This is not what I wanted!
It has been a year since I received a call from Bishop Michael Martin asking me to serve as his priest secretary, and in one sentence I can say that I am happy where I am because this is where God wants me to be.
Before I was asked to serve in this position, I would have never thought of myself as a secretary for a bishop. This is not what I wanted. Yet this is what God wanted for me, and for that I am forever grateful. I am convinced that God’s ways and guidance in my life are much better than anything I would have chosen. God knows what is best for me and my salvation, whereas I tend to judge by my own poor experience and my personal desires.
I have been blessed to see how excited people get when Bishop Martin comes to their parish. The reactions vary. Our Hispanic parishioners tend to be more expressive, and most want to take a picture with the bishop. Our Vietnamese congregations love giving him flowers and food. The Anglo community is a bit more formal and takes the opportunity to present letters or personal gifts.
I have seen people cry when they hear Bishop Martin’s message of hope and witness the care he demonstrates. I saw that most prominently when we were traveling to areas impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. He jumped in to help deliver supplies and listen to and comfort those who had just lost everything. I also believe that the presence of the bishop inspires and challenges many to follow Christ in a more personal way.
In my journey with our bishop, one of the most-asked questions I get is: What is it like to work with him every day? It is certainly not my average day at a parish, school or campus ministry. Some days are long and tiring, others are much more relaxed, but there are never two days that are the same.
There is a certain trust that we both have to have in each other. In the beginning I was nervous and was trying to figure things out for each new activity that we attended. I believe that over time we have learned how to better communicate with each other and what the needs of each situation will be. Learning to read his gestures, facial expressions and body language makes me feel, at times, like a secret agent.
One of the best parts of my ministry has been getting to know my brother priests in a more personal way. The other is getting to know the diocese and its communities on a whole new level and from a deeper perspective – learning about the geography, the needs of parishioners, the complexity of communication and even the complaints. But the best of all is receiving the love and support of all people of good faith throughout our diocese.
I can’t help but feel like Barnabas or Silas must have felt accompanying St. Paul on his journeys to visit the early Christian communities. They were not the protagonist, but simply a spiritual, emotional and personal support to their beloved companion. I also like to think that, like St. Paul, I am learning to be content with all situations in life (Philippians 4:11-13).
There is still so much more to learn, but I feel confident that God will give me what it takes to continue my ministry in the best way possible.
Father Juan Miguel Sánchez is priest secretary to Bishop Michael Martin.