MISSIONARIES OF GOD'S LOVE

In this Founder’s Message, Fr Ken Barker reflects on his visit to Bethlehem and the enduring promise of Christian hope at Christmas. From the joy of Christ’s birth to the longing for peace in a divided world, he reminds us that the good news proclaimed by the angels still calls us to trust in Christ’s saving love and share God’s peace with confidence and hope.

In 2015, during a priests’ retreat at St John Lateran Basilica in Rome, I had the privilege of asking Pope Francis a question. As he answered, he maintained eye contact with me, and afterward, I approached him for a blessing. To my surprise, he embraced me warmly and accepted my book, His Name is Mercy. He held it up joyfully, later releasing a book titled God’s Name is Mercy. That moment deeply touched me with the Father’s love.