The Wednesday Update

Visits to Seminaries Later this week I will be visiting St. John Seminary in Camarillo, California.  We have a number of seminarians studying there.  I will be present for the Mass of Candidacy on Oct. 19.

Oct. 9, 2019 Priests Retreat This week and next many of our priests are attending another session of our ongoing retreats for priests. Msgr. Chester Borski, S.T.L., will present “Reflections on the Priesthood in the Light of the Gospel of Luke.” The monsignor’s background includes serving as a priest, assistant pastor, diocesan

Re-cap Catholic School Pastor, President, Principal Convocation I celebrated Mass with school principals and members of our diocesan Schools Department in Our Lady’s Chapel at the conclusion of their annual convocation.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis will finally fulfill his desire to be a missionary to Japan when he visits the country, as well as Thailand, Nov. 20-26, the Vatican announced.

Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference Statement on Brush & Nib Decision We are grateful that the importance of religious liberty was recognized today by the Arizona Supreme Court in the case of Brush & Nib Studio v. City of Phoenix. The case involves two Christian artists who only want to create art that is consistent with their artistic and religious beliefs. Today’s ruling striking down a Phoenix law that had threatened their ability to do so by potential government coercion is, therefore, a positive development for religious liberty. After all, the freedom to practice one’s religion is fundamental to our way of living and should never be reduced to a “freedom of worship” that limits these rights to the confines of church property. As we have stated previously, the Catholic Church supports the human dignity of people of all faiths, and even those of no faith, while firmly opposing any forms of unjust discrimination. We consider ourselves blessed to live in a county that values such freedoms and respect for all people. Thankfully, the reality still remains that Arizona has the ability to serve every person while making room for valid conscientious objection for the purposes of religious freedom. Accordingly, we applaud today’s ruling in the Brush & Nib case as a positive step forward in recognizing these inalienable rights. Most Rev. Edward J. Weisenburger Bishop of Tucson Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted Bishop of Phoenix Most Rev. Eduardo A. Nevares Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix Most Rev. James S. Wall Bishop of Gallup

Please note: The Diocese of Tucson offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2 in observance of Labor Day.   As with many communities, Tucson has its “on” and “off” seasons.  Now that schools and colleges  have  begun again, we soon will see the return of our winter visitors and along with their return, we begin to plan for many annual events in our diocese. This also is the time to begin new programs.  Here is a short list of upcoming events or programs; I will periodically try to highlight this information.  The items below, along with others,  also can be found in the September edition of the Catholic Outlook

The Wednesday Update took a short break. It will return Aug. 21. Please note that the Diocese of Tucson offices will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 15 in observance of the Feast Day of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation.

Update: Transforming a juvenile facility On Monday (July 22), the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3 - 2 in favor of allowing Catholic Community Services to move asylum-seekers temporarily housed at the former Benedictine Monastery in Tucson to vacant sections

Update: New home for asylum-seekers This afternoon, diocese and Catholic Community Services representatives met with officials from the city county, three consulates, religious leaders and leaders from other organizations working with migrants. The meeting was to discuss and bring greater understanding among the group members about the decisions made by CCS to continue efforts to move asylum seekers from the former Benedictine Monastery in Tucson  into an unused part of a county juvenile detention center.

Troubling allegations require thorough review   The media is reporting alarming allegations of sexual misconduct against minors, inhumane conditions, and improper retaliatory actions on the part of certain Customs and Border Patrol agents at the Yuma, Arizona holding facilities.  These deeply troubling allegations have been made public by Department of Health and Human Services workers.  

Prayer for the Fourth of July Below is a prayer written by George Washington, our nation’s first president.  See how the words of the past still resonate with us as they reflect on the need for justice, respect and the inclusion of God in our work.

U.S. Bishops decry horrific death of father and daughter at the border and the appalling conditions for children June 26, 2019 WASHINGTON—The cry of a father and his baby daughter who drowned crossing the Rio Grande reaches heaven itself. This unspeakable consequence of a failed immigration system, together with growing reports of inhumane conditions for children in the custody of the federal government at the border, shock the conscience and demand immediate action. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, joins Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, in calling on the federal government to hear the cry of the poor and vulnerable.

Great strides by US Bishops in Baltimore The USCCB meeting exceeded my expectations. We overwhelmingly approved three crucial documents which will guide the Church forward in relation to bishop accountability.