Speech – Father Benedict Croell, OP

My Brothers and Sisters, the Lord reminds us that in His love for us He has entered into our frail human condition as the poorest human being with material needs, in homelessness and destitution so that we may find our ultimate Home and rest in His love:  for He is the Good Shepherd who carries us to our truest home and Safe Haven. Let us listen to the Gospel of Matthew 8:20:

“The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has no where to lay his head.”

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ, who was at certain times, homeless with no place to lay His head.  We have come here tonight to recall with great affection and love, the Poor who are around us. Created in your own image and likeness, each brother and sister, is a precious gift…from you with a certain dignity…precious in your eyes, made to love and to be loved.

Inspire within us, through the words of your Son, to lift up those around us – so that authentic love will move hearts and hands to work in communion for the least among us, for those in need…for those who struggle… at this very hour.

Heavenly Father we pray that you might see and love in our Beloved Brothers and Sisters, what you see and love in your beloved Son. Bless the work of A Safe Haven, bless those who offer their support and are generous.  Bless our conversation tonight…and may you, the Giver of all good things, bless the food and drink of your servants, + Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen!