Category Archives: Bishop’s Column

Dreams, center of salvation history

Posted on by
Reply

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, an experience of pure magic coming down from the heavens, settling on trees, lawns and Christmas scenes but not on roadways or sidewalks. This could be a reality in Jackson on Christmas day, but it’s too early to tell. However, there is no uncertainty that Jesus Christ is born once again into our lives through faith at Christmas. It is the stuff that dreams are made of – the Word made Flesh, the light coming into the world filled with grace and truth as pure gift. (John 1:14)

Dreams are at the center of salvation history in the Bible, especially in the Infancy narratives. Mary’s encounter with the Angel was more like a daytime vision or dream that progressed from confusion to certainty and peace, by God’s grace. (Luke 1:28-38) For Joseph the nighttime dream became his pathway to discern the will of God regarding Mary and the child that was not his own, but rather the One belonging to the whole world. (Matt 1:18-24)

The scriptures say that Joseph is a righteous man (Matt 1:22) in right relationship with God and others, especially with Mary. We can readily accept that he possessed a rich inner life of prayer, a discerning spirit and a purity of heart; the first beatitude, all of which God formed in him through faith in order to accomplish His will through Mary and Joseph in the plan of salvation.

Building upon last Sunday’s Gospel from St. Matthew, the dreams continued when Joseph was alerted to escape from the murderous rage of King Herod, (Matt 2:13) and then, forewarned once again to return from Egypt to Nazareth (Matt 2:20) where the Holy Family could finally settle down, allowing Jesus to grow in wisdom, knowledge and grace until the time of his public ministry.

The promptings of the Holy Spirit in the minds and hearts of all of us, asleep or awake, can be as impactful because these inspirations come from the mind and heart of Jesus Christ and the bosom of the Most Holy Trinity. But no different than Mary and Joseph, we understand that that the gifts we need at Christmas and every day of the year are purity of heart, humility, obedience to God’s will, and an abiding awareness that we are God’s children now, already having received the first installment of the promise of eternal life. (Eph 1:14)

Over the Advent season we were exhorted to prepare the way of the Lord, through prayer and repentance, to cultivate a discerning spirit to value the things that really matter, and through acts of loving service, justice and peace to make this world a better place. Like Mary and Joseph, we are called to dream with God.

Rejoice, as we joyfully celebrate the Lord’s birth, because God so loved the world that he sent his only Son to save us, (John 3:16) to draw us out of darkness into his own marvelous light. (1Peter 2:9) This is a dream come true, white Christmas or not, and with all of the heavenly hosts, let our voices resound with, “Glory to God in the Highest,” (Luke 2:14) and with Mary, let us proclaim, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46)

Merry Christmas!

PEARL – On Dec. 18, parishioners at St. Jude gathered for Christmas dinner, along with a Christmas Nativity play and choir performance. (Photo by Tereza)

Alégrate, Estamos llamados a soñar con Dios

Posted on by
Reply

Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
Estoy soñando con una Navidad blanca, una experiencia de pura magia que desciende del cielo, posándose en los árboles, el césped y las escenas navideñas, pero no en las carreteras ni en las aceras. Esto podría ser una realidad en Jackson el día de Navidad, pero es demasiado pronto para saberlo. Sin embargo, no hay duda que Jesucristo nace de nuevo en nuestras vidas a través de la fe en Navidad. Es la materia de la que están hechos los sueños: la Palabra hecha Carne, la luz que viene al mundo llena de gracia y verdad como puro regalo.” Aquel que es la Palabra se hizo hombre y vivió entre nosotros. Y hemos visto su gloria, la gloria que recibió del Padre, por ser su Hijo único, abundante en amor y verdad. (Juan 1:14)

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Los sueños están en el centro de la historia de la salvación en la Biblia, especialmente en las narraciones de la Infancia. El encuentro de María con el Ángel fue más como una visión diurna o un sueño que progresó de la confusión a la certeza y la paz, por la gracia de Dios. (Lc 1,28-38) Para José, el sueño de la noche se convirtió en su camino para discernir la voluntad de Dios respecto a María y al niño que no era suyo, sino del mundo entero. (Mateo 1:18-24)

Las escrituras dicen que José es un hombre justo (Mateo 1:22) en la relación correcta con Dios y con los demás, especialmente con María. Podemos aceptar fácilmente que poseía una rica vida interior de oración, un espíritu de discernimiento y una pureza de corazón; la primera bienaventuranza, todo lo cual Dios formó en él por la fe, para cumplir su voluntad por medio de María y José en el plan de salvación.

