Together on the Journey: A Weekly Word from Archbishop Hebda
I’d like to begin today’s Weekly Word by thanking each of you for your outpouring of support for Bishop Kevin Kenney, whose episcopal ordination we celebrated today. From the many who participated in Vespers yesterday evening at St. Olaf, Minneapolis, to the thousands who joined at the Cathedral this afternoon for the ordination, your presence made this a memorable celebration and a fitting welcome for an inspiring servant leader. I am so grateful he has joined Bishop Izen and me in shepherding this Archdiocese.
Months ago, Bishop Kenney reflected on the significance of his ordination taking place today, the feast of Saints Simon and Jude. In particular, he noted – with self-deprecating humor – how Saint Jude is the patron of hopeless causes. All jokes aside, this saint is well loved and implored by many to pray that loved ones will come to know the love of Christ through his Church.
Each fall, we begin to see the fruits of some of those prayers as hundreds of adults throughout the Archdiocese begin the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). For those entering, it is often the result of months or years of searching for meaning and truth. Some may have already encountered our Lord in some way and now recognize that they are being called to enter the Catholic Church. I’m always grateful that this discernment is so often aided by the witness of Catholic spouses and fiancés. Those who have prayed for these individuals can now joyfully accompany them on the journey into full communion with the Church, which culminates at the Easter Vigil.
Sadly, this isn’t the case for all Catechumens, as some enter OCIA without the support of family and friends – at times, even against their wishes. These women and men have already begun to experience a conformity to Christ and his suffering; discipleship does indeed come at a cost. Yet what we gain in Christ is so much greater than what the world may make us give up.
In a world of hopeless causes, Christ remains our hope. Let us focus on that hope today, praying with deep trust for all those preparing to enter the Church, as well as for those who are still far away. Saint Jude and Saint Simon—pray for us.
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