The Bishop's Perspective: Advent 2023

During these past months since my ordination and installation as your bishop on July 25, I have enjoyed numerous opportunities to meet many of you in our parishes, schools and in the community. I have met youth and young adults at their gatherings and have confirmed many young people at the cathedral. I have visited the different religious communities of sisters in their convents and religious houses and spent time with the Knights of Columbus. I have had the chance to celebrate Mass at some of our Catholic schools, with the Knights of Columbus, and with the graduates of the Instituto San Agustin (ISAK). And I have participated with the broader Christian community at ecumenical events.

Throughout all of this, I have been inspired by your witness to the Gospel and to Christ. While our challenges may seem numerous, I am confident that, with the help of God’s grace, we will grow stronger together in our mission to spread the Good News.

While one of my roles as a bishop is to get to know the people entrusted to my care, another privileged responsibility I have is to pray for each and every one of you. In fact, the duty of a pastor (“pastor” is the Latin word for “shepherd”) to offer Mass for his people arises out of the very nature of his office and the duty of the shepherd to pray for the flock. In a tradition dating back as far as the second and third century, and still required today, the diocesan bishop, and indeed, all pastors, offer Mass each Sunday and holy day of obligation for the people (in Latin, pro populo) entrusted to them. You can be assured that as I celebrate Midnight Mass, I will happily be offering that Christmas pro populo Mass for you and those who are dear to you.

May the Lord bless you and your family in this joyous season of Advent and f ill your Christmas season with grace. May the splendor of the newborn Christ Child fill your home with his light.