My dear family in Christ:

I write this at the end of a rather extraordinary seven days. Days filled with incredible graces and many challenges.

On Saturday, September 14th, I was privileged to celebrate the Mass of Solemn Profession of Sr. Macrina Caulfield, OSB, a member of the Abbey of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Westfield. Together with several priests, her large family and the other sisters, we offered worship to God as she committed herself perpetually to a cloistered life of prayer. I noted in my homily that just as many contemporaries of Jesus saw his suffering and death as folly and a waste, so many in our society might say the same for her: “What a waste that a gifted young women would waste her life in a monastery”. But just as the “wasted life” of Jesus brought salvation, so Sr. Macrina’s “wasted life” will bring countless graces to her and us. She has chosen the most important life, a life dedicated to God.

I traveled to Rome and landed on Sunday, September 15th to begin the new bishop’s course sponsored by the Dicastery for Bishops. While it has been a very full week of lectures and discussion, it has been a blessing. Not because the lectures were all inspiring (most have been in Italian) but because I’ve had the opportunity to share so much with almost 300 bishops from around the world. Though our pastoral situations vary because of cultural and political factors, the common desire to serve God and our people has been clear. It has made me realize that as big as the Church is, its mission is still the same as the one given to the apostles, go out into all the world and proclaim the good news. This is something all the “baby bishops” are trying to do.

Our meeting with Holy Father began with celebrating Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica and visiting the tomb of St. Peter. I was privileged with the other bishops to meet with Pope Francis. Though physically challenged, his joy and enthusiasm in his Petrine ministry remain strong.

On a more personal note, I’ve formed friendships with the new bishops from the USA which gives me a new fraternity to rely upon as I move forward in my role as shepherd. I’ve also learned to always travel with peanut butter because they serve fish a great deal in Italy.

I’m looking forward to returning home on the 24th and to get back to work strengthening belief in God and further enhancing love. Know that I have prayed for you all daily and I ask for your good prayers.

God alone suffices,

+John J. McDermott