STATEMENT APPLAUDED
I applaud the statement from the Maryknoll superior general published in the 2025 Summer issue.
Rather than tens of thousands of federal workers losing their jobs, current available data suggests about 250,000 positions have been affected. While funding for PEPFAR is absolutely critical as described, its effective implementation requires many federal workers who have lost their jobs.
Maryknoll has been a tremendous missionary partner in the fight against HIV in Africa and Asia. The valid reference to “draconian cuts” goes well beyond HIV and affects many other scourges causing great human suffering, including tuberculosis, malaria and diarrheal disease.
Much progress has been made, due in part to the decades-long cooperative approach of U.S. private and governmental entities with global partners, including religious organizations. In terms of what we can do, I agree with the specific call to action and add that we should all also call our congressional representatives.
When I reflect on my medical and public health career, which started in northeast Kenya with an externship under the vocational tutelage of Maryknoll Sister Lucia Yu, M.D., M.P.H. and Maryknoll Father Jim Kuhn, and as I witness the current unfolding impacts, I am very concerned for our world’s brethren.
Michael Iademarco
Medical doctor, retired rear admiral and assistant general for U.S. Public Health Services Washington, D.C.
LIVE IN HOPE
The message of hope in the Summer 2025 edition of Maryknoll magazine is encouraging. What especially stands out are the student essays submitted by young people. Their well-thought-out submissions make evident their commitment to the Church and humanity.
These essays are a manifestation of the person and mission of Christ. Who knows, perhaps the featured students will be inspired to serve as lay or ordained ministers?
Mark A. Sleboda
Redford Township, Michigan
GUATEMALA MISSION
Another inspiring magazine. I was especially struck by the article “Hope Triumphs in Guatemala” on the ministry of Maryknoll Father William Senger. The photo leapt out at me, and I said, I know him. When I served in mission in the Pando of Bolivia, we worked together. He was a gentle, caring soul. I am encouraged to see him still serving.
Larry Brixius
Poulsbo, Washington
Featured image: Maryknoll Sister Marvelous “Marvie” Misolas connects remote Indigenous forest communities with faculty and staff of Manila’s Miriam College to work together for ecological sustainability, carrying on the Maryknoll Sisters’ legacy of 100 years of mission service in the Philippines. (Paul Jeffrey/Philippines)
