One the most treasured moments of my ministry as a bishop is to preside over ordinations to the priesthood. Tomorrow is one such day, when by the laying on of my hands and the prayer of priestly consecration, this local Church will welcome into the priesthood of Jesus Christ three men who heard the call of the Holy Spirit and said yes to a life of grace.  

Os animo a que invitéis a vuestros familiares, amigos y vecinos a que se unan a vosotros el 18 de junio para que, juntos, como un solo Cuerpo de Cristo, podamos iniciar este viaje de renovación eucarística, reflexión y rededicación a su cuerpo más precioso. 

I urge you to invite your family, friends, neighbors to join you on June 18th so that, together as one Body of Christ, we may begin this journey of Eucharistic renewal, reflection and rededication to his most precious body. 

Estas últimas semanas han abierto una herida dolorosa en nuestra nación relacionada a la violencia y el uso de armas de fuego en las escuelas, lugares de trabajo, centros comerciales e incluso casas de culto.

The past several weeks have opened a painful wound in our nation related to violence and the use of guns in schools, places of work, shopping centers, and even houses of worship.

Este domingo celebramos la solemnidad de Pentecostés, que marca la venida del Espíritu Santo sobre los apóstoles y el don del poder del Espíritu para salir a proclamar el Evangelio con valentía.  También nosotros recibimos el mismo Espíritu en Pentecostés para convertirnos en portadores del Evangelio en un mundo necesitado de esperanza y unidad.  

This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the Spirit’s gift of power to go forth to boldly proclaim the Gospel. We too are gifted with the same Spirit at Pentecost to become bearers of the Gospel in a world in need of hope and unity.

Many Catholics today struggle to believe the Eucharist is more than a symbol, that Christ is truly present, according to a Pew Research study.

Eucharistic Revival – Going forth, taking Christ into our communities

Nuestros corazones sienten un profundo pesar al ver los rostros y al aprender acerca de las vidas de nuestros hermanos y hermanas de Uvalde quienes murieron a causa de otro acto de violencia sin sentido. En momentos como éste, nuestra fe nos mueve a orar por y con los demás.

Our hearts are heavy as we see the faces and learn about the lives of our brothers and sisters in Uvalde who died by another senseless act of violence.  In moments such as these, our faith moves us to pray for and with one another.

Le pido al pueblo de la Diócesis de Austin que se unan a mí en oración mientras lamentamos la pérdida de vidas en el tiroteo escolar de hoy en Uvalde, Texas. Estoy profundamente entristecido por este trágico evento que cobró la vida de tantos niños inocentes y su maestro. Mis oraciones están con todas las víctimas, sus familias, amigos y toda la comunidad de Uvalde.

I ask the people of the Diocese of Austin to join me in prayer as we mourn the loss of life in today’s school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. I am deeply saddened by this tragic event that took the lives of so many innocent children and their teacher.  My prayers go out to all the victims, their families, friends, and the entire Uvalde community.

En nuestras propias comunidades – nuestra familia entre las familias, invitamos a otros a caminar con nosotros y a llevar a cabo la obra de Dios en el mundo.

In our own communities – our family among families, we invite others to journey with us and to accomplish the work of God in the world.

I urge the Christian faithful throughout Central Texas not only to pray for the conversion of all people to preserve the inherent dignity and value of every human life, but also to speak out against the deleterious effects of racism, violence, hatred, and oppression.  May we hold fast to our faith in Jesus Christ who broke down the dividing wall of hostility and division between us (Ephesians 2:14). 

Mientras viajo a través de toda la diócesis confiriendo el sacramento de la Confirmación y celebrando Misas de Bachillerato y graduaciones, me llena de alegría el ser testigo del crecimiento en sabiduría y santidad de nuestra gente. Este mes celebraré cuatro Misas de Bachillerato y 16 liturgias de Confirmación. Este es un tiempo de gran esperanza y acción de gracias sabiendo que estos importantes acontecimientos son regalos de Dios.

As I travel throughout the diocese conferring the sacrament of Confirmation and celebrating Baccalaureate Masses and graduations, I am filled with joy witnessing the growth in wisdom and holiness of our people. This month I will celebrate four Baccalaureate Masses and 16 confirmation liturgies! This is a time of great hope and thanksgiving knowing that these important milestones are gifts from God.

This Sunday we also remember our mothers, the women who, by God’s grace, have given each of us life.  We also hold in prayer and gratitude the women who chose to foster, adopt, and care for many of us. On this Mother’s Day, as we await the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion, we lift our intercessions for mothers to our Most Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, who chose to say yes.