From the Archbishop

On Tuesday evening of Holy Week, I stopped by Cathedral Square to express my gratitude to those serving dinner to people experiencing homelessness. On this particular Tuesday, volunteers were there from St. Mary and St. Pius X parishes. These two parishes have committed to serving on months in which there is a fifth Tuesday. A family from St. Ignatius Parish was also helping to serve the meal.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. As an archdiocese, we are blessed by the multicultural heritages represented in our parishes and parish missions. In particular, the Church recognizes our Hispanic Catholic brothers and sisters who, by their heritage of faith, witness and loving service, enrich the Archdiocese of Mobile.

Earlier this year, I was invited at Little Flower Catholic School to participate in preparing Easter baskets for the elderly residents at the Little Sisters of the Poor Residence. I thought to myself, would the lower grades understand the word "elderly"? The teachers were using the phrase "old people."

On August 14, the Church celebrates the Feast Day of St. Maximilian Kolbe. This priest and martyr was a prisoner in the concentration camp of Auschwitz. A group of 10 prisoners were condemned to death as punishment for the escape of a prisoner. With heroic virtue, St. Maximilian Kolbe offered his life in exchange for the father of a family.

During the month of August, we celebrate International Youth Day. I have been blessed in my pastoral visits to parishes, schools and college campuses to interact with our youth and young adults. They have a great love for the Catholic Church and cherish the gift of our Catholic faith. That same spirit was reflected in Pope Leo’s video message regarding vocations to young Catholics attending SEEK 2026 in January. The Holy Father called the thousands of youth and young adults to “be open to what the Lord has in store for you.”