Ut Cognoscant Te: That They May Know You

After six years as Archdiocesan Director of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith I will be returning to full-time parish ministry at Saint Gerard Majella Parish in Canton as of July 1. Since Cardinal Cushing’s coat of arms hangs on my office wall and since I work at his desk,   I thought that his episcopal motto would make a fitting title for my final column. Indeed, these words express the primary goal of all missionary activity—to know God and respond to a personal invitation to a covenant relationship with Christ.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to many people. First and foremost, to Cardinal Seán for appointing me to this office and giving me the opportunity to experience the work of ministry and evangelization from     an international perspective. To the countless missionary bishops, priests, deacons, religious men and women, and lay missionaries who have met with me in person or communicated their stories in writing, a sincere word of appreciation. 

I am indebted to my brother priests in the Archdiocese for their support, particularly in the implementation of the Missionary Cooperative Program. The pastors of our parishes are a vital link between our office and the people in the pews. Those who use our enrollments and Mass cards help us to provide significant financial support to priests in mission countries.

Our office staff in Braintree is not only extraordinarily competent but totally dedicated to their contribution to the work of missionary outreach.  I am especially grateful to Maureen Crowley Heil, the Director of Programs and Development, for the vast experience, dedication, and background she brings to her work. Likewise, to Stephanie Yovchev, Mary Bolles, Grace Luk, Janice Pecoraro, Mike Pecoraro and Sister Agnes Wan. 

And finally to you, our faithful supporters and readers—those who contribute regularly and who remember us in your wills and in your prayers—blessings on you and your loved ones.  May Mary, Queen of the Missions, draw you ever closer to her Divine Son.

-Rev. Rodney J. Copp, JCL