We reflected on the journeys of St. Paul from the Acts of the Apostles in the Easter season. Now we reflect on the journey of the saints.
Paul’s journeys, as Luke the author of Acts sees them, are a way the gospel reaches one city after another. They are also a way it reaches the many dimensions of our world. Through Paul, the women praying along the river in Thessaloniki receive God’s word. Prisoners in a jail in Philippi hear it. Philosophers in Athens hear it. Immigrants in the port city of Corinth hear it.
The saints we celebrate in our church calendar continue Paul’s journey. They reach out to the world like he did and bring the gospel to other parts of society. Justin Martyr (June 1) speaks to the philosophers of Rome, Charles Lwanga and his companions (June 3) the African continent, Boniface (June 5) to western Europe. Agnes, Lucy, Cecilia, Anastasia, early women martyrs, are the daughters of the women of Thessaloniki. The saints, old and new, in the calendar or not, continue the mission of Paul. Jesus Christ gave this mission to him. They call us to accompany them.
We celebrate the saints mostly on the dates of entrance into heaven, not in historical order, which may get in the way of historical perspective. But the saints, canonized or not, are the agents of the Holy Spirit. They move the world towards harvest time.
We share in their mission. A verse from the psalms keeps coming to me these days. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.”
The Victor's Place 
Bless and happy 90th Birthday, Fr. Victor, enjoy and thank you for always sharing your wisdom and faith. You once came to my parish ( Our Lady of Lourdes, Malverne,NY) many years ago and your spirit of faith touched my heart. I was happy to find out that I could follow you online( Thank God for technology). Be well and stay blessed always. Thank you for your service. Respectfully, Michele Lee-Cadogan
Michele S. Cadogan Sent from my iphone
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Happy Birthday Fr Victor, my friend.
I pray for you every day and pray your Ministry
Will continue forever. God Bless. Harry
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How wonderful to know that you are a nonagenarian now! Thanks be to God for the way you spread God’s goodness, Your victories come from living deeply in the gift of life, doing the work of love, cultivating gratitude, and noting the touch of the Spirit in your life. Happy Birthday!
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Always grateful for your friendship and wisdom. Looking back at so many wonderful memories.
Happy Birthday
John and Jennifer Festa
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Happy Birthday Father Victor
Rose and Phil Walch
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Dear Fr. Victor,Happy Birthday 🎂.Of course, I will pray for you.You are blessing us with such inspiring words.Thank you.Regina
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com Regina
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Congratulations on your 90th year of ministry. Jane
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Happy Birthday Father ! God Bless you always!!
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Dear Father Victor, Happy Birthday! I pray for you every day and thank God for your example of holiness that you give us. Thank you for sharing your faith and knowledge of the faith with us. Through your message of faith, hope and love, your online presence lifts spirits and changes lives, mine included! May God continue to anoint you and send you where you can continue to make a difference in His name. With love and gratitude, Fabienne
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I tried to send you a billet doux for your BDay but it wouldn’t go through
Blessings, prayers, love a such gratitude for you in my life as I celebrate yours. Happiest of birthdays and every possible sense of God with you in this new year. I love 💕 you! Karen
Sent from my iPad
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Happy Happy Birthday Fr. Victor.
I read your blog every day and I want you to know how impressed I am of your spirituality.
I met you a long time ago when you were in Pittsburgh. I was visiting Fr. Joe Sedley. I couldn’t believe I met you.
Thank you for all the good you do every day. You have helped me understand many things that I didn’t.
I pray you continue in good health and keep smiling, it is very becoming.
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Sent from my iPad. Happy Birthday Father, What! a beautiful Month for a Birthday ! You are a Blessing. May God Bless and Guide You And keep you in the Palm Of His Hand!
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Happy Birthday Father Victor; and many more ahead!
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Though Birthdays come round every year, we are glad to welcome them with blessed cheer. We thank God for your living faith witness and raise a glass of stout beer!
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