Bishop's Message: General Assembly and Veterans Day

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A year ago, the Catholic bishops of the United States gathered for its annual General Assembly in Baltimore. A topic discussed at the assembly was the results of a 2019 Pew Research Study that found only 30% of Catholics believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Though there was an overwhelming sense of sadness at this news, this important data became the catalyst for a movement toward reawakening our encounter with the living God -- the National Eucharistic Revival. My brother bishops and I decided that a three-year period of healing, theological reflection, and evangelization was needed to awaken American Catholics to a greater love and devotion of the Eucharist. In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ and through the reception of Holy Communion, we become Christ’s presence in the world as his Mystical Body.  

The revival began in the Diocese of Austin this past June on the feast of Corpus Christi with a Eucharistic procession in Austin that concluded with Adoration and Benediction. Encounters with Christ continue throughout our diocese as parishes engage in Eucharistic Adoration, Holy Hours, youth-led Eucharistic devotions and so much more. I am grateful to God for this time in our local church to cultivate a greater relationship with Christ and each other.  

I look forward to meeting with my brother bishops next week at our General Assembly. While there is business to which we must attend, it will also be a fraternal time of prayer and adoration with daily Holy Hours.  I ask that you keep us in your prayers.
   

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As we honor our veterans today, let us take a moment to pray for and thank these men and women whose selfless service and dedication to our country protect the freedoms that we often take for granted. May the Mother of God protect our veterans and those who are currently serving so that they may return safely home.