Bishop Neary’s Column

The catholic church has set aside the entire month of May to honor Mary, Mother of God. Not just a day in May, but the entire month. Some may wonder why. The reason is that this month is the time when spring is at the height of its beauty.

No one expected the cross, a Roman torture instrument, to become a symbol of hope, of love and of new life. It is one of the worst things that could happen to a human being. Yet in God’s mysterious plan, a wooden torture instrument becomes the tree of life.

The moment of death is holy and sacred. It is our crossing over from this world to the next. So often the terminally ill, if they are offered spiritual accompaniment and support, no longer fear death but embrace it with joyful expectation.

Nearing the first anniversary of his installation, Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., reflects on his time serving as the bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud.

“Humility is a word that comes to mind when I look at all the people and figures that we are honoring in the Diocese of St. Cloud in this new year of 2024,” writes Bishop Neary.

As Christmas approaches, we give thanks that the Word became flesh and chose to pitch his tent among us human beings. The greatest gift we have ever received, Jesus Christ, dwells within us and comes to us at every Mass.

November is a special month for us as Roman Catholics but also Americans as we celebrate National Vocational Awareness Month, World Day of the Poor and Thanksgiving.

In an Oct. 19 statement, St. Cloud Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., joined Pope Francis’ call for a day of prayer for peace on Oct. 27.