In his latest message from Rome, Archbishop Kurtz recalls the example of St. Luke the Evangelist and prays for his intercession as the synod prepares to “call forth new evangelizers to introduce Jesus Christ our Savior to the world in a fresh and vibrant way.” …
Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Luke, Evangelist, known to be a Greek doctor who converted to Christianity and was a companion of the Apostle Paul. How fitting it is during this Synod on the New Evangelization to recall a saint who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote the Gospel According to St. Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, returning us to the first proclamation of Jesus Christ our Savior.
Russian icon of St. Luke the Evangelist
Last evening, the American delegates, along with the experts, auditors, and others living in Rome, gathered at a reception at the Paul VI Hotel, just across from St. Peter’s Basilica. Those gathered represented a wealth of experience on evangelization! It was great to be able to join Cardinal Dolan in thanking each person for the contributions being made. Today, we will focus on the work of the small groups and begin to craft possible propositions on the new evangelization. We will be armed with Cardinal Wuerl’s wonderful summary from yesterday afternoon along with the rich tapestry of more than a week of interventions from virtually every corner of the world. (Cardinal Wuerl’s presentation will be in the Vatican Bulletins for you to read.)
May the Evangelist Luke intercede for us as we seek to call forth new evangelizers to introduce Jesus Christ our Savior to the world in a fresh and vibrant way.
Back home and to the north, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis will welcome a new leader, Archbishop-elect Joseph Tobin. I emailed him words of welcome and prayers. I know him from Rome and am grateful that he will be a neighbor. I also send prayers of gratitude and solicitude to Archbishop-emeritus Daniel Buechlein, O.S.B., who has served his local church so well, and to Bishop Chris Coyne, who has carried out fine service as the Apostolic Administrator during the interim.
Thank you for your prayers and messages. I appreciate hearing your thoughts and concerns as the Synod progresses.
