First, second and third place winners in two divisions wrote about cross-cultural encounters, inspired by Pope Leo’s call to build bridges.
2025 Maryknoll Student Essay Contest Winners
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Maryknoll Magazine Summer 2026
We begin this issue of Maryknoll magazine with a prayer for peace around the world, especially the Middle East. We include a joint statement from the joint Maryknoll leadership of priests, brothers, sisters and lay people calling for the cessation of the Iran conflict.
Our coverage features stories about missioners serving in Asia, Africa and Latin America and accompanying immigrants here at home. This issue includes the prayer of consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We also profile Maryknoll Seminarian Victor Mutobera in light of his upcoming ordination.
FEATURED STORIES
Focused on Maryknoll missioners around the world working in solidarity among the poor and marginalized. Articles include issues of importance to people the missioners serve and to the Catholic Church.
‘Magnifica Humanitas’ Warns of Future Without God
Pope Leo XIV writes that artificial intelligence may lead to mass unemployment and undermine human dignity, reducing people to mere data.
Maryknoll Shelter in Taiwan Offers Refuge to Migrant Workers
Maryknoll Father Joyalito Tajonera and his parish community provide hospitality and advocacy as they welcome vulnerable migrant workers.
Lay Missioner Continues the Battle Against HIV in Tanzania
Maryknoll Lay Missioner Joanne Miya, who served at Uzima Centre for two decades, warns younger generations to take the virus seriously.
God’s Diplomat: Pope Leo XIV Speaks Gospel to Power
During the first year of his pontificate, the Holy Father has shown a measured firmness honed over decades of leadership in mission.
Echoes of Suffering in Cambodia
A Maryknoll Lay Missioner supports victims of human trafficking who were forced to carry out scams for exploitative employers.
A Saint’s Final Footsteps
Franciscan Brother Octavio Durán relates how he returned Archbishop Óscar Romero’s shoes to their homeland of El Salvador during a Maryknoll pilgrimage.
Christ’s Hands and Feet in Kenya
Despite funding cuts, a project founded by Maryknoll for HIV/AIDS patients continues to provide hope in the slums of Nairobi.
Heart and Mission for the People
A Maryknoll team in Guatemala cares for HIV-positive people at Hospicio Santa María, a hospice that is also home to a thriving organic farm.
NEWS
Latest news from mission sites and countries around the world.
The Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States
As our country celebrates its 250th anniversary, U.S. Catholics recall a history of intercession and honor the Virgin Mary, our model of faith.
Breaking Cycles of Violence: A Maryknoll Reflection
A Maryknoll lay missioner in Brazil reflects on the Sunday Mass readings in light of domestic and gender-based violence.
New Mexico Diocese Resists Land Seizure for Border Wall
The Diocese of Las Cruces says the U.S. federal government expropriation would desecrate Monte Cristo Rey, a regional pilgrimage site.
Supreme Court Rules Trump Birthright Citizenship Order Unconstitutional
Majority of judges says that the executive order is unconstitutional because it violates the 14th Amendment.
Pope Leo XIV Calls for Prayers, Solidarity After Deadly Venezuela Quakes
The Church offers humanitarian aid and pastoral care as rescuers search for survivors in the aftermath of devastating twin earthquakes.
Maryknoll Wins 51 Awards for Media Excellence
The Catholic Media Association announced the 2026 awards to Maryknoll and Misioneros magazines and to Orbis Books at its annual conference.
Being a Disciple: A Maryknoll Reflection
Maryknoll Father James Kroeger reflects on the true cost of discipleship and what it means to follow Christ today.
Parish Priest Killed in Sudan’s Ongoing Violence
The priest, who had remained with his people despite worsening security, was shot and killed at his parish by soldiers on a looting spree.
Religious Communities in Cuba Struggle to Sustain Ministries
Head of the bishops conference says that power outages, fuel restrictions and fear of war are causing the island nation’s “saddest moment.”
Feed People, Not Conflicts, Says Pope
Pope Leo XIV thanks World Food Program workers for delivering aid to vulnerable communities in areas ravaged by violence.
Pope Blesses Sagrada Familia Tower, Highlights Beauty’s Path to God
Pope Leo XIV inaugurated the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Familia and called for the protection of the lives and dignity of migrants.
Never Abandoned: A Maryknoll Reflection
From the U.S.-Mexico border, Maryknoll Lay Missioner Heidi Cerneka reflects on Jesus, our shepherd, and on serving in today’s unjust world.
Brooklyn Rivera, Political Prisoner and Victim of Nicaraguan Dictatorship, Dies
The death of the Indigenous leader, who died in detention, has sparked new allegations of human rights violations.
Mozambique Bishop Shot Dead at His Residence
The murder of the bishop of Quelimane renews concerns over violence and instability in the African country.
PHOTO MEDITATION
Spirituality
Spirit of Mission: All Things New
Maryknoll Father Joseph Veneroso reflects on the spirituality of the Biblical term metanoia”” and our Lenten journey of faith.
Prayer for Vocations
Weaving Life Itself in the Amazon
Indigenous women artisans in Bolivia join an income-generating Maryknoll project to create art and grow in faith and community.
MISSIONER TALES
Vignettes from the lands of mission, told by Maryknoll missioners and volunteers. These popular little stories are sometimes funny, often moving and generally inspiring encounters with people on the margins.
Missioner Tales, Spring 2026
Missioners share short vignettes drawn from experiences of their mission ministries in Bolivia, Cambodia and Tanzania.
ORBIS BOOKS SPOTLIGHT
World Watch
World Watch: Guardians of Creation
Religious, civil and nongovernmental leaders from around the world gathered in Brazil for COP30, the U.N. conference on climate change.
Readers’ Responses
Readers’ Responses, Spring 2026
Readers respond via email, letter or message to our stories published online, circulated in print and shared weekly by ezine.
CENTERSPREAD
