Dear all, 

Thank you for all of your prayers for me the last year!  I turned 45 today, a bit of a milestone year and a time for reflection, especially after all that happened while I was 44.  Above all, I'm grateful to God for his graces... whether by way of healing and comforts or the mysterious graces he has bestowed in the suffering he has allowed.

Of the many different thoughts I could reflect on at this point, there has been one lingering message that I have been wanting to share with you all:  it is the realization of how many people suffer quietly... and how great their suffering is. Honestly, from the first attack of pain that I experienced, and many times throughout the past year, I have come to understand better the suffering of many others.  

Many people know me, just because of the public nature of the priesthood. And I am so grateful for your prayers. I experienced personally how powerful those many prayers have been (and continue to be).  But this has caused me also to realized how many others suffer with very few prayers.  

So, if you would like to offer something for my birthday, I would ask this of you:  please let your care and concern for me translate to a deeper awareness of the many others who suffer without many to pray for them (some with no prayers).  With this awareness, please be sure to always include in your prayers the intentions of those many silent sufferers.  Your prayers will bring about many powerful graces for many people whom you do not know, I am sure of this from personal experience!  

May God bless you all abundantly, this year and always.

In Christ,
Father Baker+