From the Archbishop

The term “Catholic imagination” refers to the fact that we Catholics often have a unique way of looking at things and understanding things. As an example, I recall once being in a conversation with some non-Catholics discussing what our churches taught in matters of faith. It struck me that when the non-Catholics spoke of their “church” they meant the congregation to which they belonged. They spoke about what their pastor preached and what he explained to them. However, as a Catholic, when I spoke about my “church” I meant the Church throughout the world in union with the Pope. It struck me that the Catholic imagination is different. When we speak about the “Church” we tend to mean the Universal Church in union with the successor of Peter.

The term “Catholic imagination” refers to the fact that we Catholics often have a unique way of looking at things and understanding things. As an example, I recall once being in a conversation with some non-Catholics discussing what our churches taught in matters of faith. It struck me that when the non-Catholics spoke of their “church” they meant the congregation to which they belonged.

The Holy Spirit greatly blesses the Archdiocese of Mobile. Allow me to give two examples of God working powerfully in our midst.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. As we begin the season of Lent, please allow me to share some thoughts with you.

I am always grateful to God for our wonderful priests. They are truly blessings to all of us as they minister to us. On Thursday, February 21, I was particularly proud of our priests. On their own initiative, and without encouragement from me, some of our priests banded together to celebrate Masses where they would pray together with our immigrant brothers and sisters during these times which are fraught with fear and anxiety for our immigrant neighbors. Masses were celebrated in Baldwin, Houston, Lee, Mobile, Montgomery, and Russell Counties. I joined in celebrating the Mass in Baldwin.