steady stream of faithful gathered in the parish—not out of obligation, but with a sincere desire to listen and be renewed. The atmosphere was one of serene attentiveness, and the message of hope found fertile ground in receptive hearts. Father Emmanuel, the parish priest, welcomed us warmly, hosting us in the parish house for the duration of the mission. His pastoral presence and care for the faithful were evident, fostering a spirit of unity that remained alive throughout the evenings.
The mission focused on the Lenten call to conversion: not as a personal effort, but as a response to God’s loving initiative. Through the Scriptures, preaching, and moments of community prayer, participants were encouraged to rediscover hope not as something distant or abstract, but as something rooted in daily life and everyday relationships.
Alongside the preaching, the generous hospitality of the local community was itself a missionary experience. The faithful shared traditional dishes with us—capelan, fried toutons with molasses, fish croquettes, a turkey lunch—and these moments of fellowship became authentic opportunities for encounter: to share stories, laugh together, and discover the strength of community bonds.
Every morning at 7:00, some parishioners invited me to play pickleball at the local YMCA gym—an opportunity I gladly accepted. In those simple, everyday gestures, the mission’s message was silently reinforced: hope isn’t just proclaimed from the pulpit, but lived out in kindness, acceptance, and companionship.
St. John’s: The Mission returns Home
This spirit of renewal has continued to flourish in our own Redemptorist community at St. John’s, where Father Tony and I serve. From April 13-15, 2026, a parish mission was held at the Parish of Santa Teresa, preached by our Provincial Superior, Father Santo Arrigo, C.Ss.R., as part of the celebrations for the 300th anniversary of the birth of Saint Gerard Majella. For three days, the parish was invited to a journey of prayer, healing, and faith renewal.
Conclusion: Hope is always near
Experiencing these two missions—one in a small, remote community, the other in our own parish—has reminded us, gently yet powerfully, that hope is never far from home. It’s always there, waiting to be rediscovered.
Even in diverse contexts, a profound desire for the Gospel persists: a desire that, when embraced with sincerity and care, continues to bear fruit in the lives of the faithful. These experiences encourage us to continue offering opportunities for renewal in parish communities.
Noel Oco, C.Ss.R.
“The Scribe,” April 2026, vol. 25, no. 4.
Italian translation from the English, with adaptations.