Sobre la base del Evangelio del domingo pasado de San Mateo, los sueños continuaron cuando José fue alertado para escapar de la ira asesina del rey Herodes (Mateo 2:13) y luego, se le advirtió una vez más que regresara de Egipto a Nazaret (Mateo 2:20) donde la Sagrada Familia finalmente pudo establecerse, permitiendo que Jesús creciera en sabiduría, conocimiento y gracia hasta el momento de su ministerio público.

Los susurros del Espíritu Santo en la mente y el corazón de todos nosotros, dormidos o despiertos, pueden ser igualmente impactantes porque estas inspiraciones provienen de la mente y el corazón de Jesucristo y del seno de la Santísima Trinidad. Pero al igual que María y José, entendemos que los dones que necesitamos, en Navidad y todos los días del año, son la pureza de corazón, la humildad, la obediencia a la voluntad de Dios y una conciencia permanente de que somos hijos de Dios ahora, habiendo recibido ya la primera entrega de la promesa de la vida eterna. (Efesios 1:14)

Durante la temporada de Adviento se nos exhortó a preparar el camino del Señor, a través de la oración y el arrepentimiento, a cultivar un espíritu de discernimiento para valorar las cosas que realmente importan y, a través de actos de amoroso servicio, justicia y paz, para hacer de este mundo un mejor sitio. Como María y José, estamos llamados a soñar con Dios.

Alégrate, mientras celebramos con alegría el nacimiento del Señor, porque Dios amó tanto al mundo que envió a su Hijo único para salvarnos (Juan 3:16) para sacarnos de las tinieblas a su propia luz admirable. (1 Pedro 2:9)

Este es un sueño hecho realidad, seas blanca Navidad o no; y con todas las huestes celestiales, que nuestras voces resuenen con “Gloria a Dios en las alturas” (Lucas 2:14) y con María, proclamemos: “Mi alma alaba la grandeza del Señor; mi espíritu se alegra en Dios mi Salvador.”. (Lucas 1:46-47)

¡Feliz Navidad!
Merry Christmas!

Hymns of Advent, source of hope, inspiration

Posted on by
Reply

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

The season of Advent this year is perfectly balanced with four full weeks, and on this weekend we arrive at the half-way point celebrating Gaudete Sunday, an invitation to rejoice in the Lord.

St. Paul in his letter to the Philippians eloquently prepared the way of the Lord for that early Christian community, and for Christians in every age. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say: Rejoice! Let your kindness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything but present your needs to God in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. Then the peace of God which is beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

Joy and peace are part of the package of blessings from the Holy Spirit and are the fruits of our salvation in Jesus Christ which the Heavenly Hosts announced to all the world on the first Christmas night, and it has been our hope ever sense.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

Following the Lord throughout the year we know that we cannot separate his birth from his suffering, death and resurrection. Yet, even on the night before he died, he prayed that his disciples would know his peace, the power that the world cannot give. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled; be not afraid.” (John 14:27) Upon arising from the dead the first words to his disciples huddled in fear were, “peace be with you” before showing them his hands and his side. (John 20:19)

In the joy of birth and in the sorrow of suffering and death the Lord assures us that his peace can stand guard over our hearts. This is a precious gift for those who are grieving over serious loss during these holy days or holidays. One can easily get more depressed or sorrowful when confronted with the expectation that it is a time to be merry or happy, like in “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.” Even “Merry Christmas” can ring hollow if overcooked.

With Mary, our Blessed Mother, we are called to hold and be held by the Son of God and allow his peace to stand guard over our lives. We pray for one another that the peace of Christ which is beyond all understanding dispels the darkness of doubt and fear, grief and shame as the ultimate Christmas gift. May we be present to one another in a way that cuts through that which fades quickly to that place where the Lord dwells within us.

Whatever the circumstances of our lives, let us then continue to prepare the way for the Lord in ways that works for us. The hymns of Advent can be a source of hope and inspiration and in a particular way the church embraces the beloved hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” especially coming down the home stretch that carries the faithful to Christmas Eve.

This hymn contains the O Antiphons which represent the yearning of the people of Israel for the Messiah. The verses of the hymn are applied as the Gospel antiphons beginning on Dec. 17 and they can deepen in us a hunger for the Savior.

“O, come, O Wisdom from on high! O, come, O Lord of power and might! O, come, O Flower of Jesse’s stem! O, come, O Key of David! O, come O Radiant Dawn! O, come, O King of All the Nations! O come, O come, Emmanuel!” This hymn can easily be combined with the Advent wreath in our homes during the week before Christmas to prepare the way of the Lord.

At this point in time in Advent, the Blessed Mother points the way to come to her Son through faith. The feast of the Immaculate Conception and of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrate her love for the church and her singular role in God’s plan of salvation. The following is the prayer after Communion on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a fitting ending prayer for the column.

