Pope Francis encourages the bishops, priests, and religious of Slovakia to work for a humble Church in the freedom of the Gospel, the creativity of faith, and in dialogue that promotes unity.

Celebrating his final Mass on Slovak soil near the National Marian Shrine of Šaštín on Wednesday, Pope Francis invites Slovaks to imitate Mary in her journey, her prophecy and her compassion.

Xavi Argemí is a young man who can’t walk or do the normal things other young people do. But he wants the world to know how happy he is. An interview published in the new online magazine “Adamah Media.”

This is Bishop Mueggenborg’s final “Ask a Bishop” column for Northwest Catholic. On July 20, Pope Francis appointed him bishop of Reno, Nevada, where he will be installed September 24. Please join us in praying for Bishop Mueggenborg as he begins his new ministry.

God requires much from us; don’t shrink back, but go on with the courage of one who knows “If God be for me, who can be against me?”

I wasn’t going to write this morning, as Toby’s godparents and their four girls are still here with us, and we have a day full of plans. I didn’t want to close out this particular series of letters, however, without a word about the Blessed Mother. 

Next week we begin a Jubilee Year to mark the 250th anniversary of Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, the first church founded in what is now the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, on September 8, 1771.