Feed My Lambs: A Priest’s Call to Encounter Christ

by Fr. John Granato  |  05/04/2025  |  Words from Fr. John

My Dear Friends,

When I was assigned as a priest in Boston at Our Lady of Victories Church (2008-2011), I had a radio program every Sunday. Most of my shows were with my friend Paula from Brunswick, Maine. We would have a discussion about a certain topic concerning the Catholic Church or cultural issues coming from a Catholic foundation. When Paula could not do my show with me anymore, I would do a show by myself on the Sunday readings. Some topics of my shows with Paula included how to receive Holy Communion, Divine Mercy, the Eucharist, marriage, confession, celibate priesthood, holy friendships, etc.

The title of my program comes from today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Feed My Lambs. This passage has always been one of my favorites. Bishops and priests are called to be pastors of souls. In far too many cases, bishops and priests have become managers and branch managers, spending an inordinate amount of time in administration and managerial skills and have forgotten that we are ordained to celebrate the sacraments and the mysteries of God and to bring people closer to God through the celebration of Mass.

Pope Benedict XVI reminded us that Christianity (being a Christian) is not just following a religion but about having an encounter with Jesus Christ. My radio program was an attempt to help people to have that encounter. My life as a priest for these last 19 years has been one of stressing an encounter with the Living God. Most people who leave the Catholic faith leave her because they have never had an encounter with our Lord. Your life will be changed when you come to have this relationship with Christ. You will cease living a sinful life and will try to live the virtuous life. Christ is Risen, Alleluia.

God bless!