“The joyous man is the strong man—ready to sympathize: to appreciate: to help: a comfort and a light to others. Into a world where there is a surplus of sadness, of despondency and of despair, he brings something of the power and presence of God that in turn warm and cheer the hearts of men. Joy is the power and presence of God—the interior sense that we live in Him.”
Monsignor John J. Burke, C.S.P. (1875-1936)
NOTE: Born in New York City, John Joseph Burke attended St. Francis Xavier College (now Xavier High School) before joining the Paulist Fathers in 1896. His older brother Thomas would serve as Superior General of the community.) After his ordination in 1899, he served as editor of The Catholic World from 1904 to 1922. In 1917, he played a major part in organizing the National Catholic War Council, the forerunner of today’s Catholic Bishops Conference. He served as the NCWC’s General Secretary until his death in 1936. In 1936, he was named a Monsignor, the only Paulist to be so honored. Monsignor Burke had a great devotion to the Mystical Body of Christ, and he translated some works on this subject from French.