CALLED AND CHOSEN
Priests receive new appointments
▪ SEE PAGE 3
NDI IGBO’
Archbishop Vásquez receives warm welcome from Igbo Catholics
LEO CONNECTION
▪ SEE PAGE 8 AN ASTROS-POPE
Pope gifted last-out ball from 2005 World Series
▪ SEE PAGE 19
Proclaiming the Good News to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston since 1964
VATICAN CITY — Texans can be confident that Pope Leo XIV is leading the Catholic Church with both compassion and resolve, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo said after participating in a June consistory at the Vatican.
“I think Texans can be completely assured that Pope Leo is governing the Church very, very well with kindness, but with decisiveness when it’s necessary,” Cardinal DiNardo said.
cardinals,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “The College of Cardinals now is drawn from all over the world; it really is, so that you get quite a point of view.”
BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald
The June gathering marked the second extraordinary consistory called by Pope Leo in 2026 and brought together 178 cardinals from every continent around the world for two days of discussion and consultation.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
“The point of the consistory, I think, is the pope wants to hear from all the
Cardinals met in language-based groups to discuss issues facing the Church, including synodality and Pope Leo’s recent encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas.” Participants then reported their discussions back to the larger assembly and the pope.
“There were some questions and comments raised. We made some comments, and then you report to the whole group,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “It was good dialogue.”
He said his English-language discussion group included Church leaders from Canada, Nigeria, India
See CONSISTORY, page 4
A SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE
BY ARCHBISHOP JOE S. VÁSQUEZ Archbishop of Galveston-Houston
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On July 4, 2026, our country celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone calls us to give thanks to God for this gift of our nation.
A SHEPHERD’S MESSAGE
This great nation was founded on a cry for freedom and liberty for all peoples. In honor of this occasion, I share the words of recent popes to reflect on the beauty of the United States as well as point to the areas that still need attention.
A NEW LEADER IN LAREDO Archbishop Vásquez co-consecrates
Bishop Gomez as new ordinary, bishop of Diocese of Laredo
▪ SEE PAGE 15
HONORING FAITH, HERITAGE
Texans join National Eucharistic Pilgrimage celebrating Catholic heritage, America’s 250th birthday
▪ SEE PAGE 18
By Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez
SHEPHERD, from page 1
In a homily given by St. John Paul II on Oct. 3, 1979, during a Mass at Logan Circle in Philadelphia, the Holy Father said: “Philadelphia is the city of the Declaration of Independence, that remarkable document, containing a solemn attestation of the equality of all human beings, endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, expressing a ‘firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence.’” He goes on to exhort us as citizens: “you must strive to preserve these human values, to understand them better and to define their consequences for the whole community, and as a worthy contribution to the world.”
Nearly three decades later, Pope Benedict XVI reflected on the many ways the Catholic faithful have helped shape our nation.
In an address to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on April 16, 2008, he said, “Today the Catholic community you serve is one of the largest in the world, and one of the most influential. How important it is, then, to let your light so shine before your fellow citizens and before the world, ‘that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven’ (Mt 5:16).” He continued, “From the beginning [of this nation, your fellow countrymen] have opened their doors to the tired, the poor, the ‘huddled masses yearning to breathe free’ (cf. Sonnet inscribed on the Statue of Liberty). These are the people whom America has made her own.”
S. VÁSQUEZ
The Holy Father further explained and spoke of the generosity that has long characterized the people of this country. He said, “[The people of this country] are also known for their generosity… Let me express my particular appreciation for the many forms of humanitarian assistance provided by American Catholics through Catholic Charities and other agencies. Their generosity has borne fruit in the care shown to the poor and needy, and in the energy that has gone into building the nationwide network of Catholic parishes, hospitals, schools and universities. All of this gives great cause for thanksgiving.”
When Pope Francis addressed Congress on Sept. 24, 2015, he highlighted the importance of working together for the common good.
“The challenges facing us today call for a renewal of that spirit of cooperation, which has accomplished so much good throughout the history of the United States,” he said. “In this land, the various religious denominations have greatly contributed to building and strengthening society. It is important that today, as in the past, the voice of faith continues to be heard, for it is a voice of fraternity and love, which tries to bring out the best in each person and in each society. Such cooperation is a powerful resource in the battle to eliminate new global forms of slavery, born of grave injustices which can be overcome only through new policies and new forms of social consensus.”The Holy Father called us to live up to the high ideals that founded this nation.
Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, on July 4, 2026, wrote in a letter to Americans as we celebrated the 250th birthday of this nation: “Among the most cherished of these principles [of the United States] is religious freedom — the right of every person to worship according to conscience and to practice their faith openly, without coercion or fear. In marking this anniversary, it is important to recognize that freedom of religion has long been central to the American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people.”
“We are called to love our brothers and sisters as Christ does. When we do this, then we will contribute to a greater realization of the American principles that have made us a great nation. ”
The recent popes have shown admiration for the United States of America, especially the central principles of freedom, equality, human dignity, as well as the generosity of the citizens. The successors of Peter also emphasize how these attributes call us to action. We must ensure that these principles are actualized for every resident of this nation by caring for others.
In this spirit, on June 11, 2026, the Bishops of the United States consecrated the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, Maryland, in his homily during the Mass of Consecration, encouraged the faithful to approach this celebration, not just as time to remember the past, but a renewal in true Christian charity.
“Jesus tells us: ‘This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.’To love as Christ loves is the true measure of Christian discipleship and the true measure of our humanity. Yet if we are honest, we must acknowledge that neither our nation nor the Church has always clearly reflected that love— indeed, it is sometimes obscured almost beyond recognition. To be sure, there have been moments of extraordinary witness and holiness. But there have also been moments of failure, division, and sin. Consecration requires the humility to acknowledge both. We cannot come to the Heart of Christ while pretending we have no need of His mercy. To consecrate ourselves and our nation is to place our wounds, our shortcomings, and our sins before the One whose love is greater than all of them.”
Archbishop Lori continued by explaining how the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus sends us forth: “[Consecration] is not merely about remembering the past. It is about accepting responsibility for the future. To consecrate ourselves to the Sacred Heart means remaining in Christ’s love and carrying that love into the world. It means building communities – ecclesial and civil – where truth is proclaimed clearly and charity is practiced generously. It means resisting the temptation to define ourselves by division, ideology, or resentment. The Sacred Heart does not divide; it reconciles. It does not harden hearts; it transforms them. It does not simply invite us to receive love; it sends us forth to share it.”
Finally, Archbishop Lori concluded by inviting us to entrust the future of our Church and country to the Heart of Jesus.
“As we approach this great anniversary of our nation, we may be tempted towards nostalgia for the past or anxiety about the future,” he said. “Today we choose something better: trust. Today we place the Church in the United States, and this nation we love, into the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Not because we have everything figured out, but because we know the One whose love endures forever. In his Heart, we find gratitude for the past, strength for the present, and hope for the future.”
As we continue to celebrate this milestone, Archbishop’s words teach us how to respond to the beauty and challenges of our country. We are called to love our brothers and sisters as Christ does. When we do this, then we will contribute to a greater realization of the American principles that have made us a great nation. †
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Effective June 1
Father Paul Chovanec
Retirement
Effective June 6
Rev. Joel Pinto Rodriguez, FSSP
Parochial Vicar - Regina Caeli
Rev. Eric Mitchell Schumann
Parochial Vicar - All Saints, and Further Studies at Gregorian University
Effective June 15
Rev. Anthony Nkyi
Parochial Vicar - Christ the Redeemer
Effective July 1
Rev. Lucio Castillo, OMI
Administrator to Pastor - Immaculate Heart of Mary
Rev. David Michael Moses
Administrator to Pastor - Christ Our Light, Navasota, & St. Stanislaus, Anderson
Rev. Luis Garcia
Administrator to Pastor - Our Lady of Fatima, Galena Park
Rev. Jacob Ramirez
Administrator to Pastor - St. Rose of Lima
Rev. Christopher Meyer
Administrator to Pastor - Sacred Heart, Pattison
Rev. Houston Okonma
Administrator to Pastor - St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, La Porte
Rev. Truong S. Nguyen
Administrator to Pastor - St. Hyacinth, Deer Park
Rev. John Paul Bolger, CC
Parochial Vicar - Queen of Peace, Houston
Rev. John Brundage, CC
Parochial Vicar, Queen of Peace, Houston
Rev. Antonio Castro
Parochial Vicar, St. Ambrose
Rev. Gabriel Mary Fiore, CSJ
Formation Faculty, St. Mary’s Seminary
Rev. Kailas Hivale, MSFS
Parochial Vicar, Epiphany of the Lord, Katy
Rev. Paul Hoang, SCJ
Parochial Vicar, Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Rev. Joy James, OSH
Pastor - Holy Family, Missouri City
Rev. Matthew Krusleski
Administrator - St. Thomas the Apostle, Huntsville
Rev. Duy Nguyen, SCJ
Parochial Vicar - St. Bartholomew, Katy
Rev. Joseph Phong Nguyen
Parochial Vicar - St. Helen, Pearland
Rev. Viet Nguyen
Parochial Vicar - St. John Vianney
Rev. Vinh Nguyen, CSsR
Special Ministry - St. Clement’s Redemptorist House
Rev. Sebastine Okoye
Pastor - St. Justin Martyr
Rev. Antonio Ortiz
Parochial Vicar - St. Charles Borromeo
Rev. Anthony Trang Pham, SSS
Hospital Chaplain - Catholic Chaplain Corps
Rev. Aneesh Philip
Parochial Vicar - Holy Family, Missouri City
Rev. Sunny Joseph Plammoottil, OSH
Parochial Vicar - St. Vincent de Paul
Rev. Paolo Puccini, CSP
Parochial Vicar - Christ the Good Shepherd, Spring
Rev. James Schnitzler
Parochial Vicar - Sacred Heart, Conroe
Rev. Joshua Svajda
Parochial Vicar - Sts. Simon and Jude, The Woodlands
Rev. Steven Tran
Administrator - St. Mary, Freeport
Rev. Vincent Tran
Parochial Vicar - St. Anthony of Padua, The Woodlands
Rev. Fred Valone
Retirement
Rev. Thomas Vu
Parochial Vicar - Christ the Redeemer
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Registration continues for gold, silver anniversary Masses
HOUSTON — The 2026 Wedding Anniversary Jubilee Masses honoring couples celebrating their Silver (25th) and Gold (50th) anniversaries of marriage in the Catholic Church are open for registration.
The Gold Anniversary Mass is set for Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, located at 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy. in downtown Houston at 3 p.m. Couples are eligible to receive a special recognition whether they attend the ceremony or not. The Silver Anniversary Mass is set for Sunday, Oct. 11, also at the Co-Cathedral at 3 p.m. Early registration, which ends July 31 for the 50th and Aug. 31 for the 25th, is $25 per couple and includes an anniversary certificate, a special issue worship aid and a commemorative pin. Registration increases to $40 per couple after those dates. For more information and to register, visit www.archgh.org/weddingjubilee. †
Popular summer young adult speaker series continues on Thursdays in July
HOUSTON — With the theme, “Rest in Him,” Café Catholica, the annual young adult summer gathering hosted by the Office of Young Adult and Campus Ministry, is set for four Thursdays in July at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, located at 6800 Buffalo Speedway in Houston.
