Open Our Eyes

Jul 16

Fort Freedomfest celebration at North Wildwood, NJ earlier this month. This event generates awareness of the work Fort Freedom does to support veterans.

When I was planning for my ordination over 30 years ago, I asked Bro. Mickey McGrath, OSFS, to create a prayer card that had the words of St. Francis de Sales: “strive to see God in all things without exception.” These words have been my compass in my ministry for myself and to those I minister. I have had the privilege to work with students, alumni, school communities, veterans, professional athletes, coaches, politicians, CEOs, and those suffering from addictions.

Striving to see God in all things without exceptions is truly a way we can make God visible in our world. What this means, as De Sales tells us, is to have a spirit of indifference. This allows us to focus on the total person. To have the spirit of indifference, we must have the skills of listening, being non-judgmental, and compassionate. As I continue to journey here with my gift of life on earth, I really feel we need this spirit of indifference and eyes that can see God‘s goodness in everyone and every event without exception.

Fr. Joe with Jagger Haffey, son of veteran Jerry Haffey at Fort Freedomfest celebration.

This is not just a tool or a course I could teach rather this is the way of life. We all have the ability to do this when we focus on God‘s love for us and His love for His creation. I saw this as we celebrated the Fourth of July weekend. I’ve had the privilege to be a part of the foundation called Fort Freedom, which helps veterans who come back with PSTD and suicidal tendencies. When supporting soldiers with their hurts, bad memories, and fears, I use Salesian Spirituality to help these veterans focus on the present moment, allowing them to see God's love in their lives.

It is truly a privilege to be able to work with these men and women and share my inner compass of striving to see God in others without exception.

Over Independence Day weekend at Fort Freedomfest, we celebrated these veterans who overcame their inner demons and now are helping others. During this time of vacation and relaxation, I pray that all of us may strive to see God in all things without exception and have a spirit of indifference. Our world truly needs this at this time of major differences, which is causing us not to see God.

Let’s open our eyes and continue to make God present!

Speaking at the Union League in Philadelphia, Fr. Joe raises both awareness and funds to help returning veterans.

Fort Freedomfest 2024

Special thanks to Father Judge alum Joe Byrne and John Little, owners of Seaport Pier, and Beach Brew Coffee (Home of the Dirty Banana) owned by North alumnus John Barnes and Tommy Byrne, Tom Donnelly, and Joe Byrne Sr.

Together, they hosted the first annual Fort Freedomfest 2024 in North Wildwood, NJ over Independence Day weekend. This is just the beginning of events supporting Fort Freedom that they will hold throughout the year. Thanks for their support and to all who came out for this wonderful celebration of vets and their families!