Statement from the Bishops of the Province of Mobile, Alabama,regarding immigration

As Bishops of the Province of Mobile, encompassing Alabama and Mississippi, we feel called to speak to the pressing issue of immigration in our nation and in our province. Our faith compels us to view each human being as a child of God, endowed with dignity and worth, and our nation’s history reminds us of the transformative power of hope and opportunity.

America’s beauty and genius have long been the result of doors open to those yearning for a better life for their families, those longing to “breathe free,” and those seeking safety, security and liberty. This openness has enriched our amazing society, strengthening the fabric of our communities and renewing the spirit of the American dream for new and future generations. Even in Alabama and Mississippi, many of our civic and faith communities are experiencing growth and vibrancy because of immigrants who long to create a better life for themselves and their families, while experiencing a taste of opportunity and freedom.

At the same time, we recognize that nations are sovereign entities with the right and responsibility to establish immigration laws and policies that protect their citizens and ensure the orderly movement of peoples at their borders. A just and compassionate approach to immigration must balance respect for these laws with the imperative to uphold the dignity of every person including their dreams and noble aspirations.

We call for respect and understanding toward those who find themselves in our country due to a broken immigration system. Many have come seeking a refuge from poverty, violence, dictatorships, or persecution. As a nation, we must make accommodations to keep families together, ensuring that children are not separated from their parents. Due process must be afforded in the processing of immigration claims, ensuring fairness and justice for all especially regarding time and expense. Furthermore, we must presume goodwill for those who strive to work within our system, improve their lives, and contribute to the unique tapestry that is America.

Immigration reform is not only a legal issue but also a profoundly moral one. As Catholics and as Americans, we are called to stand in solidarity with the vulnerable, advocating for policies that reflect the values of compassion, justice, and mercy. Impelled by Christ’s call to care for all, we advocate for the dignity and just treatment of immigrants, affirming their worth and contributions to society. We urge lawmakers, community leaders, and all people of goodwill to engage in this issue with the seriousness and humanity it deserves.

May we, as a nation, continue to welcome the stranger with open hearts, honor the rule of law with integrity, and strive always to be a beacon of hope and welcome for those seeking a better tomorrow.

In Christ,

Most Reverend Thomas J. Rodi
Archbishop of Mobile

Most Reverend Steven J. Raica
Bishop of Birmingham

Most Reverend Joseph R. Kopacz
Bishop of Jackson

Most Reverend Louis F. Kihneman, III
Bishop of Biloxi

Bishops of the Province of Mobile

Declaración de los Obispos de la Provincia de Mobile, Alabama,sobre la inmigración

Como obispos de la provincia de Mobile, que abarca Alabama y Mississippi, nos sentimos llamados a hablar sobre el tema apremiante de la inmigración en nuestra nación y en nuestra provincia. Nuestra fe nos obliga a ver a cada ser humano como un hijo de Dios, dado de dignidad y valor, y la historia de nuestra nación nos recuerda el poder transformador de la esperanza y la oportunidad.

La belleza y la naturaleza de Estados Unidos han sido durante mucho tiempo el resultado de las puertas abiertas a aquellos que anhelan una vida mejor para sus familias, aquellos que anhelan “respirar libres” y aquellos que buscan seguridad, protección y libertad. Esta apertura ha enriquecido nuestra increíble sociedad, fortaleciendo el tejido de nuestras comunidades y renovando el espíritu del sueño americano para las generaciones nuevas y futuras. Incluso en Alabama y Mississippi, muchas de nuestras comunidades cívicas y de fe están experimentando crecimiento y vitalidad debido a los inmigrantes que anhelan crear una vida mejor para ellos y sus familias, mientras experimentan el sabor de la oportunidad y la libertad.

Al mismo tiempo, reconocemos que las naciones son entidades soberanas con el derecho y la responsabilidad de establecer leyes y políticas de inmigración que protejan a sus ciudadanos y garanticen el movimiento ordenado de los pueblos en sus fronteras. Un enfoque justo y compasivo de la inmigración debe equilibrar el respeto por estas leyes con el imperativo de defender la dignidad de cada persona, incluidos sus sueños y nobles aspiraciones.

