Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

April 22, 2026

The book Eymard Day by Day^[1] says, “First nourish myself on Sacred Scripture and the Eucharist, and then feed others.” We eat from this bread of life, receive eternal nourishment and life, and do what we can to build up the church and our world.

Today, on Administrative Professionals’ Day and Earth Day, we honor and express gratitude to those who serve in executive roles. We remember our environment and this vital ministry of care.

Serving the earth should always be a labor of love. As we know from Pope Francis’ two environmental encyclicals,^[2] Eucharistic justice and administrative service call us to care for our planet and to ensure that all have the fullness of life to eternity. It is truly when we do works of service, stemming from our reception of Holy Communion, that we move into the liturgy of the world. Psalm 66 rings true when we, noble stewards of our planet and all creation, sing this song: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

We have plenty of work to do. We each have a responsibility not to allow the persecution of the earth and the persecution of those working for the Word of God to be tortured.^[3] We all have a responsibility in raising awareness of the earth’s needs, communion with the land, and the joys and praise of God. May these reminders this Easter Time help us serve much better and leave the planet in a better place.

What will I do today to care for our common home? How may I appreciate my co-workers?

Prayer:

O God, who calls us to care for the earth and make it well, help me to serve our planet and be mindful of all who care for it. May those who serve in executive service and leadership give true joy in their service and know of our gratitude for their care. Through the example of your Son Jesus Christ, may we wash the feet of others as a sign of Eucharistic hospitality and grow in the knowledge of all needs, for our fellow workers and the planet, with love. Through Christ our Lord.

1. Blessed Sacrament Father Erasto Fernandez compiled A Year with Fr. Eymard: Day by Day, Chennai: R. R. Graphics, 2009, April 22. ↑
2. Refer to Laudate si” (2015) and Laudate Deum (2023) ↑
3. See today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles 8:1b-8 ↑