As we begin this new year of 2022 I reflect on one of the possessions of Father José
Walijewski—his old watch. It no longer functions but is a silent witness of a life well
spent for others. Similarly, each of us receives the gift of time. How will we use it? We
can waste it or fill it with all sorts of distractions, games, programs and toys. Or we can
invest it. We can invest the gift of time to serve our individual wants and needs and we
can invest it to help lift others up and to give them hope.
What I always admired about Father Joe Walijewski is how he viewed time as an
opportunity to love God and neighbor. In almost every sermon he would talk about
how we should respond to the sufferings of others. He would ask, “How can I simply
return to my life as usual after I witness the suffering Christ in others?” He spent his time
giving his life away to others. That spirit of generosity is what has inspired so many to
come to believe in the love of God and to hope in humanity.
Shortly before his death Father José wrote this prayer. It is a testimony of how he valued
life. May this prayer inspire us this New Year.
Prayer of Fr. José Walijewski
I do not know how long I will live,
but while I live, Lord, let me give some comfort
to someone in need by a smile or nod, kind word, or deed.
And let me do whatever I can to ease things for my fellow man.
I want naught but to do my part; to “lift” a tired or weary heart,
to change folks’ frown, to a smile again.
Then I will not have lived in vain, and I’ll not care how long I’ll live,
if I can give and give and give. Amen.
I pray that as we begin this New Year of 2022 we might value this gift of time which is
only for a time; that we will spend ourselves in love for those that the Lord calls us to
serve. I thank you all for all you do to bring hope and a future to the children under
our care at Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II. We are called to prepare the next generation of
mothers and fathers who in this moment of time are children. The seeds we plant can
bring a future of hope to so many. I know of no greater work than to spend ourselves in
this way. May the Lord give us strength this year to give and to share in this gift of time
we call 2022.
In Christ,
Msgr. Joseph Hirsch
Executive Director
Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II