I just returned from celebrating the 6:45am Mass at our Cathedral. Today marks the 2nd anniversary of the announcement naming me the Bishop of Cheyenne. I offered the Mass this morning in thanksgiving for this local Church, the wonderful people of Wyoming.
The words from Sunday’s second reading from St. Paul to the Thessalonians comes to mind
We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love…
I am also mindful of the memorial we celebrate today of the North American Martyrs. St. Issac Jogues and John de Brebeuf and companions. These Jesuit missionaries are models for us on at least two counts. First, their deep love for Christ and His Church. They no doubt spoke as intimately with Christ as spouses speak with one another, or as one would with a best friend. This love for Christ is the greatest witness any of us can give, in any culture or time.
Secondly, they brought the faith to a new culture. This is the mission of the Church, to “go into the world, and preach the Good News.” The New Evangelization calls each of us today, inthis culture and time, to live as one in love with Christ, and to speak to others of the great riches that are ours in Jesus Christ. May we benefit from the intercession of the North American Martyrs in our efforts to renew the faith in North America today.
To all the people of the Diocese of Cheyenne, thank you for your faith and “labor of love” on behalf of the Gospel. Thank you for your warmth and hospitality as I travel to be with you, to pray with you, to celebrate and grow the faith with you.
God bless,
+pde
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