Celebration of 40 Years of MGL Foundation

The Missionaries of God’s Love brothers celebrate their 40th Anniversary this year. Pope Leo XIV has declared 2026 a “Special Year of St. Francis” to mark the 800th anniversary of the saint's death. St Francis is one of the MGLs patron saints. 

So this is a significant year for MGLs. The chosen people of God were 40 years in the desert. It was a time for them to draw near to God to grow in trust and knowledge of God. Jesus was tested for 40 days in the desert before his public ministry. The function of biblical memory is to remember the saving action of God with thanksgiving in the heart.

This remembering brings joy for God’s past care; confidence in our present challenges; and hope in God for the future. 

St Francis of Assisi’s passion to imitate Jesus in simplicity, joy and brotherhood inspired the founding of the MGLs. Francis desired communion with Jesus and to live the Gospel in simplicity and humility. The MGLs have been raised up to serve God’s plan to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth. We are thankful for the response of the those who supported the founding of the MGLs and the many who continue to partner and support the mission. 

During the season of Lent and Easter we make a personal and communal journey of renewal by remembering our true identity and purpose in God. This is accompanied by acts of self-denial, repentance and mercy. Our experience of the love of God is deepened as we remember the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of his Spirit into our hearts and upon all creation. 

In this special Year of Francis, we pray that the Holy Spirit who inspired him to forsake all for Jesus would move in our hearts to set the world ablaze with the love of God.

Fr Steve Fletcher MGL Moderator