A Farewell from our Executive Director
As I write this final note as Executive Director, my heart is filled with gratitude. For the past six and a half years, it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve this Shrine and to walk alongside this remarkable community of faith. Together, we have accomplished so much; we have welcomed pilgrims from around the world, strengthened the Shrine's ministries, refurbished our buildings, celebrated moments of joy, endured challenges, and continued Saint Rita's mission of hope, reconciliation, and trust in God's providence. Whatever good has been achieved here has never been the work of one person. It has been the fruit of countless acts of generosity, sacrifice, prayer, and love offered by so many people who care deeply about this sacred place. Thank you.
My love and respect for this community cannot be adequately expressed in a few words. You have welcomed me into your lives, supported our work, shared your faith, and reminded me time and again why places like this matter. The greatest blessing of these years has not been any project completed or goal achieved, but the relationships formed along the way.
Paramount among these relationships are the Shrine staff, our Augustinian Friars, and our countless volunteers. Their dedication, professionalism, and devotion to the mission of Saint Rita have inspired me daily. They have weathered challenges with grace and remained steadfast in their commitment to serving our patrons and pilgrims while advancing the Shrine's mission. I have every confidence that they will continue to keep this place thriving through whatever challenges and changes may lie ahead.
Without a doubt, the most painful part of my decision to leave is saying goodbye to so many wonderful people. Yet I have been deeply consoled by the many kindnesses extended to me over the past month. Your prayers, notes, conversations, and expressions of support have meant so much to me. The encouragement I have received from so many of you has also confirmed something I have known for a long time: the future of this Shrine has never depended on any one director, board member, Provincial, or friar. It rests in the faith of the people who come here seeking Saint Rita's intercession and in the dedicated individuals who serve them every day.
And while I am leaving my role, I am not leaving this community. I intend to remain a part of the Shrine family and look forward to visiting often. In fact, in an unexpected turn of events, I have accepted a position at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, where I will help build up the Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel. It is not a role I was seeking, but one that found me. Please keep me in your prayers.
Shrine Directors come and go. Augustinians come and go. Leadership changes, visions change, and circumstances change. But Saint Rita's loving intercession remains constant, pointing us always toward the God who never abandons His people and who is with us, always. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives and part of this holy place. Serving as your Executive Director has been an honor I will cherish for the rest of my life.