“Lord God, may the Body and Blood of your Son, which we receive in this sacrament, reconcile us always in your love; and may we who rejoice in Our Lady of Guadalupe live united and at peace in this world.”

MADISON – St. Francis parish hosted a special evening of worship and adoration for Advent with Catholic musician, John Finch and his band on Sunday, Dec. 4. (Photo by Melissa Smiley)

Bishop’s charter marks 20 years, church desires hope and healing

Posted on by
Reply

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
This year in the Catholic Church marks the 20th anniversary of the Dallas Charter, when the American Catholic Bishops through the charter document and its essential norms “promised to protect and pledged to heal,” committing the church to safe environments for our children, young people and their families.
Because of our sins and crimes, justly, as an organization, the church has been in the crucible, and the purification continues. Yet, the experience of the past twenty years has shown that an organization’s culture can be transformed when best practices are put in place and all in the organization are required to abide by them. In the church, this includes all the ordained, professed and baptized who work with children.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

Over the past twenty years new allegations and actual proven cases of abuse are far and few between. Even one case is one too many, but we have learned how to protect in our church programs and gatherings. Moreover, the pledge to heal comes from the heart of Jesus Christ because we are his body, far more than an organization, who hunger and thirst for healing and peace for all who have been so unjustly harmed by wolves in sheep’s clothing. This Gospel imperative must be at the center of all that the church does on the road back to the abundant life Jesus promised to all believers.

For all in the church and in the world who are steadfast in their love for children’s safety and flourishing, we can rejoice in the recent declaration of the United Nations.

On Nov. 10, 2022, the General Assembly declared Nov. 18 as the World Day for the Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence. The resolution, which was sponsored by Sierra Leone and Nigeria and co-sponsored by more than 120 countries, was adopted by consensus and a bang of the gavel by the assembly’s acting president, which was greeted with loud applause. Following the action, H.E., Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Permanent Observer of the Holy See United Nations, New York addressed the Assembly expressing appreciation for the UN’s action, and the full support of the Vatican State for the newly adopted World Day.

Over 50 individuals including leaders of prominent child welfare and advocacy organizations, and survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA), including several who experienced abuse by clergy, joined H.E. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, a survivor of child marriage, as she addressed the General Assembly urging action. “Child sexual abuse is a global public health crisis. We must acknowledge this problem, and take every necessary action to protect our children, especially our girls, from this tragic human condition.” Her eloquent, impassioned speech was greeted with a round of applause, and cheers from survivors in the gallery.

Mark Joseph Williams, an abuse survivor, speaks during a Nov. 15, 2022, session of the fall general assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

“Child sexual abuse is one of the greatest violations to human dignity, one can suffer,” said H.E. Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay. “The World Day for the Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence is a critical step in bringing institutional recognition to this horrific childhood trauma. Too many victims of child sexual abuse are suffering in shame and silence. Many live anguished lives. By adopting this Resolution, we can provide a platform for all nations and civil society to mobilize and take actions to protect children from this tragedy.”

“We promoted the World Day to increase awareness of the actions all governments can take to prevent abuse and bring healing to survivors,” said Dr. Jennifer Wortham, a researcher at Harvard who founded the Global Collaborative, the survivor led network that led the international advocacy campaign to launch the world day. Wortham’s brothers are clergy abuse survivors, and Wortham shared that they have struggled with the effects of their abuse for their entire lives. “The World Day will help my brothers and all survivors of child sexual violence to know that the world cares about them, that they matter, that what they experienced was unjust, and that healing is possible,” said Wortham.

Finally, the world has spoken, and this is a victory for us all,” said Mark Williams, clergy abuse survivor, and advisor to the Archdiocese of Newark. “This day has been extraordinary, I am filled with awe, and peace.” At the Bishop’s recent meeting in Baltimore, Williams addressed the assembled body along with Cardinal Joseph Tobin, his Archbishop of Newark, N.J. to encourage the bishops that the Lord can make a way where there is no way. Healing, hope, and a new dawn are God’s desire for all in the church, especially the victims of sexual abuse.

Williams and Cardinal Tobin’s witness and friendship from the center of the church, the United Nations declaration, and a growing world-wide commitment to human flourishing on behalf of children and young people make this Thanksgiving an extra special day of gratitude in our nation and in our world.

Crisol y Purificación Continua

Posted on by
Reply

Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

Este año en la Iglesia Católica se marca el vigésimo aniversario de la Carta de Dallas, cuando los obispos católicos estadounidenses a través de éste documento y sus normas esenciales “prometieron proteger y se comprometieron a sanar,” y a la vez comprometiendo a la iglesia a crear entornos seguros para nuestros niños, jóvenes y sus familias.

