Did you know you can (and should!) bless an Advent Wreath at home? Click here to join us in embracing this sacred tradition of blessing as we make ready our hearts and light the way to Christmas.
"Pope Francis said recently, 'This is the heart of the Christian faith: God whose love has drawn near to you, to me, to everyone in his Son Jesus, wants to share in your life, your work, your dreams, and your thirst for happiness. Love is the true meaning of all religion. Spreading that love to the ends of the earth is the church's mission.' Today, the bishops-elect, the Lord consecrates you to lead in that mission." - Archbishop Gomez, Los Angles Episcopal Ordination Homily
The Ordination Mass for a bishop is rich in symbolism and meaning, but we can miss these beautiful moments of the liturgical celebration if we aren’t fully aware of all that is happening. Although already ordained priests, the bishops-elect will celebrate a third and final degree of the sacrament of Holy Orders (1st-Diaconate, 2nd-Priesthood, and 3rd-Episcopacy). This third and final ordination will bring them into the fullness of the priesthood.
The role of a co-consecrator is exactly what the name implies; they are bishops who stand alongside the main ordaining bishop, which in this case will be our own Archbishop Gomez, and jointly confer the sacrament of Holy Orders upon the bishop-elects.
You might wonder why auxiliary bishops have titular churches. These are ancient but now-inactive churches from around the world, serving as a connection between the bishop and the universal Church.
In Church heraldry, a bishop’s personal episcopal motto is a short phrase unique to each bishop that encapsulates his personal faith, and is an integral part of his Coat of Arms.
Each bishop has a personal coat of arms designed for them by a professional heraldic designer. Each one is different, but they all have a few key elements in common. Each bishop has a personal coat of arms designed for them by a professional heraldic designer. Each one is different, but they all have a few key elements in common.
Today we pray for all of our children who are ready to come back to Church but don’t know how to take the first step. May the Holy Spirit inspire many to come to their aid so that they receive encouragement and guidance in their return to the Church.
Today we pray for all of our children who we have adopted spiritually. May they come to know about the love and care of the Father through our actions, our presence and our relentless intercessory prayer.
Today we pray for all of our children who feel lonely and abandoned by God. May the veil of this evil deception be lifted through the loving hands of their family and friends so that they come to know a privileged closeness with God as his sons and daughters.
Today we pray for all of our children who fear estrangement if they openly practice their faith. May the Holy Spirit fill them with courage and joy to openly embrace the call to discipleship and holiness.
Today we pray for all of our children who feel their sins are too big to come back to God. May they notice the ever-longing gaze of the Merciful Father and may we encourage them to run back to him.
Today we pray for all of our children who do not agree with the teachings of the Church. May the Holy Spirit seep through any opening in their intellect and in their heart so that they may experience a holy enlightenment.