Bishop Mulvey celebrates fifth anniversary of his episcopacy

Bishop Mulvey celebrates Mass of Thanksgiving for his five years as bishop of the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

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Bishop Michael Mulvey celebrated the fifth anniversary of his installation as bishop with a special Mass on March 25. More than two-dozen priests and deacons from throughout the Diocese of Corpus Christi participated in the Mass at the Corpus Christi Cathedral where a standing-room-only gathering of the faithful converged from throughout South Texas to commemorate the bishop’s five years of service to the diocese.

When reflecting upon his last five years as bishop, three particular highlights stand out for him.

“Although there were many more highlights, I particularly enjoyed getting to know the priests of the diocese and learning to build a presbyterate with them; visiting the parishes throughout the diocese and spending time with parishioners in their parishes; and being present to inmates in our detention facilities,” he said.

During his homily, Bishop Mulvey recalled the day he was asked to serve as bishop and responded with a “Yes” to God’s call, much like the Virgin Mary did more than 2000 years ago. He called on all Catholics to also say “yes” to will.

Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody joined other priests from the diocese to celebrate Bishop Mulvey’s fifth anniversary. It was Bishop Carmody’s retirement that made possible his elevation to the episcopacy, Bishop Mulvey said. Rebecca Esparza for the South Texas Catholic

“Her simple, humble ‘Yes, Let it be done to me’ remains the hallmark and model for every person. As our lives become more complicated and our lives become more polluted with so much false teachings, we need, as a Church, to take a step back and live in the humility of that simple, young virgin in Nazareth,” Bishop Mulvey said.

The bishop warned against the human inclination to go against God’s will. “We live in a world where human will wants to reign supreme, as if we know everything, as if we know what’s best. The true follower of Jesus Christ, has the courage to stop, turn off the noise, reject the falsehoods and simply stand in front of our savior and say ‘Let it be done to me.’”

He called on everyone within the church to stand together in unity.

“The answer to our problems in daily life, the answer to our concerns, is Jesus Christ. Through our baptism, Christ is alive in each one of us, deep within us. He is there. God lives in us, with us and among us. As we march forth in this world of ours, we march forth together, with Jesus among us. When we are gathered together in unity, he is there. Let us continue to see God’s will in our own lives. Mary is the model of ‘Yes’ to God’s will,” he said.

“God bless you and thank you for these beautiful five years together. On Dec. 11, 2009, I got that call,” Bishop Mulvey recalled. “My response was an immediate ‘Yes.’ These have been some of the most beautiful five years of my life. Let us all continue to say yes to whatever God asks of us, so we may serve him, love him and see his presence in each other and especially in the poor.”

Rhonda and Sam Ganz, longtime members of the Bishop’s Guild, brought gifts up to the altar during the Mass and noted they felt honored to participate in the celebration.
“We will never forget the chance to be part of this special Mass to honor Bishop Mulvey and are humbled at the chance to play a small role in celebrating his fifth anniversary,” Rhonda Ganz said.

Kristina Spate said his homily touched her deeply and resonated.

“His message was meaningful and timely, considering what’s happening in our world right now. I was deeply affected by it and will continue to reflect on what he said,” she said. “He talked about making more time for God and having a deeper, stronger connection with God. There are so many distractions in our world now, it’s sensory overload.”

Spate said there used to be a time when stores were closed on Sundays. Now they provide 24/7 access to almost anything. The bishop’s homily reminded her that it is important to have time to just sit still, pray, be alone and reflect on one’s faith.

After the Mass, attendees gathered outside in the courtyard for a reception to honor Bishop Mulvey. Therese Schneider, who has been a member of the Cathedral Choir for the past 28 years, said she was thrilled to be a part of the anniversary celebration.

“It meant a lot for me to participate and honored to lend my voice to commemorate this special occasion. It was a beautiful Mass,” she said.

“I feel so blessed to have had the chance to be a part of this celebration. I volunteer for just about anything church related that I have the opportunity for. Volunteering for the church makes my life complete,” Dr. Mary Jane Garza, a member of the Bishop’s Guild said.

As for the future of the diocese, Bishop Mulvey said he wants to continue building and forming his presbyterate spiritually and strengthen educational opportunities.

“I’m dedicated to increase the number of new vocations. It is important that we continue to develop our efforts for evangelization and catechesis on all levels, beginning with the children and youth. This includes our CCD programs in the parishes and Catholic Schools. I want to see them develop a strong love for the Gospels and the word of God and apply the word to their lives in order to evangelize themselves to be missionary disciples,” he said.

Bishop Mulvey would also like to see a deeper appreciation for the sacraments and liturgy.

“Campus and Young Adult Ministry also must continue to develop in parishes and in the diocese,” he said. “Another important area that we are now beginning to explore is adult education, especially the area of Catholic Social Teachings and Doctrine.”

He has the highest hopes that speaking and acting on important issues within the Church will be emphasized in the coming years, he said.

“It is important that we–clergy, religious and laity–have a solid grasp of the Church’s rich heritage of social doctrine–respect for human life and human dignity, the family, economy, poverty, immigration. Finally, I hope and pray for unity–that we can join together in the oneness of mind and heart worthy of Christ’s Body in order to be a strong witness of Jesus Christ.”