Debido a nuestros pecados y crímenes, justamente, como organización, la iglesia ha estado en el crisol y la purificación continúa.

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Sin embargo, la experiencia de los últimos veinte años ha demostrado que la cultura de una organización se puede transformar cuando se implementan las mejores prácticas y se requiere que todos en la organización las cumplan.
En la iglesia, esto incluye a todos los ordenados, profesos y bautizados que trabajan con niños.

En los últimos veinte años, las nuevas denuncias y los casos reales probados de abuso son muy pocos. Incluso un caso es demasiado, pero hemos aprendido a proteger a través de los programas y reuniones de nuestra iglesia.

El compromiso de sanar, además, viene del corazón de Jesucristo porque somos su cuerpo, mucho más que una organización, que tenemos hambre y sed de sanidad y paz para todos los que han sido tan injustamente dañados por lobos disfrazados de ovejas.

Este imperativo evangélico debe estar en el centro de todo lo que la iglesia hace en el camino de regreso a la vida abundante que Jesús prometió a todos los creyentes.

Para todos en la iglesia y en el mundo que son firmes en su amor por la seguridad y el florecimiento de los niños, podemos regocijarnos en la reciente declaración de las Naciones Unidas.

El 10 de noviembre de 2022, la Asamblea General declaró el 18 de noviembre como el Día Mundial para la Prevención y la Sanación de la Explotación, el Abuso y la Violencia Sexual Infantil.

La resolución, que fue patrocinada por Sierra Leona y Nigeria y copatrocinada por más de 120 países, fue adoptada por consenso y un golpe de martillo por parte del presidente interino de la asamblea, que fue recibido con fuertes aplausos.

Después de la acción, S.E., el Arzobispo Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Observador Permanente de la Santa Sede ante las Naciones Unidas, Nueva York, se dirigió a la Asamblea expresando su agradecimiento por la acción de la ONU y el pleno apoyo del Estado del Vaticano para el Día Mundial recientemente adoptado.
Más de 50 personas, incluidos líderes de destacadas organizaciones de defensa y bienestar infantil, y sobrevivientes de abuso sexual infantil (CSA), incluidos varios que sufrieron abuso por parte del clero, se unieron a S.E. Fatima Maada Bio, la primera dama de la República de Sierra Leona, sobreviviente del matrimonio infantil, mientras se dirigía a la Asamblea General instando a la acción.

“El abuso sexual infantil es una crisis mundial de salud pública. Debemos reconocer este problema y tomar todas las medidas necesarias para proteger a nuestros niños, especialmente a nuestras niñas, de esta trágica condición humana”. Su discurso elocuente y apasionado fue recibido con una ronda de aplausos y vítores de los sobrevivientes en la galería.

“El abuso sexual infantil es una de las mayores violaciones a la dignidad humana que uno puede sufrir”, dijo S.E. Embajador Alhaji Fanday Turay.

“El Día Mundial para la Prevención y la Sanación de la Explotación, el Abuso y la Violencia Sexual Infantil es un paso fundamental para lograr el reconocimiento institucional de este horrible trauma infantil.
Demasiadas víctimas de abuso sexual infantil sufren vergüenza y silencio. Muchos viven vidas angustiadas. Al adoptar esta Resolución, podemos proporcionar una plataforma para que todas las naciones y la sociedad civil se movilicen y tomen medidas para proteger a los niños de esta tragedia.”

“Promovimos el Día Mundial para aumentar la conciencia sobre las acciones que todos los gobiernos pueden tomar para prevenir el abuso y brindar curación a los sobrevivientes,” dijo la Dra. Jennifer Wortham, investigadora de Harvard que fundó Global Collaborative, la red dirigida por sobrevivientes que dirigió la campaña internacional de promoción para lanzar el día mundial.

Los hermanos de Wortham son sobrevivientes del abuso del clero y Wortham compartió que han luchado con los efectos de su abuso durante toda su vida. “El Día Mundial ayudará a mis hermanos y a todos los sobrevivientes de violencia sexual infantil a saber que el mundo se preocupa por ellos, que son importantes, que lo que experimentaron fue injusto y que la curación es posible,” dijo Wortham.

Finalmente, el mundo ha hablado, y esta es una victoria para todos nosotros”, dijo Mark Williams, sobreviviente de abusos del clero y asesor de la Arquidiócesis de Newark. “Este día ha sido extraordinario, estoy lleno de asombro y paz”.

En la reciente reunión del obispo en Baltimore, el Sr. Williams se dirigió al cuerpo reunido junto con el cardenal Joseph Tobin, su arzobispo de Newark, Nueva Jersey, para alentar a los obispos a que el Señor puede abrir camino donde no hay camino.