Hacemos un llamado de respeto y comprensión hacia aquellos que se encuentran en nuestro país debido a un sistema de inmigración roto. Muchos han venido en busca de refugio de la pobreza, la violencia, las dictaduras o la persecución. Como nación, debemos hacer adaptaciones para mantener a las familias unidas, asegurando que los niños no sean separados de sus padres. Se debe permitir el debido proceso en el procedimiento de las solicitudes de inmigración, garantizando la igualdad y la justicia para todos, especialmente en lo que respecta al tiempo y los gastos. Además, debemos presumir de buena voluntad para aquellos que se esfuerzan por trabajar dentro de nuestro sistema, mejorar sus vidas y contribuir al tapiz único que es Estados Unidos.

La reforma migratoria no es solo un asunto legal, sino también profundamente moral. Como católicos y como estadounidenses, estamos llamados a solidarizarnos con los vulnerables, abogando por políticas que reflejen los valores de la compasión, la justicia y la misericordia. Impulsados por el llamado de Cristo a cuidar de todos, abogamos por la dignidad y el trato justo de los inmigrantes, afirmando su valor y sus contribuciones a la sociedad. Pedimos a los legisladores, líderes comunitarios y a todas las personas de buena voluntad a que se involucren en este asunto con la seriedad y humanidad que se merece.

Que nosotros, como nación, continuemos dando la bienvenida al extranjero con corazones abiertos, honremos el estado de derecho con integridad y nos esforcemos siempre por ser una luz de esperanza y bienvenida para aquellos que buscan un mejor mañana.

En Cristo,

Most Reverend
Thomas J. Rodi
Arzobispo de Mobile

Most Reverend
Joseph R. Kopacz
Obispo de Jackson

Most Reverend
Steven J. Raica
Obispo de Birmingham

Most Reverend
Louis F. Kihneman, III
Obispo de Biloxi

Obispos de la Provincia de Mobile, Alabama

God’s Word: a lamp for our feet and light for our lives

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
Each year on the third Sunday in Ordinary Time the Church celebrates Sunday of the Word of God. This annual commemoration began with Aperuit illis an apostolic letter, by Pope Francis issued on Sept. 30, 2019, the feast of St. Jerome instituting this annual observance. Sunday of the Word of God is devoted to the raising up of the Sacred Scriptures throughout the Catholic world while fostering a more widespread love for God’s Word on a daily basis.

The first Sunday of the Word of God occurred on Jan. 26, 2020, and this year’s observance will occur on Jan. 25-26. The pope said that he wrote the apostolic letter in response to requests from around the world to celebrate the Word of God in an extra special manner. In time, it is the desire of Pope Francis and many in the church that Sunday of the Word of God will be as central to the Catholic culture and imagination as is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

This earnest desire was expressed 60 years ago at the Second Vatican Council. “The treasures of the bible are to be opened up more lavishly, so that richer fare may be provided for the faithful at the table of God’s word.” (Sacrosanctum Concilium) The Council Fathers pointed out that Sacred Scriptures already permeate the entire liturgy, often a treasure hidden in plain sight. “Sacred Scripture is of the greatest importance in the celebration of the liturgy. For it is from scripture that lessons are read and explained in the homily, and psalms are sung; the prayers, collects, and liturgical songs are scriptural in their inspiration and their force, and it is from the scriptures that actions and signs derive their meaning. Thus, it is essential to promote that warm and living love for scripture to which the venerable tradition of both eastern and western rites gives testimony.” (Sacrosanctum Concilium)

The Word of God is essential for Eucharistic Revival because through its proclamation and hearing in the assembly of the faithful the Holy Spirit inspires faith and prepares our hearts and minds for communion with the Body and Blood of the Lord and empowers us in our daily lives to live with the mind and heart of Jesus Christ. The period of fasting before Mass and the reception of Holy Communion is intended to sharpen our attention and focus, and to cultivate a hunger and thirst for the living Word of God, and for the reception of the Eucharist.

Indeed, the quest for renewal in the church finds its power in the Mass. “Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as is their right and duty by reason of their baptism.” Hearing the Word of God and putting it into practice is the heart of fully conscious participation.

The sacred scriptures that will be proclaimed on Sunday of the Word of God this year are outstanding. From the Book of Nehemiah, the assembly of Israel gathered to renew their Covenant with God through the proclamation of the law. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians illustrates the church as a living organism, the body, comprised of many members. In light of this passage, we know that at every gathering in our churches, we proclaim to the heavens that the church is a living body giving glory to God.

