Brother Mike Herlihey is a religious on a mission to inspire others in the faith, and he loves to also share a little joy.
Recently the Capuchin friar was at a kids' party joining in with the celebrations. When he stepped up to help with the party favorite, the piñata, the blindfolded friar held the stick in his hand and carefully made his way to the target. To the delight of the children, and Brother Mike, he hit the target and (with a little persuasion) all the contents fell out.
The image of Brother Mike in his brown robes waving a stick in the air bore a striking resemblance to the legendary Star Wars character, Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, while the Jedi relied on the force, the friar leans on his faith -- and perhaps his piñata-whacking skills.
When I spoke to the friar, who is based in Washington, D.C., he hadn't made the Jedi connection, and shared that he only only watched the popular films once all the way through. But lots of the kids in the parish where he helps out constantly ask him questions about Star Wars, so he may need to brush up on his knowledge. Then he can apply a little Jedi style to his future moves to really impress!
Yet, what's truly great about the story is that without even realizing, Brother Mike is fulfilling his mission: showing others that a life of faith is also a life of joy. And candy can go a long way, too, of course.
