Reflections from a Magnificat breakfast

The Albany N.Y. Chapter of Magnificat hosted its second in-person breakfast of 2022 on June 4 — Pentecost weekend. The sun was shining, blue skies prevailed and there was much excitement and joy in the air. The guest speaker was Father Kyle Gorenski, our chapter’s spiritual advisor. Almost 100 people attended, including some first-time attendees. Our wonderful and talented music ministry began by inviting the Holy Spirit to be with us as we joined them in singing “Come Holy Ghost.” We were graced by the presence of our local Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima. As one, we prayed the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

We were blessed to have Father Dan McHale as our guest spiritual advisor along with two seminarians, Alexander Turpin and Louis Aloyz Namugera. Father McHale gave a beautiful spiritual teaching on seeing the face of Jesus in all whom we encounter.

Father Gorenski shared an inspiring, humble story of his vocation call to the priesthood and his path to ordination. He met with multiple difficulties and challenges along the way, but he never gave up — so strong was his belief in being called by God. His military service in the Army, and his work experience in law enforcement, helped him persevere in his journey. His story is evidence of how God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called! Father Gorenski has found much joy and fulfillment as a priest and celebrated the first anniversary of his ordination on June 19. Our chapter is very blessed to have Father Gorenski as spiritual advisor.

We received a prophetic word from the Lord:  “My people, not only honor my Mother, but you must defend her honor!”
Our breakfast ended, much too soon, but not before the service team prayed over Father Gorenski, Father McHale and both seminarians and sang the song “These are Holy Hands.” It was one of the many highlights of our breakfast and we assured them of our continued prayers and support. We concluded by singing “Immaculate Mary” to our patroness and spiritual mother, Mary. The memories of this Spirit-filled morning, with its graces and blessings, will not be soon forgotten!

— Nancy Hooley, assistant coordinator