On this solemn day, we celebrate the memory of our father, Saint Francis Coll—a feast that holds special significance this year due to the Jubilee of Hope in the universal Church and the anniversary of the Easter of our congregation’s founder.
The first reading invites us to reflect on the vocation of God’s servant. Saint Paul exhorts Timothy with these words: “A servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and patient in enduring trials.” (2 Tim 2:24). This challenges us: Who are we in our missions? Mere functionaries, or true servants in the image of Christ, “the One who is among us as the One who serves” (Lk 22:27)? To answer this call, we must deny ourselves, renounce our pride, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. Only then, nourished by divine goodness, can we bear witness to it concretely in our relationships. Father Coll set an example for us through his constant exhortation: “Charity! Charity! Charity!”
This spiritual maturity is only possible if the Lord is our strength, as proclaimed in the psalm: “The Lord is the strength of His people, the stronghold of His anointed.” (Ps 28:8). Jesus Himself reminds us: “Without Me, you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5). Let us, therefore, ask for the grace of the Spirit of wisdom, which “searches all things, even the depths of God.” (1 Cor 2:10). Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches that this wisdom, a gift of the Spirit, surpasses human understanding: it is an infused virtue that enables us to judge all things in divine light. Illumined by this wisdom, Father Coll exclaimed: “The Anunciata is the work of God!” His example teaches us not to rely on our own strength but to surrender to Providence, which accomplishes wonders beyond our expectations. Thus, our hearts will remain fixed on the true treasure, as the Gospel reminds us: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mt 6:21).
By following in the footsteps of our beloved father, Saint Francis Coll, may we too become living flames, carrying the light of Christ into the world’s darkness. May his legacy inspire us, and may our religious family, ablaze with divine love, continue to boldly spread the Gospel.
Long live God in our hearts! A joyful jubilee to all!
Sr. Audrey Y. O. HOUNYO
Community of Kombissiri (Burkina Faso) – Vicariate of Saint François Coll
