By Anna Capizzi Galvez—Washington How can Catholics and Christians approach Lent this year in a fresh way? Two authors provided their insights on how to make Lent meaningful in 2022 —especially since this is the third Lent the Church will observe during the COVID-19...
Come, And You Will See
The Fruits of My Retreat, Part I
Prince of Peace Abbey, Oceanside, CA From Jan. 4-11, 2022, the Bishops of Episcopal Region IX, that is the Bishops of Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri gathered at Prince of Peace Abbey, in California, for our annual retreat. Our retreat director was The Most Rev....
Life & Beauty, The Earth & The Poor
The winter edition of Abbey Banner, published by St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN, contains an edited article from the “Joint Message for the Protection of Creation,” issued by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Pope Francis, and the Archbishop of Canterbury...
Summits Officially Launch the Work of Encounter & Mission in the Diocese
We recently did something quite beautiful. As I said in the announcement for the recent Evangelization & Discipleship Summits, held Oct. 9 & 10 in Springfield and Cape Girardeau respectively, “We are at a critical moment in the Church of Southern...
Critical Moment in the Church in Southern Missouri
Once again, I am able to thank all of you for your generosity – this time for the annual Pontifical Good Friday Collection to assist Christians in the Middle East. This year the collection totaled $40,042.95. The funds collected provide for schools, housing,...
Empty Yourself of Everything But Jesus
In Seasons of Mercy, the reflections of Catherine Doherty for Lent and Easter, the reader is given an insight into her approach to Lent: “Preparation for Lent begins with desire.” She then offers the famous quote from St. Augustine, “Our hearts were made for Thyself,...
Bishop Summarizes Ad Limina Meetings with Roman Curia
In addition to meeting with our Holy Father, my recent ad limina visit to the Holy See included meeting with the heads of various offices of the Roman Curia, who shared their priorities and offered me an opportunity to report on what is happening in the Diocese of...
The Greeting of Easter People is ‘Peace’
As we approach the celebration of Holy Week and Easter, I am mindful of the life springing forth around us. The trees, the emerging flowers, and the beauty of the Ozark mountains—it all proclaims “new life.” Of course, our new life is found in Jesus, who has conquered...
‘Come, and You Will See’
I received a letter in June from the Provincial Prioress of the Ursuline Nuns informing me that the three Ursuline Sisters who currently reside and minister in Cape Girardeau will be leaving the Diocese of Springfield-Cape-Girardeau at the end of the summer. We’re...
Overwhelming Gratitude
“If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” Dear Friends, This little verse is a beautiful way to summarize the emotions of my heart. A special “thank you” to Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, for his confidence in appointing...