Sanidad, esperanza y un nuevo amanecer son los deseos de Dios para todos en la iglesia, especialmente para las víctimas de abuso sexual.

El testimonio y la amistad de Williams y el Cardenal Tobin desde el centro de la iglesia, la declaración de las Naciones Unidas y un creciente compromiso mundial con el florecimiento humano en nombre de los niños y jóvenes hacen de este Día de Acción de Gracias un día de gratitud extra especial en nuestra nación y en nuestro mundo.

Light of the World draws us out of darkness

Posted on by
Reply

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
“Beloved, we are God’s children now. What we shall later be has not yet been revealed. However, we do know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he really is. Everyone who has this hope in him keeps himself pure, just as he is pure.” (1John 3:2-3)

The Solemnity of All Saints and the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed at the beginning of November carry us to the threshold of eternal life which we announce at every Mass in the Nicene Creed on the Lord’s Day. “We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.”

Throughout this month each Gospel passage from St. Luke inspires us to see beyond this world to our destiny in heaven. Last Sunday the Sadducees who believed in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but did not believe in life after death, presented Jesus with a situation that was an attempt to trip him up.

Using the Mosaic Law that required a brother to marry his deceased brother’s widow if they did not have children, they cooked up a ridiculous scenario in which seven brothers married the woman. “Whose wife will she be at the resurrection since she married all seven,”(Luke 20:33) they asked the Lord, likely smirking, thinking they had checkmate.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

The Lord’s response was not only brilliant, but it was also an invitation to the Sadducees to enlarge their understanding of who God is and who we are as God’s children. “Those who are judged worthy of taking part in the age to come and the resurrection of the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage… They are like angels, and they are the children of God, because they are the children of the resurrection. That the dead are raised Moses himself showed in the account about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for in his sight all are alive.” (Luke 20:35-38)

On this weekend ahead, Jesus assures his disciples that in the midst of worldly upheavals and suffering, “by your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Luke 21:19)

On the Solemnity of Christ the King, the final Sunday of the church year, the promise of eternal life unfolds from the Cross when Jesus responds to the repentant thief. “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

In the Gospel of Luke these are the final words of Jesus earthly existence spoken to another person. All that remained was the earth-shattering event of the resurrection, fulfilling the Lord’s words spoken to Martha on the occasion of her brother Lazarus’ death. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” Martha, answered, “Yes Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 11:25-27)

NATCHEZ – The Basilica of St. Mary held the faith community’s traditional All Soul’s Day cemetery procession Sunday, Nov. 6 at the Natchez Cemetery. Father Robert Johnson, associate pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Alexandria, La., led the procession. The procession included the Rite for a Cemetery Procession and parishioners including mothers and fathers with young children recited the Sorrowful Mysteries as they slowly walked from Old Catholic Plot 1 to Catholic Hill in the back of the cemetery property. Father Johnson reminded all to continue to pray for those who have passed. “May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen,” he said concluding ceremonies. (Photo by Linda Reeves)

Do you believe this? How blessed is the person who can say yes to the Lord with Martha’s conviction. This is the first work that please God. (John 6:29)

During November we have a unique perspective to consider the promise of eternal life through Jesus words and actions. “Those who are judged worthy take part in the resurrection of the dead are his words.”

Was the unrepentant thief left behind, judged unworthy? We are God’s children now, but do we keep ourselves pure as God is pure?

Do our choices have sufficient gravitas as God’s children? Does our freedom to love, mirror the mind and mercy of the crucified Lord?

These are only a few questions that come to the fore prompted by God’s Word during this month of All Saints and All Souls. Even as the darkness deepens with each passing day, the Light of the World is always drawing us out of darkness into his own marvelous light.

Synod process flows into national Eucharistic Revival

Posted on by
Reply

This synod process can flow seamlessly into a Eucharistic Revival because the Mass is where and when the People of God assemble to proclaim and celebrate the ideal of our oneness as the Body of Christ.

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

Over the next three years in each (Arch)diocese in the United States there will be a Eucharistic Revival that will invite Catholics across our nation to deepen our love for the Lord Jesus in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood, the Eucharist, the Holy Mass, Sagrada Misa. A church in solidarity on national and international levels has borne good fruit in the Synod process over the past year. The Holy Spirit has led the Catholic faithful in prayer, dialogue and reflection that resulted in diocesan, regional and national syntheses, a lamp for our feet in very challenging times.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

This synod process can flow seamlessly into a Eucharistic Revival because the Mass is where and when the People of God assemble to proclaim and celebrate the ideal of our oneness as the Body of Christ. We are now in the diocesan phase of the process which begins this weekend at St. Joseph in Gluckstadt with a Eucharistic Congress.