Open to young adults aged 18 to 39, Café Catholica draws thousands of young Catholics for Mass, dinner and talks. The event continues July 16, 23 and 30. It begins at 5:15 p.m. with Confession, followed by Mass at 6:15 p.m., dinner at 7:15 p.m. and the speaker at 8:15 p.m.
The speakers are Author Katie Hartfiel; Father Patrick Gonyeau, formator for Encounter School of Healing; and Cecilia Flores, director of Catholic Volunteer Network. Donations are accepted. To learn more, visit www.archgh.org/ cafecatholica or call 713-741-8778. †
AYC registration continues
HOUSTON — Themed “Peace Be With You All,” the 2026 Archdiocesan Youth Conference (AYC), set for July 31 to Aug. 2 at the Hilton Americas Hotel, gathers participants, both youth and adults, from all over the local Church. Major presenters include Father David Michael Moses, Alex Gotay Jr. and Katie Villarreal, and emcees Dunn Estacio and Leilani Borbon Costa.
To register, contact parish youth leaders, and for more information, visit archgh.swoogo.com/ayc2026. †
and other countries, reflecting the increasingly global nature of the College of Cardinals.
“The pope wants to hear various perspectives from cardinals,” he said.
While cardinals are required to maintain confidentiality about the specifics of the discussions, Cardinal DiNardo said Pope Leo personally listened to the conversations and took notes as participants shared their observations.
“He takes notes himself, and we’ll see what he does with all this as he works on things he wants to do,” Cardinal DiNardo said.
Cardinal DiNardo said Pope Leo’s leadership style is marked by deliberation and clarity.
“He’s a canonist, so I think you’ll see in Pope Leo everything is done with a great sense of purpose,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “He’s not flashy. Everything is done very clearly.”
Cardinal DiNardo said the pope remains interested in reviewing the work of the Roman Curia and continuing the Church’s discussions on synodality. He also emphasized that Texas
Catholics have a voice echoing the lived experiences of Catholics in Texas in the Church’s deliberations through their representation in the College of Cardinals.
“Insofar as one of the cardinals from Texas, our particular point of view always gets into the consistory,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “It’s important that we see that the Church, through the College of Cardinals, has a kind of universal presence for the pope.”
Before the election of Pope Leo XIV, the last extraordinary consistory of cardinals to be held was in February 2014.
For many cardinals appointed by Pope Francis from more than 60 countries, the extraordinary consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV was their first such experience.
St. John Paul II held six extraordinary consistories during his pontificate, Pope Francis held one at the start of his pontificate, and Benedict XVI convened none, although Benedict did gather the cardinals for closed-door discussions during several ordinary consistories.
Pope Leo has now held two — in January and June of this year — combining discussionstyle roundtables similar to those used during the Synod on Synodality with a traditional open forum structure and giving individual cardinals the opportunity to speak to him directly.
June 29 for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.
At the Mass, newly appointed archbishops — including four from the United States: Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks of New York, Archbishop James F. Checchio of New Orleans, Archbishop James R. Golka of Denver and Archbishop Mark S. Rivituso of Mobile, Alabama — received the pallium from Pope Leo. Cardinal DiNardo received his own pallium 20 years ago on that same solemnity, the traditional feast day when the pope bestows the pallium upon newly appointed metropolitan archbishops as a symbol of their pastoral authority and unity with the Holy See.
The day before, he returned to his titular church in Rome, St. Eusebius, a parish across from the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II near the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major and Rome’s Termini Station, to celebrate Sunday Mass and meet with parishioners.
After the celebrations, Cardinal DiNardo flew back to Texas, stopping briefly in Houston for the Fourth of July before returning to Amarillo, where he is currently serving as apostolic administrator and where the local Church continues to await a new bishop.
A TEXAN SPEAKS TO THE POPE
Cardinal DiNardo said he was able to speak personally with Pope Leo during the consistory.
“We were talking about the Diocese of Amarillo and its needs,” he said of his private conversation with the pope. “I say to everyone, I’m happy to be here, but I’m really waiting so that the new bishop shows up soon, and I’m sure the pope will be happy, too.”
Describing Pope Leo as “very American” in how easy he is to speak with, Cardinal DiNardo said he experienced both the warmth and the resolve of the pope.
“The meetings are excellent,” he said. “I can’t say too, too much about the meetings ... but the meetings were good, and they took on some general themes, and the pope will deal with them. The pope wants to hear the consultation from the College of Cardinals, which I think is really good.”
Over two full days, cardinals met in small roundtable groups, typically by language, to raise questions and offer feedback on the pope’s priorities.
Cardinal DiNardo said he and many other cardinals stayed after the consistory at the invitation of the pope to concelebrate a Mass with him on
Despite the long flights — “as I get older, it’s a little harder for me to spend 11 hours on a plane,” he admitted — Cardinal DiNardo said the trip was ultimately for the good of Catholics everywhere, including those in Texas.
“I’m happy to go there and go to Rome. Rome is always lovely, even though it’s too hot, but that’s what Rome is supposed to be at the end of June,” he added lightly. “But it was good.” †
– Courtney Mares of OSV News contributed to this report.
BY JAMES RAMOS Texas Catholic Herald
HOUSTON — At the eastern edge of Houston’s East End, the FIFA Fan Festival has welcomed more than 260,000 soccer fans from across the Archdiocese and around the world since opening in June.
The free festival, which is scheduled to continue through July 19, has exceeded attendance projections and served as a central gathering place for visitors throughout the FIFA World Cup.
During the tournament-long celebration, attendees in the busy fan zone viewed a video produced by the interfaith nonprofit Bridges featuring Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, and seven other religious leaders from across the Houston area welcoming visitors to the city.
“You are here for this,” Bishop Dell’Oro says in the video, which also includes Jewish, Baptist, Muslim, Episcopal and other faith leaders sharing a common message of hospitality.
“In a city that always shows up / In a city that welcomes its neighbors / In a city that welcomes the world / In a city where everyone is home / In a city where you belong / In a city that has no equal / Welcome to Houston, host city of the Big Game,” the faith leaders say in the video.
For many Catholic visitors, the World Cup was not only a sporting event but also an opportunity to worship while traveling. Archdiocesan parishes throughout the Houston area welcomed international visitors, many of whom sought Mass in languages other than English during their stay in the city.
The Archdiocese of GalvestonHouston celebrates Mass in more than 14 languages and ministers to Catholic communities from every continent, making Houston uniquely positioned to welcome visitors from around the globe.
Houston hosted seven FIFA World Cup matches at NRG Stadium from June 14 through July 4, welcoming supporters from Germany, Curaçao, Portugal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Netherlands, Sweden, Uzbekistan, Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia during groupstage play.
The city’s final two matches drew international attention as Houston hosted a Round of 32 match on June 29 featuring Brazil and Japan, followed by a Round of 16 match on July 4 between Canada and Morocco. Both Brazil and Morocco won their respective matches.
For Catholics in Houston, the World Cup was also a reminder of the Church’s universality. Among the nations that played in Houston were several with strong Catholic identities. Portugal and Brazil are well known for their Catholic heritage, but the Democratic Republic of Congo is also home to one of the largest Catholic populations in the world. Cabo Verde’s Catholic roots date back more
than 500 years, while Curaçao’s churches remain a visible part of the island’s cultural and spiritual landscape.
The countries represented on the field reflected the same global Church celebrated each Sunday throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, where communities from every corner of the world gather around the same Eucharistic table.
According to FIFA, 480,184 fans attended these games at Reliant Stadium,
with hundreds of thousands more watching from phones, televisions and screens all around the Archdiocese.
Between the two Portugal fixtures that brought soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo to Space City, Portuguese-speaking Catholics gathered at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston for a special June 21 Mass celebrated in Portuguese by Father Clair Antonio Orso, c.s., pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in north Houston, home to a large Portuguese-speaking community. Father Ricardo Teixeira, SCJ, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Houston, concelebrated the Mass.
The Liturgy brought together local Portuguese-speaking Catholics and visitors in Houston for the tournament, offering a spiritual home amid the excitement of World Cup festivities.
Jerseys were seen at Masses at parishes throughout the state and nation, perhaps most notably — or maybe noticeable — the bright green Mexico uniforms were visible filling pews and in Communion lines.
Like at restaurants, bars and homes across the region, the festival has served as the unofficial front porch of Houston’s World Cup experience, bringing together residents and international visitors to view heartbreaking — and heartstopping — match broadcasts, cultural exhibits, entertainment and community events throughout the tournament. †
Archbishop Vásquez ordains four new priests for the Archdiocese
HOUSTON — Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez ordained four men to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston at a Mass June 6 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Houston. The newly ordained priests are Father James Schnitzler, Father Mitchell Schumann, Father Joshua Svajda and Father Thomas Vu.
In his homily, Archbishop Vásquez underscored the role of the household in fostering vocations: “The family continues to be the foundation of every vocation.”
Reflecting on the profound closeness required of the new priests, he reminded them that “Jesus calls priests His friends,” adding, “He calls us friends not because we are perfect but because He loves us.” He instructed the new priests to remain deeply connected to their communities, advising them to “get to know the families, understand their struggles, hopes and dreams.” Archbishop Vásquez concluded with a mandate to focus fully on their spiritual mission, charging them to fulfill their duties with “abiding joy and genuine love — not your concerns, but those of Jesus Christ.”
The priests began their new ministries in July. Father Schnitzler was assigned as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Parish in Conroe. Father Schumann served as parochial vicar at All Saints Parish in the Heights before continuing studies in canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Father Svajda was assigned to Sts. Simon and Jude Parish in The Woodlands, while Father Vu will serve at Christ the Redeemer Parish in Houston. †
gift of $10 a month
HOUSTON — Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez celebrated Mass with Houston’s Igbo Catholic Community on May 31 and received an honorary cultural title recognizing his pastoral leadership and support of the growing community.
The gathering at the Igbo Catholic Community Center on Creek Bend Drive brought together hundreds of worshippers for Mass, a reception and a celebration of the community’s history and contributions to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
During the reception, community leaders conferred on Vásquez the title “Ezinna Ndi Igbo,” which translates as “Good Father of the Igbo People.”
The title is a significant honor in Igbo culture and was presented in recognition of the archbishop’s leadership and pastoral care.
In his homily, Vásquez highlighted the role of the Igbo Catholic Community in the life of the archdiocese, praising members for preserving their faith traditions while contributing to parish and community life throughout the region. He encouraged the faithful to remain rooted in their Catholic faith while continuing to share the gifts of their cultural heritage with the wider Church.
The visit also highlighted the continued growth of the Igbo Catholic Community, which traces its roots in Houston to the early 1980s, when immigrants from southeastern Nigeria
began settling in the area. Seeking opportunities to worship in their native language and preserve cultural traditions within the Catholic
faith, families initially gathered in homes and borrowed parish facilities for monthly Masses. Over time, the community became more formally organized and eventually acquired property at 8250 Creek Bend Drive, which now serves as its worship and cultural center.
