Dear Friends,

It is with deep humility, genuine gratitude and heartfelt joy that I assume leadership of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network and the Eucharistic Youth Movement in Canada and the United States. As the first Jesuits prayed, “May Christ deign to be favorable to these our tender beginnings.”

I would like to thank Fr. Frederic Fornos, SJ, the International Director of PWPN for his trust, confidence, vision, and leadership. As an ecclesial service of the Holy See, PWPN receives its mission from Pope Francis, to whom I give thanks as well for this marvelous opportunity.

Our mission is to share the prayer intentions of the Holy Father, which he has identified in his monthly “challenges facing humanity.” This month we are praying for lapsed Christians. We further endeavor to bring our members and all the world into deeper union with the Heart of Jesus through the making of a daily offering of ourselves to the Lord, and through our participation in the mission of the Church. I make this corporate mission my own.

In the coming weeks and months we will be making use of all traditional and modern means of communication to pursue our mission. Please be on the lookout for updates and chances to participate in and to support our work. At the same time we will be conducting a review of our approach to doing ministry and business. We will be asking ideas, feedback, and input from all our members and friends as we reassess our style, methods, and procedures.

Finally, as a body, we thank Fr. James Kubicki, SJ for his tireless service these past 14 years as the outgoing National Director for the US. His zeal, determination, and caring approach have left us with a strong foundation on which to build and deep long-lasting relationships that cannot truly be quantified or counted.  We had a wonderful gathering for Fr. Kubicki last week. Read more about it here.

Friends, please keep me in your prayer in these weeks of transition and be assured that you are in my own intentions and the prayers of our team. May the good Lord continue to configure us all as apostles of prayer according to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thank you for welcoming me aboard.

In Jesus Christ,

Father Blazek