Lastly, the Gospel of St. Luke situates Jesus in then synagogue in Nazareth where he had grown up, announcing a Jubilee Year of Hope for all of the people with an outpouring of glad tidings, liberty and sight. May God’s Word accomplish its purpose in our lives as a lamp for our feet and a light for the eyes of our hearts and minds.

La Palabra de Dios: lámpara para nuestros pies y luz para nuestras vidas

Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
Cada año, el tercer domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, la Iglesia celebra el Domingo de la Palabra de Dios. Esta conmemoración anual comenzó con Aperuit illis, una carta apostólica del Papa Francisco publicada el 30 de septiembre de 2019, fiesta de San Jerónimo, instituyendo esta observancia anual. El Domingo de la Palabra de Dios está dedicado a la elevación de las Sagradas Escrituras en todo el mundo católico, al tiempo que fomenta un amor más generalizado por la Palabra de Dios a diario.

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

El primer domingo de la Palabra de Dios ocurrió el 26 de enero de 2020, y la observancia de este año tendrá lugar el 25 y 26 de enero. El Papa dijo que escribió la carta apostólica en respuesta a las peticiones de todo el mundo de celebrar la Palabra de Dios de una manera muy especial. Con el tiempo, es el deseo del Papa Francisco y de muchos en la Iglesia que el Domingo de la Palabra de Dios sea tan central para la cultura y la imaginación católica como lo es la Solemnidad del Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo.

Este ferviente deseo fue expresado hace 60 años en el Concilio Vaticano II. “Los tesoros de la Biblia deben abrirse más generosamente, para que se pueda proporcionar una comida más rica a los fieles en la mesa de la palabra de Dios”. (Sacrosanctum Concilium) Los Padres conciliares han señalado que las Sagradas Escrituras impregnan ya toda la liturgia, a menudo un tesoro escondido a plena vista. “La Sagrada Escritura es de la mayor importancia en la celebración de la liturgia. Porque es de la Escritura que se leen y explican las lecciones en la homilía, y se cantan los salmos; Las oraciones, las colectas y los cantos litúrgicos son bíblicos en su inspiración y su fuerza, y es de las Escrituras de donde derivan su significado las acciones y los signos. Por tanto, es esencial promover el amor cálido y vivo a la Escritura, del que da testimonio la venerable tradición de los ritos orientales y occidentales”. (Sacrosanctum Concilium)

La Palabra de Dios es esencial para el Renacimiento Eucarístico porque, a través de su proclamación se escucha en la asamblea de los fieles, el Espíritu Santo que inspira fe y prepara nuestros corazones y mentes para la comunión con el Cuerpo y la Sangre del Señor y nos capacita en nuestra vida diaria para vivir con la mente y el corazón de Jesucristo. El período de ayuno antes de la Misa y la recepción de la Sagrada Comunión tiene la intención de agudizar nuestra atención y enfoque, y cultivar el hambre y la sed de la Palabra viva de Dios y de la recepción de la Eucaristía.

En efecto, la búsqueda de la renovación de la Iglesia encuentra su fuerza en la Misa: “La Madre Iglesia desea vivamente que todos los fieles sean conducidos a la participación plena y activa en las celebraciones litúrgicas, que exige la naturaleza misma de la liturgia. La participación del pueblo cristiano en la medida en que es su derecho y deber en razón de su bautismo”. Escuchar la Palabra de Dios y ponerla en práctica es el corazón de la participación plena y consciente.

Son sobresalientes las sagradas escrituras que se proclamarán el domingo de la Palabra de Dios. Desde el Libro de Nehemías, la asamblea de Israel se reunió para renovar su Pacto con Dios a través de la proclamación de la ley. La carta de Pablo a los corintios ilustra a la iglesia como un organismo vivo, el cuerpo, compuesto por muchos miembros. A la luz de este pasaje, sabemos que, en cada reunión en nuestras iglesias, proclamamos a los cielos que la iglesia es un cuerpo viviente que da gloria a Dios.

