Pope Francis has declared an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy that opened on December 8, 2015, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception to honor Our Blessed Mother, the Mother of Mercy.  This Year is called "extraordinary" because it is a Jubilee that follows just 15 years after the Jubilee Year 2000 instead of the traditional … Continue reading The Jubilee Year of Mercy Invites Us to Receive God’s Mercy and to be Merciful

Dear Friends in Christ, This month of December flew by, and as we approach Christmas, I have a gift for you.  Last month, the Priests and Religious of the Diocese of Phoenix had the opportunity to make and serve pizza to the families of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  We had two grace-filled Vocations fairs on All Saints Day … Continue reading Merry Christmas and Blessed Jubilee Year of Mercy!

This Sunday there will be 2 Vocation Fairs to Celebrate Consecrated Life! Watch this Video to find out about the Vocations Celebration this Sunday! Un video para averiguar sobre Celebrando la Vida Consagrada este Domingo. We have two new Franciscan Brothers at St. Mary's Basilica in Phoenix! Let us welcome Brother Scott Slattum, OFM and Brother Sam Nasada, OFM... … Continue reading This Sunday, All Saints Day, we are celebrating Consecrated Life!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, What a riveting week we have had with Pope Francis' visit with a breakfast at the White House, the Canonization of Saint Junipero Serra, his address to Congress, various groups including Priests and Religious and his address to the United Nations in New York City!  As he presses forward, … Continue reading “A grateful heart is spontaneously impelled to serve the Lord, to find expression in a life of commitment to our work.” ~ Pope Francis

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we celebrate the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are reminded that we are created in the image and likeness of God.  Pope Francis in his Audience in Rome on August 12, 2015 teaches about facets of family life - celebration, work and prayer: We begin now a series … Continue reading “True moments of celebration remind us that we are made in the image and likeness of God.” ~ Pope Francis

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Just recently, I was asked a great question:  Is Pope Francis Franciscan?  Certainly, there are many who have wondered this and would like to know more about this Jesuit Pope who has called this Year of Consecrated Life, asking all Religious and Consecrated Men and Women to rejoice and have gratitude … Continue reading Is Pope Francis Franciscan? No, but there is something Franciscan about him.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, My recent visits with Religious Men and Women have taught me about blessings.  Visitations with the Presentation Sisters, Fr. Joseph Terra, FSSP at Mater Misericordia Mission, Phoenix and newly arrived priests, Fr. Remski and Fr. Passo give a clear message about blessings and responding to God's gifts. Pope Francis, at the … Continue reading “Blessing has this double aspect: thanksgiving and transformative power.” – Pope Francis

Dear Friends in Christ, It is great to be back in Phoenix with you since I have recently returned from time away at my Motherhouse in Alma, Michigan and a visit with my family.  As the summer heat is warming our faces and our hearts, I have the joy of telling you about our newly … Continue reading Every night re-situate yourselves in this gratuity. And say, “Be it done to me, thank you because You gave me everything.” ~Pope Francis

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, These past few weeks have been packed with visitations and events to promote vocations to the Consecrated Life.  I would like to first share a poem written by St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, a cloistered Carmelite nun from Lisieux in France who entered the Carmel when she was 15 … Continue reading “It was the divine Heart that captivated this soul…” ~ St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus

Dear Friends in Christ, To all Consecrated Persons -- With great gratitude, we thank all those who are Consecrated:  Religious Priests, Brothers and Sisters, for your “yes” to God’s call to dedicate your lives to Christ in service of the Church.  We are so grateful to each and every one of you for all the years of … Continue reading “Let them know the affection and the warmth which the entire Christian people feels for them.” ~ Pope Francis