July 8, 2026
— Joseph Freinademetz · Source: Letter to his nephew Peter Freinademetz (October 1901), trans. in Arnold Janssen, SVD: Letters to China
Ephesians 4:1-3 I, a prisoner of the Lord, urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Friction among colleagues often exposes inner pride. When opinions differ, the body instinctively tries to prove itself right, forgetting that the most difficult yet most beautiful form of service is "concealing oneself." After twenty-three years in China, St. Joseph Freinademetz could say he had "never regretted any of my love" and had "become thoroughly Chinese"—a picture of laying self aside; as the Bible exhorts, maintaining unity requires humility, gentleness, and tolerance in all things. Those who truly break down their ego no longer concern themselves with methods or merits, but are willing to uphold the team with patience, allowing the peace of Christ to be the sole unifying force.
Dear Lord, forgive me for often thinking more of myself than I should in my service. Whenever conflict arises within the team, my vanity stirs. Lord, grant me the humility of St. Joseph Freinademetz, who willingly hid himself, willingly "breaking down his ego" for love amidst grievances and misunderstandings. Holy Spirit, grant me a heart of all-encompassing tolerance, gentleness, and patience, so that I may be a bridge of peace. May we be of one mind, striving to preserve the unity of the Holy Spirit, and exalt You alone. Amen.