Our pastor recently announced that he’ll be leaving our parish after serving here for 10 years. Needless to say, he has had a profoundly positive impact on all of us, and he will be dearly missed.
During his homily last Sunday, announcing that he’ll be returning home to Spain in a few short months, I kept hearing the words, Gentle Shepherd, in my mind.
I realized these words were describing the amazing and loving man who was speaking to his flock about trusting God and the path He has for each of us.
Inspired by Father Sergio’s loving service to our parish and his homily last Sunday, this poem is dedicated to the Gentle Shepherds God brings to each of us as we make our way along His path:
The Gentle Shepherd
Graced with the compassionate love of God,
Through valleys of darkness, and deserts of despair,
He humbly guides his flock.
He is the Gentle Shepherd.
With fidelity to God and His Church,
Our shepherd shares with us the Word of God,
Unwrapping its sacred mysteries for all to hear.
He is the Gentle Shepherd.
Strengthened by our loving God,
He brings great tidings of joy and mercy,
Of God’s forgiveness and redemption.
He is the Gentle Shepherd.
He trusts and serves the Lord,
His purposes and His desires,
By loving and protecting each of his flock.
He is the Gentle Shepherd.
May the Lord’s blessings always shine down upon our Gentle Shepherd.
-Bob Dailey, 2022
Encouragement is Personal 
Bob, your poem was a beautiful tribute to/of Fr. Sergio’s time at your Parish. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Bob, I haven’t seen one of these come through in quite some time. What a great way to re-enter the arena. I always thought Fr. Sergio was a very gentle man. His love for God is amazing. It’s catching to. Just the way he puts SO much passion into the ceremony is incredible. He will definitely be missed in the community. We need more Fr. Sergios in the Catholic Church.
This was written in February and I am just reading it now– so glad I didn’t miss it entirely! Lovely poem and tribute to God’s gentle shepherd. Now, you’ve given us, your readers, something to think about, Bob! Thank yoU! J.M.
So glad you enjoyed the poem!