Community leaders credited the late Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza with helping establish and support the group’s presence in the archdiocese. They also recognized Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, whose encouragement, they said, helped the community continue to grow and develop.
The celebration featured traditional music, singing and cultural attire reflecting the community’s Nigerian heritage.
The visit came during a period of leadership transition for the community.
Archbishop Vásquez recently appointed Father Kingsley Nwoko, pastor of St. Albert of Trapani Catholic Church in Houston, as chaplain of the Igbo Catholic Community. Father Nwoko succeeds Father Romanus Muoneke, who
served the community for more than two decades.
Because the community’s worship center is located within the boundaries of St. Albert of Trapani Parish, church leaders said Father Nwoko’s dual role is expected to strengthen ties between the parish and the Igbo Catholic Community. For members of the community, the Archbishop’s visit marked both a recognition of their history and an affirmation of their place in the life of the Archdiocese.
The Igbo Catholic Community continues to serve as a center of worship, fellowship and cultural identity for Nigerian Catholics in the Houston area.
To learn more about the community, visit igbocatholichouston.org. †
BY MELODY DANIELS Herald Correspondent
HOUSTON — More than half a century after they first joined forces to confront division in Houston, the legacy of Houston’s interfaith trio, known as the “Three Amigos,” still continues to bring people together.
The Center for the Healing of Racism posthumously honored Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza, Rabbi Samuel E. Karff, and Rev. William “Bill” Lawson for their more than five decades of advancing civil rights and interfaith cooperation in Houston and beyond. The center also recognized Marjorie “MJ” Joseph for her efforts to foster belonging through her leadership with the Houston Coalition Against Hate.
Emceed by Linda Wallace, secretary for St. Francis Xavier Parish’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul Conference, the recognitions were given on June 20 at the center’s 33rd annual Juneteenth Ally Awards luncheon at St. Paul United Methodist Church in the Museum District.
Known throughout Houston as the “Three Amigos,” Archbishop Fiorenza, Rabbi Karff and Rev. Lawson spent more than 50 years demonstrating how faith can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier. Rabbi Karff died in 2020, Archbishop Fiorenza in 2022 and Lawson in 2024.
Father Reginald Samuels, the vicar for Catholics of African Descent and pastor of St. Laurence Parish in Sugar Land, accepted the award on behalf of Archbishop Fiorenza.
“We are all called to move forward in the life of what God has given us in this world,” he said. “I personally knew Archbishop Fiorenza only very briefly; however, he was such a big person in my life and allowed me to grow in my vocation. I am so thankful that he is being honored again today.”
Archbishop Fiorenza’s numerous achievements include marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma and co-founding Houston’s interfaith initiative to desegregate downtown lunch counters and businesses. Archbishop Fiorenza became the first archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in 2004 and spearheaded the construction of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston.
Other friends and family accepted the award on the honorees’ behalf, sharing reflections on their commitment to justice. Rev. Lawson’s daughter, Cheryl Lawson, reminded attendees that the
challenges her father worked to address remain present today.
“The concerns that he had continue to be concerns,” she said. “We are not past racism, and we have not solved the issues of division. I challenge all of us, myself included, to never give up. At 95 years old, [Rev. Lawson] was still trying to create solutions. I thank him for being the leader that he was and bringing so much leadership to our city,” she said.
Accepting the Ally Award for Rabbi Karff was Rabbi Shaul Osadchey, community rabbi and center board member, who told the audience of their responsibility to carry the Three Amigos’ work forward. More than a tribute to the past, he said, the ceremony served as a celebration of a legacy that continues to shape Houston through dialogue and a shared commitment to justice.
“These relationships that we build are significant, and we need to do that to break down the stereotypes and barriers,” Rabbi Osadchey said. “When we increase our religious literacy and our racial literacy, we have that opportunity to know each other as people. We need to celebrate our diversity, not be afraid of it, but embrace it, which these three gentlemen did in their personal relationships and modeled for our community.”
The Ally Award is given annually to people across the nation who “have given
their all in the pursuit of ending racism, justice and connecting people to each other,” according to Cherry Steinwender, executive director of the Center for the Healing of Racism.
The Ally Awards have been a cornerstone of the Center for the Healing of Racism’s Juneteenth celebration since
the mid-1990s, recognizing people and organizations whose work advances racial healing. Over the years, past honorees include Academy Awardwinning actress Lupita Nyong’o, among many others, whose actions demonstrated a commitment to bridging divides and building stronger communities. †
ORLANDO, Florida (OSV News) — At their spring assembly in Orlando, Florida, the U.S. bishops, including Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez, Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, and Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, focused on strengthening the Church’s mission and addressing challenges while keeping the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the key to personal and public transformation.
The June 10 to 12 assembly was animated in particular by its culminating event, the national consecration of the U.S. during a June 11 Mass at Orlando’s Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.
“To consecrate ourselves to the Sacred Heart is ultimately to accept Christ’s invitation to remain in His love and to allow that love to shape every aspect of our lives, public and private,” Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, the homilist for the Mass, said. “It is a declaration that the future does not belong merely to political movements, economic forces or human plans. The future belongs to God.”
The opening session of the U.S. bishops’ meeting June 10 had two addresses that reflected on the Church’s evangelizing mission and the Sacred Heart.
PHOTOS BY BOB ROLLER/OSV NEWS
Above, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez joins in prayer during a June 10 session of the annual spring meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Orlando, Fla. At right, a bishop venerates the relics of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque before the U.S. bishops consecrated the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Basilica of Mary Queen of the Universe in Orlando, Fla., June 11, during their spring assembly.
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, in his first address to States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), spoke of how “the truth of Christ must be proclaimed all the more confidently” to restore hope that is under threat from wide-ranging attacks on human dignity and polarization “within our country, and even within our Church.”
In response, he called for preaching
“cultivation of interpersonal relationships and conversations between those who may disagree,” and acting on the bishops’ mission directive “to reach out to the disaffiliated and the unaffiliated.” But above all, Archbishop Coakley reminded his brother bishops, “It is the love flowing from the Sacred Heart of Jesus that feeds our hope.”
Thank You Presenting Sponsor Raye White and all of our wonderful event sponsors for making the 16 Annual th Evening with the Bishops a wonderful evening to remember. We would like to extend our appreciation to our Event Chairs Lori & Louis Pelz
Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia gave his inaugural address to the bishops as nuncio to the U.S. and also highlighted the consecration of the U.S. Church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He urged the bishops to fulfill their mission as missionary disciples by welcoming immigrants in their midst, and reminded the bishops his ministry is there to support them.
The start of the public session also included a message from the U.S. bishops to Pope Leo XIV thanking him for shining “the light of the Gospel and the tradition of the Church on the new opportunities and challenges posed by the rise” of artificial intelligence and “emerging technologies” through his new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas.”
Other presentations that day also lifted up exemplars of the Church’s witness and opportunities to strengthen that witness.
Mathematical biologist Santiago Schnell, provost of Dartmouth University, addressed the bishops on Ex Corde Ecclesiae,” St. John Paul II’s 1990 apostolic constitution on Catholic universities, and invited them to explore how they can reawaken the Catholic imagination in academic life and nurture leaders who can become “voices for the Catholic Church.”
The bishops heard a report on World Youth Day 2027 (WYD 2027), which is to take place Aug. 3 to 8 in Seoul, with 10,000 to 15,000 pilgrims expected to travel to South Korea from the U.S. Seoul Auxiliary Bishop Paul Kyung Sang Lee, general coordinator for WYD 2027, shared with the bishops that the Catholic Church in Korea began with the laypeople, became strengthened by the blood of 10,000-plus martyrs, and served as a sanctuary for democracy and human
The bishops also gave unanimous consent June 10 to support the advancement of two American canonization causes: Duluth, Minnesota’s pioneer missionary priest Monsignor Joseph Buh and upstate New York’s
entrepreneur-turned-evangelist John Rick Miller.
Duluth Bishop Daniel J. Felton spoke of how Monsignor Buh is a model for how “missionary discipleship demands courage, sacrifice, perseverance and complete availability to God’s will.”
Miami Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski spoke of Miller, who worked to reevangelize Latin American countries and have them consecrated to the Sacred Heart, as having “lived the baptismal call to holiness in an exemplary way.”
On the second day of public sessions, the U.S. Catholic bishops approved portions of two texts with near unanimity: a new edition of the Lectionary for Mass, which provides the Scripture readings and psalm for each day’s Liturgy; and the 2025 Roman Missal-Liturgy of the Hours Supplement.
The bishops also ultimately agreed to move ahead and approve updates to their landmark document on protection policies for minors. The revision commits the Church to “act on the presumption of the sincerity of those who bring forth a complaint of sexual abuse” while also maintaining “a corresponding presumption of innocence on the part of the accused until guilt is proven.”
The bishops voted on the floor to add a further revision that would commit themselves to form future clergy in “trauma-informed” pastoral care.
While the scope of the charter’s revision did not address adults and stayed within its mandate to focus exclusively on protecting minors, Deacon Bernie Nojadera, executive director of the USCCB’s Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection, said that they anticipate possible related developments in this area coming from the Vatican’s Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.
On June 11, ahead of the vote, Archbishop McKnight reiterated his call to postpone the vote, with Bishop Earl K. Fernandes of Columbus, Ohio, seconding the motion. But after balloting, the motion failed, and a two-thirds majority voted to approve the revised text.
Auxiliary Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt of Hartford, Connecticut, then spoke on behalf of a USCCB task force on the ongoing implementation of synodality in the life of the Church. On June 11, he provided the bishops with an update on recent consultations among
See BISHOPS, page 15
BY JO ANN ZUÑIGA Herald Correspondent
HOUSTON — A diverse group of older women grieving their deceased husbands, an elderly man who seems in a daze after losing his wife of 60-plus years, and a young woman who lost both her parents within a couple of years of each other met at their parish, Mary Queen Catholic Church in Friendswood.
They were brought together weekly in a six-week session by a Grief & Grace support group led by church volunteer Jaime Cunningham. Now retired, she had worked as a crisis counselor, grief group facilitator and social worker for more than 25 years in area schools.
“Our bereavement ministry at Mary Queen does a beautiful job walking with people through and immediately following the funeral process and saw a need to offer more to those grieving. I feel called to compassionately walk with people, meeting them wherever they are on their grief and faith journey, so they never feel alone,” Cunningham said.
After getting approval from the church office and pastor, she began with training through the Archdiocese Office of Family Life Ministry. As part of that office, the Ministry of Consolation offers an intensive, two-day training and a
choice of journals to distribute to parish group members to follow along in their sessions.
Cunningham said, “After training, we formed a weekly grief support group called Grief & Grace, which incorporates the ‘Season of Hope’ journal and whose mission is to bring peace, hope, fellowship and a deeper understanding that Jesus is with us on this grief journey.” She is planning to start a new session on July 30 at the Friendswood parish.
More than 30 parishes offer similar grief support groups, but the Archdiocese is looking to expand to more parishes interested in starting such sessions.
Juan Tinajero, associate director of innovation with Family Life Ministry, oversees the Ministry of Consolation, dedicated to helping parishes establish compassionate, faith-centered grief support ministries.