Por último, el Evangelio de san Lucas sita a Jesús en la sinagoga de Nazaret, donde había crecido, anunciando un Año jubilar de esperanza para todo el pueblo con una efusión de buenas nuevas, libertad y vista. Que la Palabra de Dios cumpla su propósito en nuestras vidas como una lámpara para nuestros pies y una luz para los ojos de nuestros corazones y mentes.

Hope incarnate: Christmas and the Jubilee year

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

This verse from the prologue of St. John’s Gospel is the proclamation par excellence of our Christmas faith. The infancy narratives of St. Matthew and St. Luke, written a generation ahead of St. John, impart the beloved narrative of the Lord’s birth, the essence of the Christmas manger scene in all its splendor that we all know and love. But the prologue from the Gospel of John, represented by the eagle, takes us to the lofty heights of our understanding of God’s eternal Word without the participation of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds or the magi. However, in an awe-inspiring and timeless manner, the introductions to the three Gospels combine to reveal the uniqueness, the harmony and diversity of the evangelists. We are enlightened by the breath and depth of God’s Word at Christmas.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

This Christmas we are doubly blessed with the inauguration of the Jubilee Year of Hope when Pope Francis flings open the Holy Doors of the four Basilicas in Rome. Crossing the thresholds of home and church through a door opened in loving hospitality is always a moment of grace and peace.

Many bemoan the sad state of affairs over locked church doors in the modern world while understanding the need for security. Total access to God in our sacred houses of worship would bring us back to better days and provide much consolation in a world that appears to be losing its soul. In this sense the opening of the Holy Door to begin the Jubilee Year is full of meaning.

Pope Francis offers this perspective: “Sustained by this great tradition, and certain that the Jubilee Year will be for the entire church a lively experience of grace and hope, I hereby decree that the Holy Door of the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican will be opened on 24 Dec. 2024, thus inaugurating the Ordinary Jubilee. On the following Sunday, 29 Dec. 2024 I will open the Holy Door of my cathedral, Saint John Lateran, which on the 9 Nov. this year will celebrate the 1700th year of its dedication. Then, on 1 Jan. 2025, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother God, the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica, Saint Mary Major, will be opened. Finally, Sunday, 5 Jan. 2025, will mark the opening of the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.”

In the Diocese of Jackson, we will inaugurate the Holy Year on the feast of the Epiphany, 5 Jan. 2025 at our Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, inviting the faithful to cross the threshold of hope imploring a year of grace and favor from the Lord. With the universal Catholic Church, the Jubilee of Hope will conclude on the feast of the Epiphany, January 2026.

What makes the opening of the Holy Door even more full of significance is that God first flung open the gates to paradise for us here on earth through the Incarnation, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God rolled out the red carpet to the heavenly banquet hall so that we can walk upon it as confident pilgrims who have been washed clean in the Blood of the Lamb. At the deepest level we do have total access to God’s presence through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit whose temples we are. We carry this life with us wherever we go as God-bearers and pilgrims of hope for our own lives and for the life of the world.

May we inspire one another with the conviction “that hope does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 5:5) In the light of faith that shines in the darkness we can bless one another. Merry Christmas!

Kaleidoscope of hope

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
The recently concluded annual Bishops’ Conference in Baltimore was packed with meetings, presentations, elections to various committees, updates and impacts regarding the aftermath of the national elections, and conversations on many levels about pathways forward for the Catholic Church in the United States. It is a very dynamic environment that has the characteristics of a colorful kaleidoscope, except in this gathering the moving parts are all clothed in black. Yet, in recent years those who plan the annual event, at the behest of the body of bishops, have incorporated more time for quiet prayer, eucharistic adoration, relaxing meals and some exercise. As always, the daily Masses provide the anchor for all activity that follows in the course of a day.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

Each time the national conference of bishops gathers the apostolic nuncio addresses the assembled body. Cardinal Christophe Pierre currently occupies the office of nuncio as Pope Francis’ ambassador to the church in the United States. His message is always a window into the Holy Father’s recent teachings, pertinent events in the church in the United States and throughout the world, and an overview of the church in relationship to the modern world. Of course, a significant milestone in our time is the recently concluded Synod on Synodality, a three-year journey that produced a final document to guide the church from within and to encourage prophetic dialogue with the modern world. There will be much to unpack, study and apply for the foreseeable future.

