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Compassion + Care: Resources Regarding Illinois' New Assisted Suicide Law
As Illinois' new physician-assisted suicide law takes effect on September 12, 2026, many individuals and families may have questions about…
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National Migration Week 2026
Join us on September 26, 2026, for "Even Just One of These Children," a day of prayer, formation, and fellowship…
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Stewards of God’s Gifts: Building the Kingdom of God in the Diocese of Belleville
As the Diocese of Belleville continues its mission of faith, stewardship, and evangelization, Bishop Godfrey Mullen, OSB, offers this reflection…
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Parish Picnics 2026
PARISH PICNICS 2026What a wonderful time to gather in fellowship and support local Catholic Parishes and Communities. All are welcome!…
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Flocknote: Stay Connected, Grow in Faith
Did you know the Diocese of Belleville uses Flocknote?Stay connected with the life of the Diocese of Belleville by signing…
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Holy Days of Obligation 2026
In the Catholic Church, Holy Days of Obligation are the days on which the faithful are obliged to participate in…
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Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal
Carrying the Diocese of Belleville to Rome
Dear Friends,
Being away from a parish when one is the pastor is always a mixed blessing. Time off is wonderful, but there is always work that piles up over time.
As I write this, I’m two days away from being gone for nearly three weeks. And I must admit a bit of anxiety. THREE WEEKS! Many wonderful things are happening in the diocese and then I leave for three weeks — almost all of that in Italy — for Bishop School in Rome and then for six days of vacation with my siblings and two friends.
On the one hand, being gone that long is a daunting proposition. But in our day of cell phones and email, it’s less problematic. My staff is great, too.
During this time away, I have two marvelous opportunities. On Sept. 6, along with the other new bishops from around the world, I will spend the day in Assisi, celebrating Mass and the Year of St. Francis. I look forward, Benedictine as I am, to making a pilgrimage to St. Francis. His vision for the Church is one I embrace: Rebuild my Church — those were the words he heard from the Lord on the Cross. In our diocese, there is momentum and numerous reasons for hope — 75 more new Catholics this Easter compared to the year before, 11 seminarians compared to five last year, just to name a few. St. Francis didn’t rebuild the Church in a day. But his vision for a hopeful future and his faith led to some amazing transformation.
Second, on Sept. 10, along with those same bishops, I’ll be treated to an audience with our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. After the audience, we each get to greet the Holy Father individually. Certainly, that is a moment of great grace for me. But more important, I am there because of you. As I step forward, I promise to be conscious of all of you and bring Pope Leo, our Illinois brother, our best wishes and our prayerful support. His ministry is so demanding and our prayers will surely be a consolation to him.
And so, while I’m apprehensive about being away from the diocese for this time, I’m also aware that I won’t be away from the diocese at all, except physically. I will have you all with me, certainly in my heart. But I will also be at home, in the midst of the Church, either here or there. Pope Leo’s motto is important for us to remember: In Illo Uno Unum (in the One, we are one). As brothers and sisters of Christ, we are called daily to that dramatic unity, displayed most obviously in the Body of Christ, always reconciling with one another, always seeking peace. As Christian disciples, we are all called to that daily work of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Count on my prayers for you all as I visit the Eternal City. May God’s abundant grace be poured out upon us every day. God bless you all!
In Christ,
Bishop Godfrey Mullen, OSB
