Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Once during a particularly dry summer, a special prayer meeting was organized to pray for rain. The whole community was invited. Among the many who came, only one young boy brought an umbrella. People around him smiled and whispered at his “foolishness.” The prayers began—everyone prayed earnestly and with one heart. And God answered: rain came.But only the boy with the umbrella could walk home dry. Why? Because he not only prayed— he believed the prayer would be answered.

Deep faith changes our perspectives, our responses, and even our daily living.As we journey through the 15-day lent (August 1–15) in remembrance of St. Mary, the Mother of our Lord, let us also reflect on the kind of faith she had. Every devout Jewish woman longed to be the mother of the promised Messiah. But when the call came, it was Mary who had the courage and commitment to say yes. She offered her whole life—her body and mind—to God’s mission.

This Sunday, we also celebrate Mission Sunday—a reminder that