“Our mission is to ensure that no one has to walk through the journey of grief alone but instead encounters the healing presence of Christ through the care of the Church,” Tinajero said.
Each year, the Ministry of Consolation offers two comprehensive trainings for new facilitators, either in English or Spanish, during the months of March and September, he said.
“These two-day, 20-hour formation
presence of Christ through the care of the Church.”
JUAN TINAJERO Associate Director, Family Life Ministry
workshops prepare parish leaders and volunteers to accompany those who are grieving with both compassion and confidence,” Tinajero said.
The training includes how ministers provide accompaniment while also caring for their own well-being as ministers. They also review Catholic theology, rooted in Christ’s death and resurrection, as well as gain practical pastoral skills.
“Our goal is to form ministers who become a steady, compassionate
presence for those who are suffering the loss of loved ones and who help make the Church a place of healing and hope,” Tinajero said.
But there is still much work to be done, he acknowledges, with only a little more than 30 churches out of more than 140 Archdiocesan churches offering this ministry.
To support those ministers and parishes, the Ministry of Consolation offers the website link www.archgh.org/ ministry-of-consolation.
“The Office of Family Life continues to work with additional parishes each year to expand this consolation ministry so that even more people can experience the love, hope and consolation of Jesus Christ through their local parish community,” Tinajero said.
Cunningham helped lead her church group in Grief & Grace through the “Seasons of Hope” journal to share grief work together.
In one of the journal’s “Prayer to Find the Way,” it states, “O God the Father, I ask for guidance on this walk of sorrow. Jesus gave us new life through His death and resurrection and promised that those who mourn will find joy again. I ask in His name to be open to the peace and joy that you send through the Holy Spirit. Amen.” †
PHOTOS BY NATHALIA MONTELONGO/ST. MARTHA
Throughout the Archdiocese, parishes and schools hosted summer camp activities during June and July. St. Martha Parish in Kingwood hosted a sold-out Vacation Bible School, themed “Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God” June 8 to 12 for children entering kindergarten through the fifth grade. At left, Father Carlos Velero smiles after his head was shaved during a camp activity, while above, camp staff cheer as they get pied in the face. The camp explored how young students can grow their relationship with God through Scripture, Sacraments and prayer.
HOUSTON — June 24 marked the fourth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
With the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Archdiocesan Office of Pro-Life Activities continues to evaluate successes in building a culture of life, as well as the remaining challenges faced by individuals experiencing unplanned pregnancy and how they are served by the church.
The USCCB, through Bishop Daniel Thomas, released a statement outlining these challenges, as well as fact sheets on chemical abortion.
“While the Dobbs decision gave states the freedom to pass pro-life laws and protect preborn children, these laws are now being undermined by a proliferation of abortion pills,” the statement said. “The Food and Drug Administration, a government agency responsible for protecting public health, has enabled a nationwide mail-order abortion industry by allowing abortion pills to be prescribed in telemed appointments and sold both at neighborhood pharmacies and online, circumventing state laws that protect life in the womb.”
The Office of Pro-Life Activities created a webinar series outlining current trends in this area. Topics include abortion and public policy, compassionate pregnancy care, and mercy and healing after abortion. The webinars are available on the Archdiocesan website at archgh.org/prolife and on the Capernaum platform. †
HOUSTON — St. Dominic Village hosted its 16th annual Evening with the Bishops, bringing together leaders of the Catholic community, philanthropists and supporters from across the Galveston-Houston area for a benefit for the residents of St. Dominic Village.
The event took place on May 27 at River Oaks Country Club in Houston.
Honored guests included Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Auxiliary Bishop Italo Dell’Oro, CRS, Bishop Emeritus Curtis J. Guillory, SVD, of Beaumont, and Archbishop Emeritus J. Michael Miller, CSB, of Vancouver.
The evening also featured local pastors and a special address by Denise Fennell, known for her role as “Sister” from Late Nite Catechism, bringing a blend of humor and reflection to the evening.
“Evening with the Bishops is more than a celebration; it is a meaningful opportunity for the Catholic community to come together in support of our elders,” said Stacey Erwin-Porter, director of development at St. Dominic Village. “The generosity of our supporters allows us to continue providing exceptional, faith-centered care to align with our mission of Caring for our Elders with the Compassion of Christ.”
St. Dominic Village has served as Houston’s only Catholic senior living community, providing a full continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation and nursing care. To learn more, visit stdominicvillage.org. †
Pray for the following priests whose anniversaries of death are during the month of August.
Aug. 1, 1993 Rev. John B. Mullins, CSB
Aug. 3, 1999 Rev. John A. Weihrer
Aug. 4, 1995 Rev. John A. Burke, CSB
Aug. 7, 2001 Rev. Msgr. George A. Beck
Aug. 8, 1943 Rev. Thomas F. Hogan
Aug. 8, 1969 Rev. John M. Cody
Aug. 8, 2006 Rev. William J. Young, CSB
Aug. 9. 1895 Rev. Joseph Querat
Aug. 9, 2014 Rev. Franklin Simmons
Aug. 10, 1856 Rev. Jean-Maurice Verdet, OMI
Aug. 10, 1979 Rev. Joseph P. Walsh
Aug. 11, 1997 Rev. Ernest P. Magee, CSB
Aug. 12, 2013 Msgr. David W. Kennedy
Aug. 12, 2022 Rev. Joseph Thanh Vu
Aug. 13, 1844 Rev. Joseph Paquin, CM
Aug. 15, 1931 Rev. Thomas J. Finn
Aug. 15, 1970 Rev. Francis J. Klass
Aug. 15, 1990 Rev. Timothy Curry, OP
Aug. 15, 2023 Rev. John Ulm
Aug. 16, 2012 Rev. Anselm Walker
Aug. 17, 2013 Rev. Joseph A. Gietl
Aug. 17, 2013 Msgr. Charles C. Domec
Aug. 17, 2014 Rev. Jacques Weber, S.J.
Aug. 18, 2018 Bishop John McCarthy
Aug. 18, 2020 Rev. Elias Dorion
Aug. 19, 2017 Rev. Donald Bahlinger, SJ
Aug. 20, 1970 Rev. George F. Laurenson
Aug. 21, 1998 Rev. Stanley Guzik, OMI
Aug. 21, 2001 Rev. John J. Connolly
Aug. 23, 1857 Rev. John Bottet
Aug. 23, 1947 Rev. George Berberich
Aug. 25, 2007 Rev. A. Peter Whitney
Aug. 25, 2015 Msgr. William M. Pickard
Aug. 26, 1980 Rev. Michael Biondi, CSB
Aug. 26, 2003 Msgr. Elmer T. Quinters
Aug. 27, 2002 Rev. Norbert N. Clemens, CSB
Aug. 28, 1989 Msgr. Jack J. Davis
Aug. 30, 1986 Rev. Arthur Nichols
Aug. 30, 2003 Rev. Feliciano del Val
Aug. 31, 1867 Rev. A.M. Micouleau
HOUSTON — The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life has formally recognized the Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) as an International Private Association of the Faithful.
The recognition was formalized in Rome with the signing of the decree in March, followed by an audience with Pope Leo XIV, both attended by a delegation of WWME couples, priests, bishops and religious from around the world.
The decree, presented by Kevin Cardinal Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life, affirmed the place of WWME within the life of the Church as a lay movement serving married couples and clergy in their vocation.
“Marriage Encounter is one of our leading family enrichment movements in our Archdiocese, assisting many marriages in their journey,” said Ricardo Medina, director of Family Life Ministry for the Archdiocese. “Today, we have a robust network of ministers in English and Spanish, who are present in about one-third of our parishes. Their footprint continues to grow, and they have been revitalized following a strong internal transformation in recent years.”
For more than 55 years, WWME has provided experiences centered on reflection, intentional communication and renewed commitment, inviting couples, priests and religious to engage more fully in their relationships and responsibilities with the Church.
What begins as one encounter experience continues through a sustained network of communities that support participants in daily life.
Brian and Tina Little, who are part of the WWME Region 10 Leadership and attend St. Helen Parish in Pearland, said WWME is Catholic-focused, but couples of all faiths are welcome.
“A WWME experience is a weekend getaway that helps married couples rediscover themselves as individuals and as a couple,” Brian Little said. “The weekend is Godcentered and comes out of the roots of our Christian faith.”
He said that, guided by a team of three couples and a priest, each participating couple explores their relationship with each other, their faith and their family.
“They learn a dialogue technique that helps them communicate openly, honestly and deeply without any group sharing, therapy or
marriage counseling,” Brian Little said. “The result is deeper intimacy, passion, faith and joy together — and a deeper understanding of God’s desire for happiness in their marriage.”
He said the Vatican recognition and support for WWME is “such a gift and will open many doors and hearts and bring many more couples, priests and religious to be blessed and enriched in their Sacraments and vocations in our experiences and communities — not just here in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, but across the world.”
The Vatican’s recognition acknowledges not only the structure of the movement, but the lived witness of those who have carried it forward — couples, priests and religious who have dedicated themselves to fostering stronger marriages, supporting ministry and building relationships rooted in faith.
“This recognition reflects the quiet, consistent witness of couples and priests who have chosen to invest in their relationship and their vocation over time,” said Clarel and Danielle Marie, the WWME international ecclesial team. “It affirms a way of living that prioritizes attentiveness, intentionality and the daily decision to grow together in faith.”
Founded in 1968, WWME serves in nearly 100 countries through experiences that provide practical tools for communication, reflection and renewal. These experiences continue beyond the initial encounter, shaping how participants engage with their families, ministries and local church communities.
“This recognition belongs to the countless couples and priests who have given their time and their hearts to this mission,” Peter and Sheila Oprysko, representing the WWME North American Ecclesial Team, said.
As WWME looks ahead, the movement remains committed to serving couples and clergy with the same focus and integrity that has guided it since its founding. The recognition marks a continuation of that work, as new generations are invited to take part in the experience and carry it forward in their own communities. †
ordinations marked a significant milestone for the congregation’s Nigerian mission and the Church’s continuing growth in West Africa.
HOUSTON — Father David Craig Bittner, CSB, died June 23. He was 70 years old. He served as a Novice Master and Master of Scholastics in Houston. He was celebrating Mass and offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St. Anne Catholic Community in Houston.
A funeral Mass was held Saturday, June 27, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Houston. Interment is in Forest Park, Lawndale. †
HOUSTON — Father James Francis Blocher, CSB, died June 12. He was 80 years old. Father Blocher served the Archdiocese in a variety of roles, including as parochial vicar at St. Theresa in Sugar Land, St. Thomas Aquinas Mission in Angleton, Sacred Heart in Manvel, St. Michael in Houston and St. Basil in Angleton. He later served as pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Rosenberg and St. Mary Star of the Sea in Freeport.
A funeral Mass was held Friday, June 19, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Houston. Interment is in Forest Park, Lawndale. †
HOUSTON — Sister Brendan O’Donnell, C.V.I., died June 16. She was 97 years old. Born in Westport, County Mayo, Ireland, she entered the convent in Houston in 1948. She served as an elementary school teacher and principal in Beaumont and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. After many years in the classroom, she then served as the development director at Incarnate Word Academy, retiring in 2010.
