Hidden Heroes

What Is A Hidden Hero?

by Bishop William R. Houck
President Emeritus, Catholic Extension

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Hidden Heroes are missionaries who are ministering in out of the way places, normally not noticed by many people, but doing masterful, Herculean tasks as part of their regular daily routine. They are not generally in the spotlight.

We honor them, and try to lift them up for inspiration to our Catholic people and to recognize in some small way the unique and unusual work they are doing. It is a means of thanking them for their commitment to Jesus Christ.

We want to tell our Catholics of their commitment, willingness to serve under difficult situations and condition. Their personal sacrifices inspire me to want to do the best I can with my own responsibilities.

Many years ago I met one priest living in a small sacristy in the back of a mission chapel. His living quarters were perhaps 8 x 10 feet. The small bathroom he used was used by the parishioners also.

I have visited some who live in run-down housing because they work among the poor and they believe that it’s important to live like the people they serve, who are poor and live with meager housing and circumstances.

There are those who take care of two, three, and four missions on a weekend and travel hundreds of miles. They are very tired when they get home Sunday night.

Catholics who live in large urban areas are used to having a priest available when they need him. Parishioners in mission areas know that missionaries make great sacrifices - they may seem a priest only once or twice a month and they appreciate those times.

Hidden Heroes can be anyone doing very generous work for Christ and the people they serve. They help be inspired about the value of our faith. They motivate us to share our Faith with others and to share our resources to continue that work. We love them for what they do and do our best to imitate their sacrifices. We pray for them, that God will give them strength, good health and continued determination to do what they do.