“Pray, hope and don’t worry.”
— St. Padre Pio
That’s the quote I would have submitted for this issue’s Catholic Voices question. I’m a big-time worrier — ask my husband, son, siblings — but Padre Pio’s words remind me to cast off the fears and anxieties and turn to the Lord. (It’s not easy, but I’m trying.)
“Pray, hope and don’t worry” is also a theme echoed throughout this issue of Northwest Catholic — families trekking from Ecuador to the United States for safety, community health workers taking on new jobs to serve migrants, a couple’s long but joyful journey of adoption. They all embraced hope and trusted God to lead them through the unknown, much like Mary and Joseph bringing the Savior into the world.
I can’t think of a better message as we prepare for Christmas and a new year. May our hearts be open to prayer and hope instead of worry, knowing that God is always with us.
Northwest Catholic, December 2023/January 2024