A funeral Mass was held Thursday, July 2, at the Villa de Matel Chapel. Interment is in Forest Park, Lawndale. †
Fe Alava
Philippines — Fe Alava Parangan, mother of Father Maynard Parangan, pastor at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in the Highlands, died at the age of 91.
Services were held in the Philippines. †
HOUSTON — Sister Marian Grace Thies, C.V.I., died June 1. She was 93 years old.
For 51 years, Sister Thies served as an elementary teacher across southeast Texas, teaching in Houston, Hitchcock, Conroe and Baytown. She also ministered as a theology teacher at Incarnate Word Academy for four years in the mid-1980s. In retirement, she played her guitar to seniors in Houston adult day care centers.
A funeral Mass was held Thursday, June 12, at the Villa de Matel Chapel. Interment is in Forest Park, Lawndale. †
FRANKLIN, Wisconsin — Father Frank Wittouck, SCJ, died June 20. He was 88 years old. His first assignment in Houston was at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in 1993, where he served as pastor. He also had a 10-year relationship with Magnificat House Inc. and served for over 20 years as a military chaplain, traveling around the world.
A funeral Mass was held Thursday, June 25, at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake in Franklin, Wisconsin. †
BY ELIZABETH MORALES Texas Catholic Herald
HOUSTON — Both fashion and Catholic education took center stage at a recent benefit highlighting St. Mary of the Purification Catholic School, a longtime symbol for Catholic education in Houston’s greater Third Ward. On June 13, the annual awards luncheon and fashion show brightened Union Station at Daikin Park in downtown Houston.
Originally held from 1988 through 2016 as a St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church parish fundraiser, the event was reestablished in 2026 to continue its nearly century-long commitment to a legacy of academic excellence.
At the event, Tabitha Davis, Ed.D., Rose Sonnier Ellis, Zina Garrett, Albert Lemons, Ed.D., Mazie McCoy, Ed.D., Lillian Poats, Ed.D., Cherry Ross Gooden, Ed.D., and Alvia Wardlaw, Ph.D. were honored for their contributions to education in the Greater Houston area
and beyond.
McCoy, secretariat director and superintendent of Catholic Schools, was a principal of the school from 2003 to 2014.
“It was a true privilege to be honored
alongside so many outstanding educators, including one of my former professors (Poats) and a beloved St. Mary’s teacher (Garrett) who impacted my sons,” she said. “St. Mary of the Purification will always hold a special place in my heart and remain in my prayers as it continues its vital mission of Catholic education.”
The event drew hundreds of St. Mary School alumni, professionals and parents who filled Union Station, where a runway took the spotlight. The models belong to CLW Forty Plus Models, a volunteer modeling group whose members design and showcase their own clothing. The group has participated in numerous Catholic fashion show fundraisers, donating their time and talent to help raise scholarship funds through booking fees. Women of Worship provided musical support for
the event.
“This special event is not only a celebration of elegance, creativity and community spirit, but also a powerful witness to our shared commitment to Catholic education and the future of our children,” said Father Jaison Mangalath, S.V.D., pastor of St. Mary Parish and School.
When event planning began, the parish chose to give all the proceeds to its Catholic school as part of an annual fund recently created to ensure the long-term sustainability of the school.
An estimated $49,000 was raised at this year’s luncheon.
“St. Mary is truly a parish school in every sense of the word. This event is made possible through the beautiful
LAREDO Bishop John J. Gomez was ordained and installed as the second bishop of the Diocese of Laredo, Texas, on June 30, following the retirement of founding Bishop James A. Tamayo. He was officially appointed to the position by Pope Leo XIV on May 1.
Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez of Galveston-Houston, also serving as principal co-consecrator for Bishop Gomez, concelebrated the bilingual Mass, which saw thousands, including bishops, priests and clergy from across Texas, the U.S. and Mexico attend.
Bishop Gomez was born in Colombia and ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Tyler on May 23, 2009. He also attended St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, graduating that same year. He served as vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Tyler from 2015 to 2023 and has also been serving in the role again since 2025.
Founded on July 3, 2000, the Diocese of Laredo combined portions of the Diocese of Corpus Christi and the Archdiocese of San Antonio. †
BISHOPS, from page 10
the bishops, but also invited them to hear directly from Pope Leo himself.
The bishop played a video of the pope addressing some of the U.S. concerns about synodality at a Jubilee 2025 gathering, where Pope Leo emphasized the importance of a patient and proper formation “on every level” about what it means to be a “Church which is synodal.” But Pope Leo also affirmed the Church in the U.S. already has many existing structures that “have great potential for being synodal” and encouraged them “to find ways of continuing to transform them into more inclusive kinds of experiences” for the laity, the clergy, and women and men religious, in order that all might feel “a co-responsible sense of belonging, and of leadership and accountability in the
MARY, from previous page
partnership between our parishioners and our school families,” said Deena Wolf, principal of St. Mary School. “The legacy and tradition of St. Mary is not only alive, it is thriving. Each generation builds upon the one before it, united in a common mission to provide an exceptional Catholic education for our precious students. We are blessed by the love and support of our parish family, whose investment in our children ensures that this legacy will continue for many years to come.”
Entertainment, lunch and runway models presenting the fashion portion of the show made for a glamorous afternoon. The event was emceed by two Galveston-
HOUSTON — Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez made an unexpected visit to members of the Caribbean Catholics of Houston as they gathered for a morning reflection on the Sacred Heart at the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Chancery, 2403 Holcombe Blvd.
Participants said Archbishop Vásquez’s appearance was a welcome addition to the morning.
“No one expected him,” attendees said. “What a pleasant surprise.”
Archbishop Vásquez greeted members of the group and spent time with participants during the gathering, which focused on devotion to the Sacred Heart. Those present for the occasion included Louise Salandy, O’nari Guidry, Anthony Church, Sister Odessa Sanford, S.F.C.C., Jocelyn Church, Konata Uzoma and Jessie Patrick.
Attendees described the visit as a graceful and uplifting moment that added to the spirit of the day’s reflection and fellowship. †
life of the Church.”
Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, California, chairman of the bishops’ Subcommittee on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, addressed his fellow bishops June 11 about preparations for the 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance to St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin in five years, and dioceses’ participation in the Intercontinental Guadalupan Novena.
Before the bishops went to consecrate the U.S. to the Sacred Heart, they heard reflections on the Sacred Heart of Jesus from three of their brother bishops.
The final day of the conference, June 12, was spent in executive session. The remaining bishops then returned home to their own dioceses to carry out the consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from their own cathedrals. †
Houston Catholic school alumni, Leslie DelasBour, a FOX 26 Houston reporter, and E. Desmond Taylor, a program administrator for Workforce Solutions.
“This fashion show means so much to me because it is not only raising funds to preserve and strengthen a legacy that I was blessed to be a part of as a child, but it also shines a spotlight on the rich history and culture of St. Mary Catholic School,” said Rodric Ferguson, St. Mary’s development and enrollment director.
Holding the celebration at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros, underscored the significance of honoring generations of educators and community leaders while highlighting the school’s enduring influence on Houston’s Third Ward and the broader community, he said. †
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“As someone who has left everything behind to follow God, I can honestly say that the joys of each encounter with Him and of my life in community have stayed more luminous in my history than all the difficult moments combined.”
Earlier this year, I visited my family in Brazil.While there, I went with them to see, for the first time, the amazing waterfalls of Iguaçu. I was in awe, and for a moment, I thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. Then, I remembered about other places I had visited in the past: the Dolomites in Italy, the Wave in Arizona, the beautiful beaches and islands of Brazil, and so on. I had also considered each of those the most beautiful, and I came away thinking that it is impossible for me to choose only one as the best.
One day, back in Houston, I was talking with a young woman who was discerning religious orders. During our conversation, I recalled something Chiara Lubich, the founder of my Focolare community, said when referring to different charisms in the Church and the saints who embodied them. She simply said that we could not compare one group (one religious order or movement) to another because the Holy Spirit can only inspire something good and beautiful. It is like comparing the
by JOELMA REGIS
Pieta of Michelangelo to the Ave Maria of Schubert; you cannot say that one is more beautiful than the other, for they each have a different beauty.
In these eight years of working at the Office of Vocations, I have accompanied many young women who entered the Benedictines, Carmelites, Dominicans, Salesians, Sisters of Charity, and other religious groups in the Church. I saw how happy and fulfilled they were with the community in which God had placed them. Were they happy because they joined the best community or the one with the most beautiful charism? Were they happy because they were going to wear the most beautiful habit or to live in the most beautiful convent? No, not exactly. That didn’t matter to them
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because they were living the Will of God, and they felt at home in that community.
There are no comparisons between the charisms of orders and movement of the Church. Even more than in nature or the arts, there is the beauty of God in each of them. And if you have discerned well, you will find a sense of belonging to the community that only God can put into your heart.
And if your heart is generous enough to take the first step in saying yes to God, then God will give you the grace to happily stay where He called you to be. As someone who has left everything behind to follow God, I can honestly say that the joys of each encounter with Him and of my life in community have stayed more luminous in my history than all the difficult moments combined — like big stars in a dark night — and I would not change that for anything! †
Joelma Regis is the associate director of the Office of Vocations.
(OSV News) — When the papal coat of arms was hung at the balcony of the papal Castel Gandolfo residence on July 5, locals knew that their main summer protagonist was on the way.
On Sunday afternoon, after praying the Angelus at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV came to the picturesque lake town for over three weeks of summer rest.
The joy was visible among those waiting to greet him.
“Good evening, Castel Gandolfo!” the pope said, welcoming the cheering crowds from the balcony. “Welcome!” someone shouted out from below — with the distance between the pope and the people much smaller than in the grand Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.
“Thank you,” the pope answered to the cordial laugh of the crowd. “I’m very happy to be here among you, to be able to spend the next few weeks with some rest, some prayer, some reading and hopefully some sports,” he said.
Calling coming to Castel Gandolfo “always an important moment,” he thanked the locals for the hospitality and for “being brothers and sisters.”
“I assure you of my prayers always, but especially during the next few weeks.”
The Prefecture of the Papal Household said on July 5 the pope would move to
Castel Gandolfo “for a period of rest, until Monday, July 27,” said a statement released just before the pope prayed the Angelus.
Rumors that he would spend a longer summer break in Castel Gandolfo had been circulating since April when news broke that the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo would temporarily close as renovations began in preparation for Pope Leo’s stay this summer.
According to an April 16 report by the Catholic television news agency Rome Reports, work on the residence began in May ahead of the pope’s anticipated arrival in July — which materialized July 7. The papal residence at Castel Gandolfo served as the summer residence of popes from 1626 until the election of Pope Francis, who chose to remain at the Vatican rather than retreat to the cooler hilltop residence outside Rome.
On May 10, 1626, Pope Urban VIII became the first pope to spend time in a place known as a perfect summer escape from the Roman heat for local residents.
Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence, stands on the ruins of Emperor Domitian’s first-century villa, later developed into a medieval castle by
the Gandolfi and Savelli families before passing to the Holy See in 1604.