In his address Cardinal Christophe pointed to the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope that will be inaugurated by Pope Francis on the feast of the Holy Family on Dec. 29, 2024. The Holy Father has written a marvelous document for this Year of Favor and Grace from the Lord, entitled, Spes non Confundit, or Hope does not Disappoint. (Romans 5:5)

The full context for this bold proclamation of faith is contained in the following passage. “Since we are justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing in the glory of God … Hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5)

Pope Francis offers this reflection regarding St. Paul’s inspired words to the Romans. “In the spirit of hope, the Apostle Paul addressed these words of encouragement to the Christian community of Rome. Hope is the central message of the coming Jubilee that, in accordance with an ancient tradition, the Pope proclaims every twenty-five years. My thoughts turn to all those pilgrims of hope who will travel to Rome in order to experience the Holy Year and to all those others who, though unable to visit the City of the Apostles Peter and Paul, will celebrate it in their local churches. For everyone, may the Jubilee be a moment of genuine, personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, the “door” (cf. John 10:7.9) of our salvation, whom the church is charged to proclaim always, everywhere and to all as “our hope.” (1 Tim 1:1) (Spes non Confundit)

For the Christian, hope is born of love and based on the love springing from the pierced heart of Jesus upon the cross: “For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:19)

Along with the Jubilee of Hope the nuncio also drew upon the Holy Father’s most recent encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Delixit Nos, (The Lord) He loved us. “The symbol of the heart has often been used to express the love of Jesus Christ. Some have questioned whether this symbol is still meaningful today. Yet living as we do in an age of superficiality, rushing frenetically from one thing to another without really knowing why, and ending up as insatiable consumers and slaves to the mechanisms of a market unconcerned about the deeper meaning of our lives, all of us need to rediscover the importance of the heart.” (Delixit Nos)

When the heart is emboldened by God’s grace, we can face an uncertain future better equipped to avoid the mine fields of unbelief, doubt and fear. Once again, the Holy Father yearns to carry on his shoulders a world mired in darkness and division into the light of a new day suffused with the heart and hope of the Gospel.

Caleidoscopio de Esperanza

Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
La Conferencia Anual de Obispos en Baltimore, recientemente concluida, estuvo repleta de reuniones, presentaciones, elecciones a varios comités, actualizaciones e impactos con respecto a las secuelas de las elecciones nacionales, y conversaciones en muchos niveles sobre los caminos a seguir para la Iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos. Es un ambiente muy dinámico que tiene las características de un caleidoscopio colorido, excepto que en esta reunión las partes móviles están todas vestidas de negro. Sin embargo, en los últimos años, los que planifican el evento anual, a instancias del cuerpo de obispos, han incorporado más tiempo para la oración silenciosa, la adoración eucarística, las comidas relajantes y algo de ejercicio. Como siempre, las Misas diarias proporcionan el ancla para todas las actividades que siguen en el transcurso de un día.

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Cada vez que la Conferencia Nacional de Obispos se reúne, el nuncio apostólico se dirige al cuerpo reunido. El cardenal Christophe Pierre ocupa actualmente el cargo de nuncio como embajador del Papa Francisco ante la Iglesia en los Estados Unidos. Su mensaje es siempre una ventana a las enseñanzas recientes del Santo Padre, a los acontecimientos pertinentes en la Iglesia en los Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo, y una visión general de la Iglesia en relación con el mundo moderno. Por supuesto, un logro significativo en nuestro tiempo es el recientemente concluido Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad, un viaje de tres años que produjo un documento final para guiar a la Iglesia desde adentro y alentar el diálogo profético con el mundo moderno. Habrá mucho que desempacar, estudiar y aplicar en un futuro predecible.

En su discurso, el cardenal Christophe señaló el próximo Año Jubilar de la Esperanza que será inaugurado por el Papa Francisco en la fiesta de la Sagrada Familia el 29 de diciembre de 2024. El Santo Padre ha escrito un documento maravilloso para este Año de Favor y Gracia del Señor, titulado Spes non Confundit, o La Esperanza no Defrauda. (Romanos 5:5)

El contexto completo de esta audaz proclamación de fe se encuentra en el siguiente pasaje. “Justificados por medio de la fe, tenemos paz con Dios por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, por quien hemos tenido acceso a esta gracia en la cual estamos firmes; en la esperanza de participar en la gloria de Dios … La esperanza no defrauda, porque el amor de Dios ha sido derramado en nuestros corazones a través del Espíritu Santo que nos ha sido dado”. (Romanos 5:1-5)

