On May 16th, the day on which Passionists celebrate the memorial of St. Gemma Galgani, we invited our dear friend Deacon Bruce Sullivan (Archdiocese of Louisville) to preside at our monthly Solemn Vespers and Eucharistic Adoration service. In the homily he delivered for the occasion, Deacon Bruce beautifully explored the life of St. Gemma and the lessons she teaches us about the “Gospel of suffering,” to use St. John Paul II’s term. Why do good people suffer? How can a good God allow all the suffering in our world? What is the connection between our suffering and that of Jesus?

In the course of the homily, Deacon Bruce also wove in elements of his own personal story that touched us deeply. We have accompanied his family in prayer over many years, and Bruce and his youngest child Therese have made a number of father-daughter retreats at our monastery. It was so powerful to hear how our Passionist charism and its message of redemptive suffering have taken root in our friend’s heart, and how the “Gospel of suffering” has borne fruit in his own life. Thank you, Deacon Bruce, for this special gift!

Click the button below to read this inspiring homily for yourself! If you’re interested in hearing more from our monthly guest preachers, check out our Events Page to see when you can join us in prayer!