Dear Friends in Christ,
As many of you know, I spent the beginning of September in Rome for a seminar for 150 new bishops from around the world. It was a good conference, and I especially enjoyed meeting other bishops. Some of the bishops are in very challenging areas especially the five who came from Ukraine and about fifteen who are stationed in the Middle East. I was edified by all the bishops and their commitment to the Lord and the people.

On September 8, our group celebrated Mass at St. Peter’s basilica and prayed at the crypt we believe contains the bones of St. Peter the Apostle. We then proceeded to a meeting room in the Vatican where we were received by the successor of St. Peter, Pope Francis.

The Holy Father invited the bishops to ask questions and he addressed whatever topics were raised. I enjoyed the  Holy Father’s words about how each bishop should be close to others and not be a distant figure. He encouraged us to be close to: God, other bishops, our priests and our people, the People of God.

A bishop grows close to God through prayer and the sacraments. A bishop must be a man of prayer, with time in silent prayer at several intervals of the day. There also needs to be time spent with other bishops for fraternal support. This could include praying together or making retreats together. The pope reminded us not to be isolated but in communion with other bishops.

The Holy Father also spoke at length that a bishop should be close to his brother priests. This includes being present at parishes, gatherings of priests and visiting priests who are ill. The Holy Father emphasized that a bishop should be available to priests when they ask to speak with the bishop and try to answer those requests in a timely manner.

Finally, Pope Francis encouraged bishops to be close to the People of God. The bishop should find many ways to draw near to people, especially in times of difficulty. This is an important part of being a shepherd to the Lord’s flock.

I found great wisdom in the Holy Father’s remarks. I was very pleased to greet him at the end of the audience, carrying all of you in my heart as I did so. Please continue to pray for Pope Francis, and for me.  I look forward to the many ways we will grow closer to the Lord and one another in the Belleville diocese this year.

In Christ,
Bishop Michael McGovern