My dear family in Christ, 

Soon after his episcopal consecration and his subsequent arrival in Vermont in 1853, our first bishop, Louis de Goësbriand, sought permission from the Holy See to take as our diocesan patroness the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception.  Bishop de Goësbriand understood that for him to be successful in building up the Catholic faith in Vermont, he would need the powerful intercession of Our Lady.  His devotion to Mary proved to be fruitful as the Church grew and blossomed in Vermont during his episcopal leadership. 

 Now as we face the most critical moment in our diocesan history since Bishop de Goësbriand’s arrival, I am asking that we all renew our devotion to Mary, our patroness. As her prayers strengthened and sustained the early days of the Catholic faith in Vermont, may her prayers now lead us to a profound renewal in faith, hope and charity so that her Son’s Church may continue to bear witness to the love of God throughout the Green Mountain State now and into the future.  Whether this devotion is expressed in praying the Rosary, the Memorare or the Novena to Our Lady Undoer of Knots, may her motherly care be a constant source of hope and consolation for us all. 

 Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us your children in Vermont now and lead us to your Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, so that we may share eternal life with Him in the glories of heaven. 

 God alone suffices! 

 +JMcD