Bishop's Message: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI; January

Last week the world received the news of the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Not only was I blessed to be in Rome leading a pilgrimage of 90 faithful from the Diocese of Austin when we heard the news, but also that blessing was made more personal when I was able to join in the funeral liturgy for the holy father who appointed me as the fifth Bishop of Austin. Throughout our diocese, many parishes and communities, including St. Mary Cathedral, and even those from other communities of faith, expressed condolences through the celebration of memorial Masses and prayerful devotion. May God reward Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI for his faithful service to the church as priest, bishop and pope.
 

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This Sunday the Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany. The magi follow the star that leads them to Jesus, the newborn King, and they lay their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh at his feet. These gifts symbolize his divinity (gold), worship (frankincense), passion and death (myrrh). The magi were not Jewish and as such, in arriving to adore the Lord, they represent the truth that Christ has come for the entire world’s salvation.  This encounter between the Lord and the Magi teaches us that as people of hope, we rest in the assurance that if we endeavor to seek out God, as did the Magi, God will never tire of seeking us out.  
 
January is also filled with a number of celebrations founded on the Gospel of Life. We celebrate our Catholic schools that strive to form young people in wisdom and holiness at the annual Saints and Scholars Gala on Jan. 14. 

Also on Jan. 14, we celebrate the diversity of our diocese as we welcome Most Reverend Joseph N. Perry, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, who will keynote the annual Commemoration of the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

We join the state of Texas in marking a Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking (Jan. 9-15) during which we will pray for the end of this sin against the human person and also raise awareness in our own communities so that the most vulnerable among us will know the protection of the whole society.  
 
On Jan. 28, we celebrate the sacredness of human life at the annual Pro-life Day and Rally, coming together to pray for the protection of the unborn. This year we will celebrate three Masses in preparation for the Pro-Life Rally at the Capital.  I will celebrate a bilingual Mass at San José Parish in Austin; Bishop Mike Sis of San Angelo will celebrate Mass at St. Louis Parish in Austin, and Father James Misko, vicar general, will celebrate Mass at the University Catholic Center at the University of Texas. These liturgies will begin at 10 a.m. After the Masses, we will join together for the march and rally to celebrate life at the State Capitol. Throughout this day we also hold close through our thoughts and prayers those whose lives are forever impacted by the pain of abortion, praying that God will fill them with hope and confidence with his fatherly love.
 
May God bless each of you in 2023 and let us continue to walk as people of faith, ever entrusting our journey to the watchful care of our Blessed Mother, Mary.