El Papa Francisco ofrece esta reflexión sobre las inspiradas palabras de San Pablo a los romanos. “Con espíritu de esperanza, el apóstol Pablo dirigió estas palabras de aliento a la comunidad cristiana de Roma. La esperanza es el mensaje central del próximo Jubileo que, según con una antigua tradición, el Papa proclama cada veinticinco años. Mi pensamiento se dirige a todos los peregrinos de esperanza que viajarán a Roma para vivir el Año Santo y a todos los demás que, aunque no hayan podido visitar la ciudad de los apóstoles Pedro y Pablo, lo celebrarán en sus iglesias locales. Que el jubileo sea para todo un momento de encuentro auténtico y personal con el Señor Jesús, “la puerta” (cf. Jn 10, 7.9) de nuestra salvación, a quien la Iglesia tiene el encargo de proclamar siempre, en todas partes y a todos como “nuestra esperanza”. (1 Timoteo 1:1) (Spes non Confundit)

Para el cristiano, la esperanza nace del amor y se basa en el amor que brota del corazón traspasado de Jesús en la cruz: “Porque si siendo enemigos, fuimos reconciliados con Dios por la muerte de su Hijo, mucho más cierto, reconciliados, seremos salvados por su vida”. (Romanos 5:19)

Junto con el Jubileo de la Esperanza, el nuncio también se basó en la más reciente encíclica del Santo Padre sobre el Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, Delixit Nos, (El Señor) Él nos amó. “El símbolo del corazón se ha utilizado a menudo para expresar el amor de Jesucristo. Algunos se han preguntado si este símbolo sigue siendo significativo hoy en día. Sin embargo, viviendo como vivimos en una época de superficialidad, corriendo frenéticamente de una cosa a otra sin saber realmente por qué, y terminando como consumidores insaciables y esclavos de los mecanismos de un mercado despreocupado por el significado más profundo de nuestras vidas, todos necesitamos redescubrir la importancia del corazón”. (Delixit Nos)

Cuando el corazón está envalentonado por la gracia de Dios, podemos enfrentar un futuro incierto mejor equipados para evitar los campos minados de la incredulidad, la duda y el miedo. Una vez más, el Santo Padre anhela llevar sobre sus hombros un mundo sumido en la oscuridad y la división a la luz de un nuevo día impregnado del corazón y la esperanza del Evangelio.

Synod on Synodality: A global call to renewal

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
After three years of reflection, the Synod on Synodality came to an end on the evening of Oct. 26, 2024, as the 356 members of the assembly gathered to vote on a final document. In an unexpected act, Pope Francis immediately approved this document, saying that he would not release a post-synodal apostolic exhortation, which is the type of papal document that usually follows a synod. This text thus immediately falls within the Pope’s magisterium. However, he did specify that it was non-normative. Nevertheless, this has been a remarkable pastoral process that brought together the faithful from around the world these past three years.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

Led by the Holy Spirit, the conversations began in the local diocesan church and progressed to produce regional and continental documents. The nearly 400 delegates who gathered in Rome during the month of October, last year and this year, represented our One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church and were able to build upon the voices of the Catholic faithful from around the world.

At the moment, the Synod document is in Italian, but the wheels of translation are turning to disseminate it far and wide. Not surprisingly, the document does not usher in a new era of church teaching as some were anxious over. But the uniqueness of this Synod is found in the deliberative and consultative gatherings of church leadership that included the ordained, professed, and laity since its inception in 2021.

These substantive encounters brought into the light of day the themes of communion, participation and mission with ample time to take a long and loving look at reality in order to better see, judge and act. This enlarging of the space of our tent in the Body of Christ represented our universality. The photos of the assembled delegates in Rome portrayed this vision whose hard work culminated in the final document. Yet, deliberative and consultative processes cannot be limited to extraordinary processes such as the Synod on Synodality, but ought to be integrated into the life of the church at every level and in every place. Enlarging our vision, sense of mission, and scope of ministries permeates the work of the delegates, and the impact of their labors under the gaze and inspiration of the Holy Spirit will be unpacked, reflected upon, and put into practice for years to come.

