Diocese, Vatican II anniversaries coincide

Our 100th anniversary as a diocese coincides with another historic moment, the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council (2012-15).

Blessed Pope John Paul II called Vatican II ”The greatest religious event of the Twentieth Century,” and I would like for us to ”mark the moment” by saying ”yes” to Pope Benedict XVI’s invitation to the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, Ireland.

I will personally lead our Official Centennial Pilgrimage to Ireland: June 11-21, 2012. I invite those that are considering joining me to please sign up soon since there is limited space available.

The International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) is a rare moment of grace as the entire church reflects on Vatican II’s teaching that the Eucharist is the ”source and summit” of our faith because it is our encounter with the risen Christ himself. (Sacrosanctum Concilium).

Our official pilgrimage provider, Faith Journeys, has been in close collaboration with the lEC staff in Dublin. Those who have the blessing of going to the IEC will not only find the pilgrimage a great blessing for themselves; but upon their return, will help us all to deepen our devotion to the Eucharist, develop our Catholic identity, nurture lifelong faith formation and encourage all of us to be better stewards of God’s gifts.

Be assured of my prayers as we bring the spirit of Texas to the faithful gathered in Ireland!