These congresses are held periodically in order to revive our love for the Eucharist, this extraordinary and ordinary way of encountering the crucified and risen Lord. This Congress is a very apt way to formally introduce the diocesan phase of the revival. Recognizing the limitations with distance, yet all are invited to participate for part of the Congress, for most of it, or all of it.

We will gather for several hours on Friday evening, and then again on Saturday morning, culminating with Mass at 11:30 a.m. We encourages parishes to mark this occasion in their own churches to be in solidarity with the diocese. On Friday evening and Saturday morning at the Congress there will be ample time for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, personal prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation evening and morning presentations on the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours and Benediction. Father Anji Gibson of the Archdiocese of New Orleans will the presenter and homilist. At the core, this time together as well as apart from our normal routines allows the grace of God to stir into flame the gift we received through faith at our baptism. With the image of the flowing waters of Baptism, Jesus’ profound words from his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in the Gospel of St. John (4:1-30) can be applied to help us hear his deep desire for our love in return. “If you recognized the gift of God and who it is that is asking you for something to drink…! (v.10)

Father Ajani Gibson of the Archdiocese of New Orleans places the monstrance on the altar. He is the featured speaker at the Diocese Eucharistic Revival on Oct. 28-29 at St. Joseph Gluckstadt. (Photo courtesy of Father Ajani Gibson)

Earlier this year on June 29, the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter Desiderio desideravi. The timing is exquisite from the center of the universal church as a guide for the Eucharistic Revival in our nation. At the outset of the letter Pope Francis explained that his purpose is “to invite and help the whole church to rediscover, to safeguard, and to live the truth and power of the Christian celebration” (of the Eucharist). The Latin phrase Desiderio desideravi recalls the words of Jesus at the beginning of the Last Supper in Luke’s Gospel: “I have eagerly desired to celebrate this Passover with you before I suffer.” (Luke 22:14)

Pope Francis applies profound pastoral and theological meaning to these words at such a critical time in Jesus’ earthly life. “Every time we go to Mass, the first reason is that we are drawn there by his desire for us,” and every reception of communion of the Body and Blood of Christ was already desired by him in the Last Supper.” (6)

The Eucharist is a gift and mystery; and Jesus Christ is present and alive in that sacred space where we encounter the crucified and risen Lord in his Word, his Body and Blood, in his Body the church assembled, in his Mystical Body, and with his resurrected Body in heaven, our destiny. In other words, there is a lot going on, and we pray that the Holy Spirit will open the eyes of our hearts and minds to “recognize the gift,” and to be the gift to sanctify the world, and to be the Lord’s presence in a world that crises out for his saving and reconciling love.

Proceso del Sínodo fluye a un Renacimiento Eucarístico Nacional

Posted on by
Reply

Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

Durante los próximos tres años en cada Arquidiócesis de los Estados Unidos, habrá un Renacimiento Eucarístico que invitará a los católicos de toda nuestra nación a profundizar nuestro amor por el Señor Jesús en el Sacramento de su Cuerpo y Sangre, la Eucaristía, la Santa Misa, Sagrada Misa.

Una iglesia solidaria a nivel nacional e internacional ha dado buenos frutos en el proceso del Sínodo durante el año pasado. El Espíritu Santo ha conducido a los fieles católicos en la oración, el diálogo y la reflexión que dieron como resultado síntesis diocesanas, regionales y nacionales, una lámpara para nuestros pies en tiempos muy difíciles.

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Este proceso del Sínodo puede fluir sin problemas hacia un Renacimiento Eucarístico porque la Misa es el lugar y el momento en que el Pueblo de Dios se reúne para proclamar y celebrar el ideal de nuestra unidad como Cuerpo de Cristo.

Ahora estamos en la fase diocesana del proceso que comienza este fin de semana en St. Joseph en Gluckstadt con un Congreso Eucarístico.

Estos congresos se realizan periódicamente para reavivar nuestro amor por la Eucaristía, esta forma extraordinaria y ordinaria de encontrar al Señor crucificado y resucitado. Este Congreso es una forma muy adecuada de presentar formalmente la fase diocesana del avivamiento.

Reconociendo las limitaciones de la distancia, todos están invitados a participar en parte del Congreso, en la mayor parte o en su totalidad.

Nos reuniremos durante varias horas el viernes por la noche y luego nuevamente el sábado por la mañana, culminando con la Misa a las 11:30. Alentamos a las parroquias a marcar esta ocasión en sus propias iglesias para ser solidarios con la diócesis.