Throughout the document there is a repeated call for unity in the Body of Christ, and for a renewed commitment to mission as joyful disciples of the crucified and risen Lord. On Sunday, Oct. 27, the pope presided over a final Mass for the synod in St. Peter’s Basilica. Surrounded by the summit’s global delegates, Pope Francis encouraged the church to be attentive to “the challenges of our time, the urgency of evangelization and the many wounds that afflict humanity.”

“A sedentary church, that inadvertently withdraws from life and confines itself to the margins of reality, is a church that risks remaining blind and becoming comfortable with its own unease,” said the pope. “If we remain stuck in our blindness, we will continuously fail to grasp the urgency of giving a pastoral response to the many problems of our world.”

As he officially brought the three-year synod process to its end, Pope Francis declared that it is now time for the church to “get its hands dirty” and “carry the joy of the Gospel through the streets of the world.”
The past three years of world-wide synodality are a beacon of light as we embark upon the Jubilee Year of Hope to begin during the Christmas season and continue throughout 2025. The joy of the Gospel is our gift to the world that cries out in pain for unity and peace.

(Editor’s note: At press time on Nov. 1, 2024, the final document of the XVI Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was only made available in the original Italian. Visit https://www.synod.va/en.html in the coming days for additional language translations.)

Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad: Una llamada global a la renovación

Por Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
Después de tres años de reflexión, el Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad llegó a su fin en la noche del 26 de octubre de 2024, cuando los 356 miembros de la asamblea se reunieron para votar el documento final. En un acto inesperado, el papa Francisco aprobó inmediatamente este documento, diciendo que no publicaría una exhortación apostólica postsinodal, que es el tipo de documento papal que suele seguir a un sínodo. Por lo tanto, este texto entra inmediatamente dentro del magisterio del Papa. Sin embargo, especificó que no era normativo. Sin embargo, ha sido un proceso pastoral notable que ha reunido a fieles de todo el mundo en estos últimos tres años.

Obispo Joseph R. Kopacz

Guiadas por el Espíritu Santo, las conversaciones comenzaron en la iglesia diocesana local y progresaron hasta producir documentos regionales y continentales. Los casi 400 delegados que se reunieron en Roma durante el mes de octubre del año pasado y este año, representando a nuestra Iglesia Una, Santa, Católica y Apostólica y pudieron desarrollar las voces de los fieles católicos de todo el mundo.

Por el momento, el documento sinodal está en italiano, pero el progreso de la traducción está girando para difundirlo a lo grande. No es sorprendente que el documento no marque el comienzo de una nueva era de enseñanza eclesiástica, como algunos estaban ansiosos. Pero la singularidad de este Sínodo se encuentra en las reuniones deliberativas y consultivas de los líderes de la iglesia que incluyeron a los ordenados, profesos y laicos desde su inicio en 2021.

Estos encuentros sustantivos han sacado a la luz los temas de la comunión, de la participación y de la misión, con tiempo suficiente para mirar larga y amorosamente la realidad con el fin de ver, juzgar y actuar mejor. Esta ampliación del el Cuerpo de Cristo representaba nuestra universalidad. Las fotos de los delegados reunidos en Roma retrataron esta visión, cuyo arduo trabajo culminó en el documento final. Sin embargo, los procesos deliberativos y consultivos no pueden limitarse a procesos extraordinarios como el Sínodo sobre la sinodalidad, sino que deben integrarse en la vida de la Iglesia a todos los niveles y en todo lugar. La ampliación de nuestra visión, sentido de misión y alcance de los ministerios impregna el trabajo de los delegados, y el impacto de sus labores bajo la mirada e inspiración del Espíritu Santo será desentrañado, reflexionado y puesto en práctica en los próximos años.

A lo largo del documento hay un llamado repetido a la unidad en el Cuerpo de Cristo, y a un compromiso renovado con la misión como discípulos alegres del Señor crucificado y resucitado. El domingo 27 de octubre, el Papa presidió la misa final del sínodo en la Basílica de San Pedro. Rodeado de los delegados mundiales de la cumbre, el Papa Francisco animó a la Iglesia a ser atentos a “los desafíos de nuestro tiempo, la urgencia de la evangelización y las muchas heridas que afligen a la humanidad”.

