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A Most Holy Gathering: Celebrating 50 Years of Faithful Work
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Pictured left to right: Most Rev. Mark S. Rivituso, Auxiliary Bishop of St. Louis; Most Rev. John R. Gaydos, Bishop of Jefferson City; Most Rev. Christophe Louis Yves Georges Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio; Most Rev. Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis; Most Rev. James V. Johnston, Bishop of Kansas City/St. Joseph; Most Rev. Edward M. Rice, Bishop of Springfield/Cape Girardeau; Most Rev. John J. Leibrecht, Bishop Emeritus of Springfield/Cape Girardeau
The Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC) celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Jefferson City, Missouri. The Missouri Bishops gathered for this event, including Bishop Emeritus of Springfield/Cape Girardeau, Bishop John J. Leibrecht. The keynote address was given by a very special guest, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. He lauded the MCC for "building up the Kingdom of God" during its 50 years of service.
During his address to a large gathering in the Cathedral's sanctuary, Archbishop Pierre explained that he had read a brief history of the MCC. He observed that: "one cannot help but marvel at how the Spirit of God has been at work in you in the defense of Catholic school students, marriage and family life, in protecting the unborn, disabled and vulnerable members of society, and in your genuine concern for the poor and migrants."
Archbishop Pierre noted that the MCC's 50th Anniversary was being celebrated on the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Rosary. He said this Feast Day offered a fitting opportunity to reflect on the Church's mission of evangelization by considering the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.
The Annunciation, according to Archbishop Pierre, presents Mary as a model of discipleship: "At the Annunciation Gabriel finds Mary in silence and greets her." Mary is someone whose faith has grown, the archbishop said, "through an attentive listening to God, which allowed her to entrust herself to His plans for her life."
The Visitation challenges us to move "from listening and prayer to active engagement in the world," Archbishop Pierre remarked. "Having prophetic vision, he observed, requires seeing people and their situations for what they truly are and, having developed 'a heart that sees', responding in action."
Archbishop Pierre commended the Third Joyful Mystery, the Birth of the Savior, as a transforming event filled with joy that brings new hope to those on the point of despair. He invited those assembled at the MCC anniversary to see Christ in others: "How is Christ present in prisons and jails or even on death row? Your conference has been prophetic in showing compassion for victims of violence, while, at the same time, defending the life and dignity of the person, even someone guilty of a capital crime! When women, facing difficult choices about pregnancy, find themselves alone and despairing, you help them discover the path that leads to life - for themselves and their unborn children. That path - that way - is Jesus."
The Fourth Joyful Mystery, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, according to Archbishop Pierre, offers another opportunity for reflection on our call to be disciples by bringing Christ's message of hope and salvation to all the world.
Archbishop Pierre held up the Fifth Joyful Mystery, the Finding of Jesus in the Temple, as an example of the Church as a pilgrim Church: "Our journey together is about gathering God's children together in the Father's house. The Church, in a permanent state of mission, is always evangelizing, trying to draw more people into the joy of being in the Father's house."
Archbishop Pierre concluded his remarks by once again commending the MCC for boldly embracing its mission and prayed for the conference's continued success as it journeyed "forward in a permanent state of mission." |
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A Message From Pope Francis
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 Pope Francis sent a message for Archbishop Pierre to include in his keynote address. It was a special moment for everyone in attendance!
His Holiness Pope Francis asks you kindly to convey his cordial greetings and good wishes to all assembled for the celebrations marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Missouri Catholic Conference. His Holiness prays that this anniversary will be the occasion not only of gratitude for the blessings and accomplishments of the past half century, but also of a renewed effort to favor the pastoral effectiveness of the Church's mission in the State of Missouri amid the challenges and the opportunities of the present time. To the members and to all associated with the work of the Conference, the Holy Father cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in the Lord.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State |
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A Special Blessing by U.S. Papal Nuncio
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Below: Archbishop Pierre blessed a statue of Mary that will be placed in the MCC office.
If you weren't able to attend the 50th Anniversary celebration, you can see the day in pictures by visiting our Facebook page!
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MCC Executive Director Mike Hoey Awarded for 40 Years of Service
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Pictured above: MCC Executive Director Mike Hoey was honored with an award for his almost 40 years of faithful work with the Missouri Catholic Conference. Mr. Hoey is retiring at the end of the 2018 legislative session. The MCC is grateful to Mr. Hoey for his contribution to the conference's many legislative victories over the years! |
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