The Year of Hope, Continued and Renewed

On this past Monday morning in Baltimore, the Bishops of the United States began the November Plenary Conference in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.  As we have followed the path of Pope Francis through this Jubilee Year of Hope, so now we have been gathered under the leadership of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.  Francis’ last writings and exhortations on Hope, his tireless work for peace in the world, his prodigious missionary activity and prophetic call to service to the poor, are to be brought forward in new and exciting ways.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, giving his final speech to the assembly as retiring Papal Nuncio to the United States, summed up the transition as follows.  The two over-arching questions now for the Church are: Where did we begin?  And, Where are we going?  This question is essential to Christian discernment. 

"As we have followed the path of Pope Francis through this Jubilee Year of Hope, so now we have been gathered under the leadership of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV." 

The guiding light will be the vision of Vatican II.  This is still the key to understanding what kind of church we are today and where we are going.  Vatican II foresaw the future of the secularization of society and the road the world would travel.  At that time, sixty years ago, the Holy Spirit gave the church a remarkable, reliable guide for ecclesial discernment for the future, a map for the journey ahead, which yet was uncharted.  The documents weren’t fully understood at the time, but a structure was prepared for the world into which the church would be sent. 

The world today shows the political change and secular mindset that was foreseen.  Vatican II called for a new dynamism of pastoral ministry to grow and challenge that mindset.  Now at this moment, in our time, that vision calls for fidelity.  Creative renewal of the church is always the work of the Spirit, unfolding in the reality of the world.  That Spirit is at work in our Church, and is indeed alive in each one of us. 

"At that time, sixty years ago, the Holy Spirit gave the church a remarkable, reliable guide for ecclesial discernment for the future, a map for the journey ahead, which yet was uncharted."

To the question whether there will be a Vatican III, Pope Leo has responded.  The time is not right.  We’re still living in the time when the vision of Vatican II is still unfolding  the true mission of the Church.  A church which is outward-looking and joyful, a church which must establish that the Gospel is not ideological, a church, however, which is prophetic, merciful and united in service to the poor.  We shall carry ourselves forward as a pilgrim church, as initiated through Vatican II. 

In drawing new maps of hope, Pope Leo points explicitly to a renewal of catechesis and educational renewal, teaching the mystery of liturgy and the Word of God.  Education shall belong to the very heart of evangelization, in schools, apostolates, institutions, dioceses and parishes.  This convergence of charisms through religious education will give Catholicism its true place in society.  Education in truth and dignity is a right to every person, to make us builders of bridges and not divisions.  Education to become the basis of peacemaking, healing, forming consciences, and a luminous design to guide us out of the darkness.  This is to be a renewal at all levels, in parishes, family and group catechesis, schools, dioceses, institutions, and that education is never to lose the poor.  To lose the poor is to lose the school.  So says Pope Leo. 

"A church which is outward-looking and joyful, a church which must establish that the Gospel is not ideological, a church, however, which is prophetic, merciful and united in service to the poor." 

As I finish my week in Baltimore, I ask for your prayers for me, all our bishops, and the Church.  We are a Church rooted in Vatican II.  We have been prepared for this challenge.  Sent forth in unity as disciples and shepherds, you and I are called to bring words of mercy to those in need.  We walk with Pope Leo, and anticipate with great hope the next steps of his vision and how our mission is to be revealed.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Most Reverend Stephen J. Berg

Bishop of Pueblo

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