This one is for the sufferers
By Peter Mirus ( bio - articles - email ) | Oct 19, 2009
In my experience in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, I have encountered people in all types of businesses and in all levels of authority that suffer for various reasons. Perhaps that suffering comes from a bad economy, an unreasonable boss, difficult coworker(s), lack of commitment in subordinates, being misunderstood, being underappreciated, under-trained, under-supported, lack of appropriate communication, lack of ability to perform in a position, etc.
I encounter similar problems within the Catholic Church. In many parts of the world, Catholics that take the teachings of the Church seriously go unsupported (or worse, are undermined) by their pastors and bishops. The feeling of disenfranchisement is palpable, and the suffering is real. If you are trying to live the Faith in your home, in your school, in your business...even in your parish...you will likely be persecuted by someone.
"Frustration is a part of business. Suffering is a part of life. Worry about what you can control, don't worry about what you can't control." Those practical words don't provide much comfort, do they?
This article doesn't seek to provide a solution to problems with persecution, but it seeks to provide some consolation. It isn't just you! You are connected to other Catholics throughout the world who are suffering. I'm with you; we're all with you! I'm praying for you daily; we're all praying for you daily!
This website is, in part, about providing a feeling of "connectedness" to Catholics in different parts of the world who are suffering for many reasons. One of the worst feelings in the world is to experience isolation. That feeling is something that most of us can relate to (in one degree or another) through the various struggles that we have experienced--even if they are of our own making.
Today, let's take a moment out of the "business of life" and pray for those who are suffering. Reach your thoughts and prayers across the world and unite with all of your brothers and sisters who need your help, just as you need theirs. Call to mind the saints who suffered to receive their glory in heaven, and remember that they are praying for you. Ask Our Lady to take her in your arms and provide you with the consolation that only our mother can provide.
Sufferers--unite. We're in this together.
Peter Mirus is a business, marketing, and technology consultant with more than 20 years of experience working with companies and nonprofits, ranging from start-ups to large international organizations. From 2004-2014 he contributed articles on the Catholic Faith, culture, and business to the CatholicCulture.org website.
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Posted by: oremus7739 -
Oct. 19, 2009 2:54 PM ET USA
Agree, Peter. We Catholic zealots, as we try to organize, experience apathy, or betrayal from within. A few years ago, we organized a protest against the Da Vinci Code. The turnout was modest but the local media, covered the event but in order to provide balance turned to our fellow liberal Catholics at St Leo University. They dutifully chimed in that protests are counterproductive and was not the correct way to change public opinion. Our rally was soley to make public reparation to Jesus.