El viernes por la noche y el sábado por la mañana en el Congreso, habrá tiempo suficiente para la adoración del Santísimo Sacramento, la oración personal, la noche del Sacramento de la Reconciliación y presentaciones matutinas sobre la Eucaristía, la Liturgia de las Horas y la Bendición. El padre Anji Gibson de la Arquidiócesis de Nueva Orleans será el presentador y homilista.

En esencia, este tiempo juntos, así como separados de nuestras rutinas normales, permite que la gracia de Dios encienda la llama del don que recibimos por medio de la fe en nuestro bautismo.

Con la imagen de las aguas que fluyen del Bautismo, las profundas palabras de Jesús de su encuentro con la mujer samaritana en el pozo en el Evangelio de San Juan (4:1-30) pueden aplicarse para ayudarnos al escuchar su profundo deseo por nuestro amor a cambio. “¡Si supieras lo que Dios da y quién es el que te está pidiendo agua…! (v.10)

El tiempo es exquisito desde el centro de la iglesia universal como guía para el Avivamiento Eucarístico en nuestra nación. A principios de este año, el 29 de junio, en la solemnidad de los Santos Pedro y Pablo, el Papa Francisco emitió una Carta Apostólica, Desiderio desideravi. Al comienzo de la misiva, el Papa Francisco explicó que su propósito es “invitar y ayudar a toda la Iglesia a redescubrir, salvaguardar y vivir la verdad y el poder de la celebración cristiana” de la Eucaristía.

La frase en latín Desiderio desideravi recuerda las palabras de Jesús al comienzo de la Última Cena en el Evangelio de Lucas: “¡Cuánto he querido celebrar con ustedes esta cena de Pascua antes de mi muerte!”. (Lucas 22:14) El Papa Francisco aplica un profundo significado pastoral y teológico a estas palabras en un momento tan crítico en la vida terrena de Jesús. “Cada vez que vamos a Misa, la primera razón es que nos atrae su deseo por nosotros,” y toda recepción de la comunión del Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo ya fue deseada por Él en la Última Cena. (6)

La Eucaristía es don y misterio y Jesucristo se hace presente y vivo en ese espacio sagrado donde encontramos al Señor crucificado y resucitado en su Palabra, su Cuerpo y Sangre, en su Cuerpo la Iglesia reunida, en su Cuerpo Místico, y con su Cuerpo resucitado en el cielo, nuestro destino.

En otras palabras, están sucediendo muchas cosas y oramos para que el Espíritu Santo abra los ojos de nuestros corazones y mentes para “reconocer el don,” ser el don para santificar el mundo y ser la presencia del Señor en un mundo que entra en crisis por su amor salvador y reconciliador.

La voz de la hermana Thea resuena para las generaciones venideras

Posted on by
Reply

Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
A principios de este mes, el 2 de octubre, se estrenó el documental “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood” para la edificación pública y la inspiración tanto en la iglesia como más allá para todos los cristianos y personas de buena voluntad que anhelan algo mejor, para todos los hijos de Dios. Es una presentación dinámica de casi una hora de duración de la vida de la Hermana Thea Bowman FSPA, los tiempos en los que vivió, su impacto durante su vida y ahora más que nunca su testimonio en el presente y en el futuro profundo.

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Es un momento de gran alegría para la Diócesis de Jackson, mientras celebramos la vida de esta religiosa cuya historia es un viaje de fe extraordinario. La hermana Thea es oficialmente una Sierva de Dios, la primera etapa para aquellos que son bendecidos para estar en el camino de la canonización en la Iglesia Católica. Esta es una subida empinada que sigue el camino angosto que la iglesia ha establecido para aquellos apartados como discípulos fieles que fueron extraordinarios en su caminar con el Señor durante su tiempo en esta tierra.

El Papa Francisco llama a esa constante abundancia de gracia en la vida de una persona o comunidad “momentos de desbordamiento” cuando la presencia de la providencia de Dios es palpable y el camino por delante se abre con caminos nuevos e inesperados. La oración de apertura en la Misa del pasado fin de semana expresa este deseo para todas nuestras vidas. “Señor Dios, abre nuestros corazones a tu gracia. Que vaya delante de nosotros y esté con nosotros para que siempre estemos atentos a hacer tu voluntad.”

La Hermana Thea tuvo muchos “momentos de desbordamiento” en su vida de 50 años y que ciertamente incluyen su ingreso a la Iglesia Católica a los nueve años, su decisión de formarse como Hermana Franciscana de la Adoración Perpetua en su adolescencia y su perseverancia en su batalla contra la tuberculosis, en formación temprana, pero eso no debilitó su determinación en la búsqueda de su vocación religiosa. Ella, temprano en la vida, “había hecho sus votos al Señor” y su “sí” la empoderó para celebrar y soportar todo lo que se cruzó en su camino, hasta que Dios la llamó a casa tal como una estrella fugaz. El documental celebra la abundancia de la gracia de Dios a lo largo de su vida.