Expanded and enriched by successive popes, it fell into disuse after 1870 but was restored following the 1929 Lateran Pacts, with its gardens unified and the Vatican Observatory relocated there in 1934.
Located about 15 miles southeast of Rome, the town has long relied on an influx of tourists during the pope’s stay. Pope Francis later converted the palace into a museum and opened the villa’s gardens to tours, drawing visitors year-round rather than only during the summer months.
The Castel Gandolfo property spans more than 135 acres, including 74 acres of gardens and 62 acres of farmland, along with three residences and a farm with chickens, rabbits, assorted fowl, cows and a small dairy operation.
The grounds also include fruit and olive orchards, vineyards, hayfields, vegetable patches, aromatic herbs, flowerbeds and plants often used to decorate papal apartments and meeting
rooms at the Vatican.
One of the largest summer events is the feast of the Assumption of Mary on Aug. 15, when the pope traditionally celebrates Mass for the town and thousands of visitors.
In the summer of 2025, Pope Leo celebrated Mass for the town on the Marian feast day, as well as Masses in several nearby cities. †
Before coming to Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo prayed the last Angelus from the Apostolic Palace window in the Vatican, recalling after the prayer Father Francis Xavier Truong Buu Diep, whom the Church beatified in the first-ever beatification ceremony held in Vietnam on July 2.
Killed in 1946 in hatred of the faith — “in odium fidei” in Latin — “amid oppression and violence, he defended the rights of the people and did not abandon his parishioners,” the pope said.
“May his intercession and prayers strengthen all those who proclaim the Gospel in situations of persecution today.” †
VATICAN CITY (OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV is calling for global solidarity and sending financial aid to Venezuela after the strongest twin earthquakes to strike the nation in over a century left at least 1,450 people dead.
The pontiff offered prayers for the victims. “Praying to the Lord for the eternal rest of the deceased, I renew my spiritual solidarity with their families, the injured, and all who have been shaken by this tragedy,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude for international rescue teams. The U.N. reported that more than 2,200 rescuers from 27 countries are searching for survivors after the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes hit La Guaira on June 24.
The Vatican has sent an initial emergency donation of 100,000 euros (US $115,000) through the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, Vatican News reported.
The pope and the College of Cardinals also remembered the people of Venezuela during the two-day consistory at the Vatican. Meanwhile, bishops’ conferences across Latin America, including Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, are mobilizing relief efforts and organizing special parish collections to provide food, medicine and vital supplies to
the devastated region. Catholic parishes have opened their doors to shelter displaced families and provide emergency assistance. Catholic Relief Services is working through Caritas Venezuela and the local Church to quickly deliver emergency shelter, food, safe water, medical care and other critical relief to those affected. To donate, visit www.crs.org. †
BY JAY SORGI Herald Correspondent
PHILADELPHIA — They were born and baptized into the Catholic faith in Texas and Wisconsin, California and Colorado, Pennsylvania and the Philippines. They all came for the thing that unites them, a love of Jesus in the Eucharist and a desire to share it in the public square on America’s 250th birthday.
Thousands of pilgrims gathered in the birthplace of the United States of America and capstoned its birthday celebration on Sunday, July 5, with a Mass with a special video message from Pope Leo XIV, before taking the final 2.2-mile procession of the 2,200-mile National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. It began 42 days beforehand on Memorial Day in St. Augustine, Florida, the first Catholic settlement in the U.S.
“The words of our Holy Father this morning just hit particularly close to home as we just celebrated the 250th anniversary of our country, to hear him talk about being one nation under God and what that means to be sent into our
Lord in the Blessed Sacrament,” said Raymond Martinez, a seminarian in the Diocese of San Angelo. He took the entire pilgrimage through 18 dioceses in 14 states, including all 13 original colonies.
“That connection is just a continued drive to see the beautiful universality of the Church and desire to continue to pursue our faith.”
Pope Leo attended nearby Villanova University and did landscaping work on
parish properties in the area while getting his undergraduate degree before entering the Augustinian order. The Chicago native and adopted son of Philadelphia said it was particularly appropriate to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country with a pilgrimage centered on God.
“As the country marks the anniversary of the founding of its earthly homeland, it is my hope that this experience as pilgrims will also help you to fix your eyes on the heavenly one, and likewise serve as a reminder that the Eucharist is an invaluable gift, our indispensable sustenance,” Pope Leo said in the video message to thousands inside the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, less than a mile from the “Rocky Steps” and the previous night’s fireworks celebration for America’s birthday. “It is precisely through her recognition and reception of this gift that the Church in the United States will find strength to carry on her charitable service to the wider society.”
Blessed Sacrament resided in America’s birthplace. The Cathedral Basilica, which is also the shrine of St. Katharine Drexel, hosted continuous Adoration for three days, a screening of the film Cabrini, which marked the life of America’s own St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, and the immersive, Catholic-centered sight-andsound experience called Luminiscence.
Many pilgrims, like a group of 27 from Oakland, California, also toured Philadelphia’s Catholic heritage, including national shrines of St. John Neumann and St. Rita of Cascia and historic churches from revolutionary times, including Old St. Mary’s and Old St. Joseph’s just blocks from Independence Hall where Catholics like Commodore John Barry and Charles Carroll worshiped, sandwiching a cheesesteak run or a fireworks show in between.
“We were able to pass so many, not only faith-filled, but also joyful experiences that I would imagine our pilgrims would just share endlessly with their families and friends,” said Father Erick Villa, the rector of the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California, who was born 10 miles from Manila, Philippines. Yet they did not forget the prime reason they were there.
“That brings so much joy in the heart of Christ Jesus, because there are people choosing to be in Philly, not just for the concerts, not just for the fireworks, not just for the gift of the 250th, however beautiful that is, but the gift of Himself, His very Self,” Father Villa said. The Mass and procession, shared in four languages, capstoned the trip for the thousands of pilgrims. It saw 50 bishops and priests from St. Augustine, Florida, to Oakland, concelebrate with Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez. His homily connected Pope Leo’s words of the weekend to the procession they were about to take, and centered them on the love of God which created every person with inherent human dignity, the kind that calls the Church to defend human life while going to the margins in responsibility to each other.
“What does love look like?”Archbishop
See PILGRIMAGE, next page
The Mass came on the fourth day the
In a continuing effort to provide pastoral care to victims of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel, Archbishop Joe Vásquez would like to remind the faithful of the Archdiocese of the availability of the Victims Assistance Coordinator. Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse by clergy or Church personnel is encouraged to call Diane Vines at 713-654-5799. Please keep in daily prayers the healing of victims of abuse and all who suffer in any way.
NOGALES, Ariz. (OSV News) — Five Catholic bishops from the U.S.Mexico border region led a day of pastoral accompaniment in Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico, June 26, as the U.S. approached its 250th birthday as a nation.
“We are here as shepherds of the Church,” said Bishop James A. Misko of the Diocese of Tucson, Arizona, prior to celebrating Mass inside Nogales, Arizona’s historic Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, less than half a mile from the international border.
He was joined by Bishop John P. Dolan of Phoenix; Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas; and retired Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson.
“This is an important place for us to be,” Bishop Misko said, “because this is where these two nations come together as the people of God. We are here to accompany these (migrants) who find themselves in a complex situation, and to pray for our elected leaders who govern the border, and those (in enforcement) given the very important task of managing our border.”
Following Mass, the bishops led about 200 worshippers in a Rosary and procession across the border into Nogales, Mexico, where they spent a brief time in adoration of the Eucharist at Parroquia de la Purísima Concepción. Along with migrant advocates, the bishops then met and dined at a local migrant advocacy complex before returning to the U.S.
“This was a day to say, ‘We see you, we hear you and we walk with you,’” Bishop Seitz said.
The events were co-organized by Kino Border Initiative, a migrant advocacy agency based in both Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Mexico, and Hope Border Institute, a similar group headquartered in El Paso, Texas, as well as the New York City-based Center for Migration Studies, a think tank and educational institute studying international migration.
During his homily, Bishop Misko urged the faithful to conform their hearts to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, adding that the right to migrate humanely reflects the dignity of those created in God’s image
and likeness.
Like Jesus Christ, he said, the faithful must be sensitive, compassionate and strong in all their dealings with people, including migrants.
“Our hearts must reflect these qualities,” he said.
Bishop Misko also urged prayer for governments and their leaders who craft immigration policy as well as the duly sworn personnel who manage the border and enforce the law.
“We pray that God will fill all hearts with His grace, so that we may see Christ in one another and protect human dignity as the greatest gift given in God’s providential love,” he said.
Prior to Mass, the bishops and advocates put the issue into context.
Bishop Dolan said contributions of immigrants to his state and others cannot be underestimated.
“We belong to a particular community that has continued to show an increase in immigration and refugees,”he said, noting many of these individuals offer potential support to the region’s agriculture.
Dylan Corbett, Hope Border Institute’s founder and executive director and a member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, emphasized the role of migrants in the wider economy.
“Our small business across the country is fueled by the contributions of migrants,” he said. “We (also) have many serving in health care.”
Juan Cuellar, Kino Border Initiative’s director of education and advocacy, said Church teaching that humans are created in God’s image and likeness supports the freedom to migrate humanely.
“Migration has been a core reality of the human experience for thousands of years. People possess natural rights to migrate to support themselves and their families,” he said. “Each country has the right to maintain and manage its borders with Christian justice and in a way that equates to a relationship with God and how we treat our neighbors.”
The bishops urged all parties to work for humane, dignified migration solutions. †
VATICAN CITY — More than 20 years after the Houston Astros made their first World Series appearance, a piece of that franchise history has landed not in Cooperstown, but at the Vatican. Pope Leo XIV recently received the baseball from the final out of Game 1 of the 2005 World Series from former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski. The ball was used when White Sox closer Bobby Jenks struck out Astros shortstop Adam Everett to secure a 5-3 victory over Houston. The game marked a milestone for the Astros, who were playing in the first World Series contest in franchise history. Houston’s lineup featured the famed “Killer Bs” — Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio and Lance Berkman — while Roger Clemens started on the mound.
The White Sox went on to sweep the Astros in four games, ending Houston’s first Fall Classic appearance. But the 2005 season remains one of the most memorable in franchise history and helped establish the Astros as a perennial contender in the years that followed. Among the 41,206 fans in attendance that night at Chicago’s U.S. Cellular Field was the future Pope Leo XIV, then known as Father Robert Prevost, O.S.A. A lifelong White Sox fan from Chicago’s South Side, he was even shown on the FOX television broadcast during the game’s final moments.
When Pierzynski presented the baseball to the pope, the exchange quickly turned into a shared moment of baseball nostalgia. “Hi, I’m A.J. Pierzynski,” the former catcher reportedly said. “Oh, I know who you are,” Pope Leo replied. “You don’t have to introduce yourself.” The pope revealed that he also attended Game 2 of the series.
Today, the baseball serves as both a White Sox keepsake and a reminder of a landmark chapter in Houston Astros history. † – James Ramos
Pérez asked, pointing to the cross near the altar, reflecting the action that changed the world 2,000 years ago.
“It looks like that. A man nailed to a cross. That love is not defeat. That love is victory, the outpouring of everything that He was and is on the cross for you,” he said.
