As Catholics in the United States observe Respect Life month throughout October, we are encouraged to pause and remember the beautiful truth that every human life is precious, created in the image and likeness of our loving God.

Every August means the approach of a new academic year for young people and their parents across the diocese. Naturally, this can bring with it a range of feelings from eagerness and excitement to nervousness and uncertainty.

The title of the encyclical, “Magnificent Humanity,” in English, points to the immeasurable dignity of the human person as created in the image and likeness of God.

We celebrate this month the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV as the successor of St. Peter. As we did from the first moment of his pontificate, we express gratitude to the Lord for the gift of the Holy Father and entrust him to God’s protection as he carries out his duties as the Church’s supreme pastor. In greeting the world, the Holy Father’s first words were “Peace be with you all.” These words, which our Risen Lord spoke to his disciples, continue to anchor our hopes for our world, our nation, and our lives.