Su voz resonará en las generaciones venideras de muchas y variadas formas. Era una erudita y educadora que exigía la excelencia de sus alumnos, jóvenes y mayores.Era una mujer carismática de alabanza que guiaba a las congregaciones a cantar su alegría al Señor. Tenía un amor profundo por la verdad y su voz profética ha sido escuchada y cobrará aún más fuerza con el tiempo. Amaba a la iglesia y su universalidad y nos desafiaba a ser genuinamente uno: santo, católico y apostólico.

La hermana Thea amaba de todo corazón a su pueblo y su cultura, pero no en contra de la universalidad y diversidad de la Iglesia Católica en nuestro país y el mundo. Ella defendió la dignidad de todos los hijos de Dios porque todos somos parte de la familia de Dios. Ella habría cantado, a pleno pulmón y sin piedad, el Salmo Responsorial del domingo pasado: “El Señor ha revelado a las naciones su poder salvador.”
En los próximos meses, desarrollaremos una guía de estudio para “Regresar a casa como una estrella fugaz” que arrojará más luz sobre la bendecida vida de la hermana Thea. Seguramente el Espíritu Santo abrirá nuestro corazón y nuestra mente a través de la oración, la conversación y la reflexión para seguir, más fielmente al Señor, nuestra llamada universal en el camino de la santidad. En su lápida está su lema: “Lo intenté.”

Que la Hermana Thea, Sierva de Dios, nos inspire, en la singularidad de nuestras vidas y nuestros tiempos, a intentar vivir de la abundante gracia de Dios.

Sister Thea’s voice resounds for generations to come

Posted on by
Reply

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

Earlier this month on Oct. 2, the documentary film “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood” was released for public edification and inspiration both in the church and beyond to all Christians and people of goodwill who long for something better for all of God’s children. It is a dynamic nearly hour-long presentation of the life of Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA – the times in which she lived, her impact during her lifetime, and now more than ever her witness in the present and deep into the future.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz

It’s a time of great joy for the Diocese of Jackson as we celebrate the life of this religious woman whose story is a remarkable journey of faith. Sister Thea is officially a Servant of God, the first stage for those who are blessed to be on the path to canonization in the Catholic Church. This is a steep climb that follows the narrow road that the church has established for those set apart as faithful disciples who were extraordinary in their walk with the Lord during their time on this earth.

Pope Francis calls such a steady abundance of grace in the life of a person or a community “overflow moments” when the presence of God’s providence is palpable, and the path ahead opens up with new and unexpected ways. The opening prayer at Mass this past weekend expresses this desire for all of our lives. “Lord God, open our hearts to your grace. Let it go before us and be with us that we may always be intent on doing your will.”

Sister Thea had many “overflow moments” in her life of 50 years and certainly would include her entrance into the Catholic Church at age nine, her decision to enter into formation as a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration in her mid-teens, and her perseverance in her battle with tuberculosis early in formation that did not weaken her resolve in pursuit of her religious vocation. She “had made her vows to the Lord” early in life and her “yes” empowered her to celebrate and endure all that crossed her path until God called her home like a shooting star. The documentary celebrates an abundance of God’s grace across her lifespan.

Her voice will resound for generations to come in many and varied ways. She was a scholar and educator who demanded excellence from her students, young and older. She was a charismatic woman of praise who led congregations to sing out their joy to the Lord. She had a deep love for the truth and her prophetic voice has been heard and will gather more strength over time. She loved the church and its universality and she challenged us to be genuinely one, holy, catholic and apostolic.

She wholeheartedly loved her people and culture, but not over and against the universality and diversity of the Catholic Church in our country and in the world. She upheld the dignity of all of God’s children because we are all part of the family of God. She would have sung out full throated and unsparingly last Sunday’s Responsorial Psalm, “the Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.”

In the months ahead we will develop a study guide for “Going Home Like a Shooting Star” that will shed more light on Sister Thea’s blessed life. The Holy Spirit surely will open our hearts and minds through prayer, conversation and reflection to follow the Lord more faithfully on the path to holiness, our universal call. On her gravestone is her motto: “I tried.”

May Sister Thea, Servant of God inspire us to try in the uniqueness of our lives and times to live by God’s abundant grace.

JACKSON – Servant of God, Sister Thea Bowman is the subject of a new documentary “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood.” Pictured, Sister Thea Bowman emphasizes participation to music conference attendees, including the choir of Holy Child Jesus Elementary School, at Murrah High School in November of 1986. (Photo form archives)