“Una Iglesia sedentaria, que se retira inadvertidamente de la vida y se confina a los márgenes de la realidad, es una Iglesia que corre el riesgo de permanecer ciega y sentirse cómoda con su propio malestar”, dijo el Papa. “Si nos quedamos atrapados en nuestra ceguera, no lograremos comprender continuamente la urgencia de dar una respuesta pastoral a los muchos problemas de nuestro mundo”.

Al poner fin oficialmente al proceso sinodal de tres años, el Papa Francisco declaró que ahora es el momento de que como Iglesia “pongamos manos a la obra” y “llevemos la alegría del Evangelio por las calles del mundo”.

Los últimos tres años de sinodalidad mundial son un faro de luz a medida que nos embarcamos en el Año Jubilar de la Esperanza que comenzará durante la temporada navideña y continuará a lo largo de 2025. La alegría del Evangelio es nuestro don al mundo que clama con dolor por la unidad y la paz.

(Nota del editor: Al cierre de esta edición, el 1 de noviembre de 2024, el documento final de la XVI Asamblea del Sínodo de los Obispos solo estaba disponible en el original italiano. Visite https://www.synod.va/en.html en los próximos días para obtener traducciones de idiomas adicionales).

Inviting all to God’s Banquet

By Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.
World Mission Sunday, which is always celebrated on the second to last Sunday of October, was undertaken on Oct. 20 this year. Instituted in 1926 by Pope Pius XI as a mandatory, global second collection, the banquet that is World Mission Sunday has since then been hosted by the Pope, and the table set by those who answer Christ’s call to “Go and make disciples of all nations,” (Mt 28:19) extending an inclusive invitation to all corners of the earth. Meant to be held in every parish in the world, the proceeds benefit 1,150 territories where the Gospel has not yet been received, has been only recently embraced, or is courageously upheld in the face of persecution. It is a special commemoration that unites Catholics worldwide in prayer, solidarity and support for the church’s mission efforts.

Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, D.D.

This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Francis, is rooted in the Gospel of Matthew: “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet,” reflecting the inclusive and urgent call to bring God’s love to everyone. This is the universal mission to spread the Gospel and invite all to experience the joy of Christ’s message! In recent times the world-wide pandemic weakened our church’s missionary efforts, and the annual Mission Sunday collection was adversely affected. This created a ripple effect whereby many throughout the world in the mission churches felt the pain of diminished resources coming their way. The past couple of years have seen a gradual return to pre-pandemic levels and we are hopeful that we continue to trend in the direction of greater generosity and prayerful solidarity.

Recently, Pope Francis undertook an amazing pastoral journey, considering his age, to several countries in Asia, including Indonesia, Singapore, and Papua New Guinea. During his homily in Papua New Guinea, he touched upon various themes that provide for us a deeper understanding of God’s providence for all nations and peoples. In the recalling of the pioneer missionaries in their country, Pope Francis shared these thoughts. “Our forebearers in the faith had the courage to begin, the commitment to share their lives in the beauty of being present, and the profound hope of growing what they began. They did this in a spirit of closeness to the people with compassion and tenderness.” This is the Gospel worldview that galvanizes the mission fields of evangelization and re-evangelization. Although we cannot be physically transported to the far-flung corners of our universal church with the Holy Father, we can be there through prayer, generosity, and a more thoughtful understanding of the mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ.

The Diocese of Jackson’s direct connection to the mission experience has been our relationship with San Miguel (Perpetuo Socorro for the first 30 years) in the Diocese of Saltillo, Mexico for 55 years. Although they are not a church undergoing persecution, nor are they a young church; nonetheless, they need our financial assistance throughout their chapels and desert ranchos where economic development is marginal. My recent annual trip to San Miguel with Bishop Louis Kihneman of Biloxi reenforced for us the strong bond that we share with our brothers and sisters in another country and culture. In the works of Pope Francis ours is a relationship marked by closeness, compassion and tenderness.

This year’s theme for Mission Sunday, “Go and invite everyone to the Banquet” harmonizes well with the Eucharistic Revival. The banquet of God’s abundant love is proclaimed each time we gather around the table of God’s Word, and his Body and Blood, and one of the earthly goals of Mission Sunday is to gather all the nations at the Eucharistic banquet, the holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Thank you to all for your prayer and generosity on behalf of the universal call to bring the Gospel to all the nations.