Allentown Diocese...We Have A New Shepherd...!!!

The other day I posted about our new U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Sonja Sotomayor, and in that post I referenced the idea of CELEBRATION...

Well as of July 30, 2009, the faithful Catholics of the Diocese Of Allentown, Pennsylvania have reason for CELEBRATION...a new Bishop...a new shepherd...!!!

May The Lord's blessings be upon him in this new mission...!!!

Newly ordained a Bishop at the same time as his installation as chief shepherd of the Diocese, The Most Reverend John O. Barres, brings with him a youthful appearance and an interesting background...

The oldest son of former Protestant ministers, with four older sisters and a younger brother, and who was baptized by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, and who played JV basketball at Princeton University, chose for his episcopal motto---'Holiness and Mission'...!!!

Especially memorable at his installation homily were his words to the young people of the diocese:

"Know the hope and dreams I have for each one of you. Know that I realize that you want to understand and know the truth and person of Jesus Christ, the Truth and Person who will set you free.

Your deep and developing Catholic faith, your heroism in embracing the truth of the Gospels and Church teaching, and resisting negative peer pressure, helps to rekindle the faith of the generations that go before you. Thank you for that faith. Thank you for that heroism. Keep following the Light of Christ."

We pledge our loyalty to Bishop Barres and wish him well as he shepherds the flock of the Allentown Diocese!

And with initials J.O.B. he reminds us as Pope Benedict XVI did last October to study and pray the sacred Scriptures daily...!!!

Bishop Barres, a warm and hearty welcome to you, and may God's richest blessings be upon you...!!!