08/30/2026
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, on this Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, we gather at St. Pius X Church with a double purpose: to celebrate the Eucharist and to remember with love, gratitude, and prayer our beloved Bishop Guy Sansaricq, on the fifth anniversary of his passing from this world.
Bishop Guy Sansaricq was a devoted shepherd, a man of faith, and a loving father to the Haitian Catholic community and to so many people throughout the Diocese of Brooklyn. Today, as we remember his life and ministry, the Word of God speaks to us about the cost of discipleship, the fire of God's Word, and the call to give our entire lives to the Lord.
1. God's Word must be a fire in our hearts.
1) In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of God's Word as “a fire burning in my heart.” Jeremiah experienced opposition, suffering, and discouragement. Yet he could not abandon his mission because God's Word had taken possession of his life.
2) This is also a beautiful way to remember Bishop Sansaricq. His priesthood and episcopal ministry were marked by a deep love for the Gospel and a great concern for God's people, especially immigrants, the poor, and the Haitian community.
3) A true servant of God does not simply speak about the Gospel; he allows the Gospel to burn within him and guide his entire life.
4) Today, we must ask ourselves: Is the Word of God still a fire in my heart? Does my faith inspire me to serve, to forgive, to love, and to bring hope to others?
5) The greatest tribute we can offer Bishop Sansaricq is not only to remember him, but to continue the mission for which he gave his life.
2. Offer your life to God as a living sacrifice.
1) Saint Paul tells us in the second reading: “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”
2) Every Christian is called to make his or her life an offering. Our faith is not limited to attending Mass or saying prayers. Faith becomes real when we offer our time, talents, sacrifices, and service to God and to our brothers and sisters.
3) Bishop Sansaricq understood that ministry is a gift of oneself. A bishop, a priest, a religious, or a lay person truly serves Christ when he or she is willing to give generously without constantly asking, “What will I receive in return?”
4) Today, as we remember him, let us renew our own commitment to the Church. Let us offer our gifts to build stronger families, stronger parishes, and a stronger Haitian Catholic community.
3. Take up the Cross and follow Jesus.
1) In today's Gospel, Peter does not understand why Jesus must suffer. He wants a Messiah without the Cross. But Jesus tells His disciples: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
2) The Cross is part of Christian life. We all have crosses: sickness, grief, family difficulties, loneliness, uncertainty, disappointments, and struggles within our communities.
3) But Jesus does not tell us simply to suffer. He tells us to follow Him. The Cross has meaning because Christ carried it before us and transformed it through His Resurrection.
4) Bishop Sansaricq knew that faithful service requires sacrifice. His memory reminds us not to run away when ministry becomes difficult. Instead, we must continue to serve with faith, courage, and hope.
Conclusion
· Dear brothers and sisters, today we thank God for the life and ministry of Bishop Guy Sansaricq.
· The readings give us three beautiful lessons:
Ø Let God's Word be a fire in our hearts.
Ø Offer our lives to God as a living sacrifice.
Ø And take up our crosses courageously as we follow Jesus.
· As we pray for the eternal repose of Bishop Sansaricq, let us also thank God for the gift he was to the Church and especially to the Haitian people.
· May the Lord welcome His faithful servant into the fullness of eternal life. And may Bishop Guy Sansaricq's example continue to inspire us to love the Church, serve God's people, defend human dignity, and remain faithful to Jesus Christ until the end.
· Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