That love led thousands of pilgrims to walk with Christ down world-famous Broad Street in Philadelphia, between the St. Katharine Drexel and St. John Neumann shrines.
Pilgrims experienced countless strangers engaging with them, asking questions, attempting to understand this expression of faith that many were encountering for the first time. Martinez said that what they saw in Philadelphia equated to his time in Boston, a center of Revolutionary War history and a place that turned strangers’ curiosity into opportunities for conversion.
“We walked past this corner, and this man ran out of his house and was like, ‘What is going on? This is so lively. They’re so excited,’” Martinez said. “We talked to him a little bit about what the Eucharist was, and we gave him some information. Don’t know what came of it. Maybe five years down the road, he’ll join the Catholic Church.”
The final moments of the pilgrimage came with hundreds packing the Shrine of St. John Neumann, where the Blessed Sacrament finally rested after 43 days on the roads of the East Coast, where at least 60,000 people and perhaps many more processed with Christ in the streets, many doing it to celebrate and pray for the country they call home.
“I think it was very much Holy Spiritinspired that they decided to have the conclusion here in Philadelphia where 250 years ago the Declaration [of Independence] was signed,” Emily Pearson of Loveland, Colorado, said. “It’s just very appropriate for it to end here.” †
El mundo de hoy, nuestras familias, culturas y sociedades necesitan a Jesucristo. Todos, sin excepción, necesitamos volver a lo esencial: la fuerza transformadora de la Buena Nueva del Evangelio. Nuestra condición humana es frágil; vivimos marcados por el pecado, las heridas y las divisiones. Sin embargo, Dios nunca deja de sembrar esperanza en el corazón de cada persona. Como recordaba el Papa Francisco: “Aunque la vida de una persona sea terreno lleno de espinas y hierbajos, alberga siempre un espacio en que puede crecer la buena semilla. Es necesario fiarse de Dios.” (27 de septiembre de 2013).
Precisamente por esa fragilidad necesitamos un Salvador, y ese Salvador tiene un nombre: Jesucristo. Él sana nuestras heridas, restaura nuestra dignidad y nos revela el amor del Padre. Pero antes de anunciar a Cristo, debemos encontrarnos con Él. Antes de evangelizar, necesitamos ser evangelizados; antes de proclamar el Evangelio, debemos permitir que transforme nuestra propia vida. La evangelización no es simplemente predicar, convencer con argumentos o
por ADRIAN HERRERA
repetir citas bíblicas. Es mucho más que un método o una estrategia. La Iglesia enseña que evangelizar consiste, ante todo, en dar testimonio de una vida transformada por Jesucristo. Como afirma Evangelii Nuntiandi: “Evangelizar es, ante todo, dar testimonio, de una manera sencilla y directa, de Dios revelado por Jesucristo mediante el Espíritu Santo... y ha llamado a los hombres a la vida eterna” (n. 26). El primer anuncio del Evangelio es el testimonio. Antes de hablar de Cristo, estamos llamados a transparentarlo con nuestra manera de vivir. Ese testimonio nace de reconocer humildemente que necesitamos la gracia de Dios. Cuando Cristo ocupa el centro de nuestra vida, incluso las cargas más pesadas adquieren un nuevo sentido. Evangelizar también significa proclamar que Dios nos ama, que en Jesucristo encontramos la verdadera felicidad y que ninguna realidad
“Sin embargo, Dios nunca deja de sembrar esperanza en el corazón de cada persona.”
pasajera puede llenar el corazón humano como Él. Finalmente, evangelizar es anunciar la esperanza de la vida eterna: para el cristiano, la muerte no tiene la última palabra; la última palabra la tiene Dios, que ha vencido el pecado y la muerte mediante la resurrección de Cristo.
La Nueva Evangelización retoma este mismo llamado con un nuevo ardor. El Papa León XIV recordó que la Iglesia no se anuncia a sí misma, sino a Jesucristo, y que la auténtica atracción hacia la fe nace de la acción del Espíritu Santo, no del protagonismo humano. Por ello, cada bautizado está llamado a ser un discípulo misionero que anuncie el
Evangelio principalmente con el testimonio de una vida transformada.
La Nueva Evangelización nos invita a salir al encuentro de los demás para compartir el encuentro con Cristo, su misericordia y su amor. No basta con proclamar a Cristo o celebrar a Cristo; estamos llamados a vivir en Él y a reflejar su presencia en el mundo. Solo así podremos ser testigos creíbles de la esperanza que el mundo tanto necesita. †
Adrian Alberto Herrera es director asociado de la Oficina de Evangelización y Catequesis.
Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial recibe el reconocimiento del Vaticano
VATICAN CITY — Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial (WWME) ha sido reconocido formalmente como una Asociación Internacional Privada de Fieles por el Dicasterio para los Laicos, la Familia y la Vida del Vaticano. El reconocimiento se formalizó en Roma con la firma del decreto, seguido de una audiencia con Papa León XIV, ambos eventos con la participación de una delegación de parejas, sacerdotes, obispos y religiosos de WWME provenientes de todo el mundo.
El decreto, presentado por el cardenal Kevin Farrell, prefecto del Dicasterio para los Laicos, la Familia y la Vida, afirma el lugar del Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial dentro de la vida de la Iglesia como un movimiento laico al servicio de los matrimonios y del clero en su vocación. “Marriage Encounter es uno de nuestros principales movimientos de enriquecimiento familiar en nuestra Arquidiócesis, ayudando a muchos matrimonios en su camino”, dijo Ricardo Medina, director de la Oficina del Ministerio de Vida Familiar de la Arquidiócesis. “Hoy contamos con una sólida red de ministros en inglés y español, y están presentes en aproximadamente un tercio de nuestras parroquias. Su presencia continúa creciendo, y han sido revitalizados tras una fuerte transformación interna en los últimos años.”
Durante más de 55 años, Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial ha brindado experiencias centradas en la reflexión, la comunicación intencional y el compromiso renovado, invitando a parejas, sacerdotes y religiosos a profundizar plenamente en sus relaciones y responsabilidades con la Iglesia. Lo que comienza como una experiencia de encuentro continúa a través de una red sostenida de comunidades que apoyan a los participantes en su vida diaria.
Mario y Millete Velazquez, coordinadores de WWME miembros en la Iglesia de St. Elena en Pearland, dicen que “La experiencia del fin de semana de Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial tiene como propósito principal ayudar a los esposos a fortalecer, renovar y profundizar su relación matrimonial, para que vivan plenamente el Sacramento del matrimonio y sean un reflejo del
El reconocimiento del Vaticano reconoce no solo la estructura del movimiento, sino también el testimonio vivo de quienes lo han impulsado: parejas, sacerdotes y religiosos que han dedicado su vida a fortalecer matrimonios, acompañar el ministerio y construir relaciones
WWME está presente ahora en casi 100 países, sirviendo a una comunidad global mediante experiencias que ofrecen herramientas prácticas para la comunicación, la reflexión y la
En un continuo esfuerzo por facilitar atención pastoral a las victimas de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, el Arzobispo Joe Vásquez gustaría recordar a los fieles de la Arquidiócesis la disponibilidad del Coordinador de Ayuda a Víctimas. Si alguien ha sido victim de abuso sexual del clero o del personal de la Iglesia, se les anima llamar a la Diane Vines al 713-654-5799. Por favor rece por la sanación de las víctimas del abuso y por todos los que sufren de alguna manera.
To see more listings in the Around the Archdiocese or to find the latest updates, visit www.archgh.org/ata.
JULY 16-18
GARAGE SALE, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (6646 Addicks Satsuma Rd., Houston). July 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $20 entry; 5 to 8 p.m., $10 entry; July 17, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., free entry; July 18, 8 to 11 a.m., 50% off sales; and noon to 3 p.m., fill a bag/box major sale. seascatholic.org.
JULY 18-26
NOVENA, 6 a.m., St. Anne de Beaupre (2810 Link Rd., Houston). Nine-day novena to St. Anne begins with Adoration at 6 a.m., Mass at 7 a.m. with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Friday, July 24, following 7 a.m. Mass until 3 p.m. Prayer breakfast on Sunday, July 26, following 9 a.m. Mass sponsored by Knights of Peter Claver #101. st.bernadette101@gmail.com.
JULY 25
DINNER & DANCE, 6 p.m., St. John the Baptist Parish Hall (110 E South St., Alvin). Catholic Daughters of the Americas St. John the Baptist Court #2073 hosts “Denim & Diamonds” catered steak dinner with live music and DJ, dancing, games, raffle, silent and live auctions. Cost: $40 thru July 19; $50 after; 832-755-5863; lelahoffmann5@gmail.com; alvincdacourt2073.org.
JULY 24-26
ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION, Hyatt Regency Houston Downtown (1200 Louisiana St., Houston). Friday at 2 p.m., the Ladies of Grace division of the Knights of Peter Claver Inc. hosts a game night featuring celebrity Bingo callers. Cost: $25 donation. Friday at 7 p.m., the Supreme General Chapter of the Meritorious 4th
Degree Ladies of Grace hosts an artist showcase featuring choirs, vocalists, praise dancers, and musical performances from groups across Texas and beyond. Cost: $20. Sunday at 7:30 p.m., St. Peter Claver Foundation hosts an evening Texas Western black-tie dinner with silent auction, dancing and live entertainment by Robert Allen Berry & Friends Band, celebrating education and community impact. Cost: $150 donation. 713-305-4764; joannebhenderson@yahoo.com; kofpc.org.
JULY 30-AUG. 1
GARAGE SALE, St. Theresa (705 St. Theresa Blvd., Sugar Land). July 30, 6 to 9 p.m.; July 31, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Aug. 1, 9 a.m. to noon. Sugar Land Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court St. Theresa of Lisieux #2211 hosts garage sale of adult and children’s clothing, shoes, toys, household items, linens, knick-knacks, furniture, holiday and more. Donations accepted at the Community Center on July 26, 1 to 6 p.m., and July 27 to 29, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 281-788-3318.
AUG. 2
AFRICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL, 2 p.m., St. Mary Purification (3006 Rosedale St., Houston). Event features Mass in multicultural languages of Africa, various cultural and liturgical dances, varieties of local food, display of artifacts and entertainment. Free entry. 281-917-2303; Aaachf2018@gmail.com.
AUG. 5
ADORATION HOUR, 7 to 8 p.m., Sacred Heart (507 S Fourth St., Richmond). Adoration Hour on the first Wednesday of the month to pray for vocations, with confession and Anointing of the Sick available. sacredhrt.com/adoration.
Food, clothing, emergency financial assistance, counseling, immigration assistance, veterans assistance, disaster recovery, refugees services, senior services and more. catholiccharities.org/need-help or 713-526-4611
Home visits, food network, disaster relief, clothing and furniture. svdphouston.org/get-help or 713-741-8234
San José Clinic
Primary and specialty health care services, counseling and mental health services, dental and vision. sanjoseclinic.org or 713-228-9411
Share it with thousands of print and digital readers. Scan the QR code to fill out the form and send your event to Around the Archdiocese. Learn more at ARCHGH.ORG/ATA
SEPT. 2
ADORATION HOUR, 7 to 8 p.m., Sacred Heart (507 S Fourth St., Richmond). Adoration Hour on the first Wednesday of the month to pray for vocations, with confession and Anointing of the Sick available. sacredhrt.com/adoration.
