Many of you in the parish know of me. I am Fr. Joseph Nisari, a retired priest in the Diocese of Austin. I was born in India in 1942 and grew up in Pakistan. I was ordained in January 1968, came to the U.S. that year, and to Austin in 1998. I am the director of Missionaries of Hope. Our mission is to administer to the educational and health needs of the Christian children in Pakistan. Historically, Christians in Pakistan are those who have been converted from Hinduism and are typically from the low caste (Untouchables). They are considered the lowest of the low and because of the circumstances they are usually illiterate and uneducated, marked by poverty and slavery. 

During my ministry in Pakistan, the Christians of my different parishes often asked me, are there Christians in other parts of the world who are free and doing better? Will they help us? I used to console them and give them hope that one day our brothers and sisters would hear our cry and respond. I believe now is the time, and this weekend I am reaching out to you on their behalf. With your prayers and financial help, we truly hold their hope and their future in our hands. This weekend we will have a second collection in support of Missionaries of Hope. Donations can also be made by check and mailed to 1313 Live Oak Dr., Belton, TX 76513. You can learn more about our mission HERE.

May God bless you and yours abundantly. In His name – He who is our ultimate treasure – I remain your fellow missionary.

Rev. Joseph Nisari