From the Archbishop

Today we celebrate the 203rd anniversary of the establishment of our archdiocese (then diocese) by Pope Pius VII. For over two centuries, Catholics in these 19 counties of western and southwestern Ohio have celebrated and shared in our Lord’s presence and mission as members of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church.

“Do this in memory of me.” Jesus first spoke these words to His disciples as they gathered with Him in the Upper Room to eat the Passover meal on the eve of His Passion. He continues to speak these words to us at every Mass, at the end of the consecration of the bread and wine into His Body and Blood.

Many families annually prepare a special May Altar in their homes to honor the Blessed Mother. This space, set aside with an image or statue of Mary and decorated with flowers and candles, is just one example of the various ways in which Catholics show their devotion to the Mother of God during the month of May.

Jesus was not afraid to be controversial. Declaring sins forgiven, speaking of His relationship with God the Father, and teaching the necessity to love our enemies all created a stir in Jesus’ day. Various aspects of His teachings remain controversial to this day.

There is no doubt we live in polarized times.  Virtually every topic seems to be fodder for political division.  In such times, our Catholic faith can be tested even more intensely than usual, especially when our faith runs up against public policy.  Of course, Catholic teaching is not just for the United States in the 21st century; it is universal and enduring. 

Catholics mark the beginning of the holy season of Lent with the reception of blessed ashes, acknowledging our sinfulness and the reality that one day we ourselves will return to dust. Over the course of these 40 days, the Church encourages us to refocus our lives on the things of heaven and to turn away from the things of this passing world.

In his homily for the opening of the 13th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Benedict XVI said, “The Church exists to evangelize. Faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ’s command, his disciples went out to the whole world to announce the Good News, spreading Christian communities everywhere” (Homily, Oct. 7, 2012).

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Francis de Sales, principal patron of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.  As a bishop and renowned confessor and spiritual guide, St. Francis de Sales led people to follow the Lord more devoutly, and his writings have inspired countless thousands over the past 400 years to walk the path of holiness.  It is good for us to consider how we also can lead people to Christ in our time and place, particularly through the parishes of the archdiocese.