SEPT. 26-28
BAZAAR, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, St. Christopher (8150 Park Place Blvd., Houston). Live music, games, inflatables, raffles, ethnic foods and drinks. Free entry. ycastro@stchristopherhouston.org; stchristopherhouston.org/bazaar.
•••
For additional listings, visit WWW.ARCHGH.ORG/ATA
A-I – SUITABLE FOR ALL
• Minions & Monsters (PG)
• Toy Story 5 (PG)
A-II – SUITABLE FOR OLDER CHILDREN
• Sacred Heart: His Reign Has No End (NR)
• The Breadwinner (PG)
• The Mandalorian and Grogu (PG-13)
A-III – ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS
• Disclosure Day (PG-13)
• Masters of the Universe (PG-13)
• Pressure (PG-13)
• Supergirl (PG-13)
L – LIMITED MATURE AUDIENCE
• Backrooms (R)
• In the Grey (R)
O – MORALLY OFFENSIVE
• Jackass: Best and Last (R)
• Scary Movie (R)
▶ For full movie reviews, visit www.osvnews.com/category/reviews
2026 US-China Catholic Association Conference Nourishing Trust and Friendship: Following the Way of Christ
July 31 – August 2, 2026 University of Saint Thomas, Houston, Texas
The 2026 US-China Catholic Association International Conference remains the heart of USCCA’s mission - a place where encounter, listening, and shared faith give rise to lasting friendship.
The Conference will bring together Catholic leaders, educators, scholars, students, laity and members of the Chinese Catholic diaspora from around the world for a multi-day gathering centered on faith, friendship, culture, and community.
Learn more about the 2026 USCCA International Conference and register! MOVIE RATINGS By OSV News
Sígueme: The Archbishop
Best New or Redesigned Website: archgh.org
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The Texas Catholic Herald (TCH) and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Communications Office earned a record 10 honors at the 2026 Catholic Media Awards, presented June 19 at the conclusion of the Catholic Media Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The awards, presented by the Catholic Media Association (CMA), recognize excellence in journalism, photography and media produced in 2025.
The organizations received five firstplace awards, including two for “Sígueme: The Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez Special Edition,” a 56-page commemorative issue which honored the landmark appointment and installation of the Archdiocese’s third Archbishop in spring 2025, profiling Archbishop Vásquez’s life and journey back to Galveston-Houston.
CMA judges praised the edition’s “extraordinarily excellent quality,” citing its layout, design and editorial execution, and added, “Excellence across the board in this special section. Terrific work!”
A first-place award also went to the 2024 Annual Report, published by the TCH in collaboration with the Office of Development and Stewardship, which CMA judges said was “very clear, pithy, and to the point, with a clean, easily readable presentation,” noting that its “strong use of statistics adds value and helps support the content.”
Other first-place honors included:
• Best Social Media Campaign – Liturgical Seasons for “Easter Joy: New Catholics in Galveston-Houston” by Elizabeth Morales, Marcus Norwood, Sean O’Driscoll, James Ramos and Rebecca Torrellas. Judges said the videos were “phenomenal windows into the hearts and minds” of those entering the Church and that the storytelling serves as both encouragement and
a catalyst for interest in conversion.
• Best Photograph –Priesthood, Religious Life, Diaconate for “Clergy in Motion,” by James Ramos, which featured a motion blur of priests processing out of the CoCathedral of the Sacred Heart through the center aisle at the conclusion of Chrism Mass, praised by judges as a “wonderful, skilled image capturing movement at an important moment.”
A second-place award was given for Best Headline by James Ramos and Elizabeth Morales for “From Aloysius to Zélie: Woodlands Parish Opens Doors to Archdiocese’s Largest Parish
Reliquary.” Judges commended the “excellent” wordplay and said it drew interest to a topic that might otherwise be overlooked.
Ramos also earned a third-place award for Best In-Depth News and Special Reporting (Diocesan Non-Weekly) for “Voices from the Great Storm: 125 Years Since the Storm of 1900 That Changed Texas Forever,” which used longforgotten testaments of the Great Storm from Archdiocesan Archives. Judges called it an “unexpectedly gripping story” elevated by vivid writing and strong use of historical narratives of “bravery and survival.”
Both staff and Herald correspondents contributed to this year’s recordbreaking slate of awards, also earning two honorable mention awards for Best Coverage in Catholic Education for
“Catholic Education in Galveston Houston”by Annette Baird, James Ramos, Rebecca Torrellas and Jo Ann Zuñiga; and Best Reporting Series on Priesthood, Religious Life or Diaconate for “The Work of the Permanent Diaconate in Galveston-Houston” by James Ramos and Jo Ann Zuñiga, which profiled the 2025 permanent diaconate ordinations and more.
The Office of Communications also earned an honorable mention for its work in redesigning the Archdiocesan website, archgh.org, spearheaded by Sean O’Driscoll and assisted by James Ramos.
The Herald has been a longtime member of the CMA, formerly known as the Catholic Press Association, and has received many awards and recognitions from the organization since the Herald’s first edition was published in 1964 on presses in the basement of the Downtown Chancery. The TCH still continues to be printed in Texas today.
In 2023, James Ramos was elected to the CMA board of directors as southern regional representative, representing more than 280 CMA members across 14 southern U.S. states.
In 2025, he was elected as vicepresident, serving a two-year term as an officer. Ramos also chairs the CMA’s membership committee. In Atlantic City, he presented the 2026 Cardinal John P. Foley Award on June 18 at the Catholic Media Conference to Rob Kaczmarek, founder of Spirit Juice Studios.
CMA is an organization of Catholic publishers and media professionals united in the action of serving the Catholic Church around the world.
Incorporated in 1911 to serve the growing community of Catholic print publications in the U.S. and Canada, today its diverse membership, located across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Africa and Europe, uses all media platforms to serve Catholics, and the association serves its members through social and educational programs. †
of Sacred Heart
Nearly 150
Houston Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word celebrate 2026 jubilarians, commission new leaders
HOUSTON — The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston (CCVI) celebrated eight sisters marking milestone anniversaries of vowed religious life on Saturday, May 30, with a special Jubilee Mass and reception at Villa de Matel.
Priests from across the Archdiocese and Texas presided over the Mass, honoring Jubilarians: Sister Elizabeth Agnes Buckley (75 Years); Sisters Mary Tobin, Yvonne Pratka and Paulette Shaunfield (70 Years); Sisters Celeste Trahan, Gerard Earls and Katrina Le Grand (60 Years); and Sister Kim-Phuong Tran (25 Years).
The congregation expressed its profound gratitude for the sisters’ collective 490 years of faithful witness to the Gospel through lives of prayer, simplicity and service to others in ministries of health care, education, spirituality, social concerns, and vocations in El Salvador, Guatemala, Ireland, Kenya and the U.S.
During the homily, Father Raymond Cook, OMI, told the Jubilarians, many of whose years of apostolic ministry have shifted to quiet prayer and presence, that Jesus teaches us along the way that He desires our friendship more than our labor.
“A servant does things because they have to. A friend does things because they love to. Your jubilee isn’t a retirement party for years of hard labor; it’s an anniversary party of an intimate friendship, in which we invite others to partake,” Father Cook said.
Then, in June, the community congregation commissioned its new congregational leadership. At Villa de Matel, CCVI Sisters Ricca Dimalibot, Ethel Puno, Elizabeth Marisol Cruz Pérez, Kim-Phuong Tran and Helena Adaku Ogbuji were formally installed as the congregation’s new leadership at a June 27 Mass. Before sisters, family, friends and CCVI
associates, these new leaders pledged to support the spiritual and apostolic activities of the congregation through the next four years to 2030.
In April, Sister Dimalibot was chosen as congregational leader, with Sister Puno serving as assistant congregational leader and general councilor and Sisters Pérez, Tran and Ogbuji as general councilors. Together with spiritual and administrative stewardship, the newly commissioned leaders are responsible for implementing the congregation’s Chapter 2026 direction statements.
Father Paul English, CSB, presider and homilist, said during the Mass that the ministry of leadership is supremely important, though rarely in the idealized ways people often imagine. Referencing the Gospel of John, where Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, Father English reminded the sisters that leadership often manifests in small, quiet ways of meeting the needs of sisters and brothers even when those needs go unexpressed.
He acknowledged the magnitude of the work ahead as outlined in the direction statements, which call the general council to lead the sisters in a synodal way of life and to take Gospel-based risks alongside the people of God. He reminded them of their mandate to find and serve the suffering Christ in the multitude of those enduring poverty, injustice and oppression, echoing the congregation’s founding call from Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis.
During the Mass, participants extended their hands in blessing over the outgoing general council: Sister Celeste Trahan, congregational leader; Sister Dimalibot, assistant congregational leader and general councilor; and general councilors, Sisters Betty Campos Arias, Joyce Susan Njeri Mbataru, also general treasurer. †
HOUSTON — Herman Sutter, director of Library Services, library chair and creative writing teacher at St. Agnes Academy, was been named the 2026 recipient of the St. Katharine Drexel Award given by the Catholic Library Association (CLA). The annual award recognizes individuals or organizations who have made an “outstanding contribution to the growth of high school librarianship.”
Sutter has been a school librarian for more than 30 years. He believes that “only in the library will students discover the sanctuary to sit still and open their minds to the greatest mentors the world has ever known: Aristotle, Pascal, Shakespeare, Edith Stein and Tolstoy (and on and on),” according to the CLA.
A long-time reviewer for Library Journal, School Library Journal, and Catholic Library World, he is also an award-winning essayist for St. Anthony Messenger. He is the co-author of the research book, “Finding the Right Path: Researching Your Way to Discovery,” and the poetry chapbooks “Stations” and “The World Before Grace.”
As part of the award, he spoke at the CLA Spring Virtual Conference on how the act of reading is “mental practice for the spiritual work of discernment; reading requires that we learn to sit still, be patient, focus our attention, look for meaning, and listen to the voice of another, all of which is essential to spiritual discernment.” †
Chancery
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• Catechist Formation and Faith Development Coordinator - Catholic Schools Office
• Donor Relationship and Development and Stewardship Events Officer
• Executive Director, Camp KappeSchool of Environmental Education
• Facilities Maintenance TechnicianSt. Mary’s Seminary
• Administrative AssistantDevelopment and Stewardship
• Faith Formation
• Music Director
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• Communications
Liturgy
Secretary
Business Manager
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• Administrative Assistant
• Part-time positions
Heading on a road trip this month or have the little ones over? Take this TCH Kids! page on the road or leave it on the coffee table for an easy summer spiritual lesson and activity for kids of all ages.
When St. John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, Jesus accepted his mission on Earth! Find the hidden objects in this illustration of the Baptism of Jesus.
To find the scrambled words, read the Gospel from July 14, the Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 11:20-24. The words are listed in order as they appear in the Gospel reading. Find the answers at the bottom of the page!
The words are from July 14 First Reading, Isaiah 7:1-9. Find the words in forward, backward, horizontal, vertical and diagonal directions.