The Catholic Sun

Peter Dai Bui, who as a young boy escaped religious and political oppression in his native Vietnam following the country’s fall to Communism, was installed Tuesday (Feb. 17) as the second auxiliary bishop in the 56-year history of the Diocese of Phoenix in a joyful ceremony witnessed by all but two of his large family who emigrated with him. Bui was ordained during a Mass celebrated by Bishop John Dolan before around 2,000 worshippers, including clergy, seminarians, diocesan officials, dignitaries and laity at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Avondale, Ariz. There were more than 20 bishops and cardinals, over 200 priests and over 80 religious in attendance.

Although Deacon Simon Ortiz’s summer assignment ended at St. Mary’s Parish in Chandler, Ariz., parishioners are still requesting him to baptize their children. Ramona Murga, office supervisor of St. Mary’s, has to politely respond that he is now back in seminary, preparing for his priestly ordination.  The culturally diverse community hosts a yearly fundraiser for the seminarians and partakes in adopt-a-seminarian. So when Deacon Ortiz arrived at the start of the summer, they welcomed him with open arms.  Deacon Ortiz went right to work, thankful he was able to practice his Spanish, a real blessing to the roughly 40-percent of the parish community who are Spanish speakers. His ability to connect with any parishioner who walked through the doors made him well-loved among the people. 

More than 110 representatives of the Diocese of Phoenix gathered for a synod assembly on Saturday (Feb. 14) to discern the report summarizing the findings of the Synod of Young Adults, followed by a special Mass officially closing the Synod of Young Adults on Sunday (Feb. 15). The synod began last April with a day-long training for young adult leaders who helped facilitate peer-led listening sessions from mid-August through the end of November. Young adults — both active Catholics and those who are less affiliated or unaffiliated with the Church — were invited to share their concerns, insights and experiences on topics such as relationships, family life and personal involvement in the life of the Church.

The longer I live my faith, the more I am struck by the beauty and power of baptism as a lifelong mission that calls us into who we are. Baptism is more than an entry point into the Church. It is our awakening to a sacred mission that reveals a world far greater than any one person. Yet, in that vastness, God loves each of us uniquely and fully, without exception. This is true for every person, and baptism is our recognition of and commitment to live out this truth! 

Each year, the Charity and Development Appeal (CDA) raises funds to support more than 70 ministries, charities and organizations throughout the Diocese of Phoenix. The multi-million-dollar appeal, which impacts thousands of lives annually, launched in most parishes throughout the diocese the weekend of Feb. 7-8. This year’s CDA theme is “Faith Lights the Way,” inspired by John 5:16: “So, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

AllThrive 365, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and their caregivers age safely, independently and with peace of mind, received a $100,000 grant award from The Wellik Foundation to expand and sustain essential food, transportation and basic-needs services for Wickenburg, Ariz., residents. Operating out of the George & Vi Wellik Senior Center in Wickenburg as one of their locations of service, AllThrive 365 has long served as a critical lifeline in the rural area for older adults and low‑income households seeking connection, nutrition and stability. This grant strengthens their legacy of support, ensuring that vital, year‑round services remain accessible to every resident who needs them.

The first-ever Spanish-language cohort of students in the Diocese of Phoenix of those pursuing a certificate in theology and ministry through Loyola University New Orleans is set to begin studies Feb. 23.   LIMEX, Loyola’s Institute for Ministry Extension, is offering the program for adult learners interested in studying graduate-level theology. The courses feature Ignatian spiritual formation as students deepen their Catholic faith and explore the call to holiness in everyday life. 

When Omar Gómez thinks about what it was that drew him to becoming Catholic, he smiles. “I feel like God was using my girlfriend as an instrument so that I would turn to the path toward God.” That was four years ago when life looked different for Gómez. He was born into a nominally Catholic family in California that later relocated to Arizona. “My parents were Catholics, but they didn’t go to church,” Gómez explained. He was never baptized, and the family did not attend Mass. When he was just 16 years old, Gómez’s mother died, leaving him and his seven sisters. His father died a few years later, and just like that, Gómez found himself faced with the heavy responsibilities of family life. 

In “From Atari to the altar,” the second video of a four-part series on getting to know Bishop-elect Peter Dai Bui, the bishop-elect shares how a video game console played an integral role in his vocation to the priesthood.  Growing up in New Orleans, he and two of his brothers would often go to a friend’s house to play Atari video games after school. That’s when Bishop-elect Bui made a pact with God: he would sneak out every morning before school to attend daily Mass if God gave him and his brothers an Atari gaming console for Christmas. 

In 1858, Our Lady appeared more than a dozen times to Bernadette Soubirous, a humble 14-year-old girl from a poor family in Lourdes, France. The holy waters that sprang forth during one of these encounters, and the stone grotto where they took place, have become the site of 72 approved miraculous healings and continue to draw millions of visitors annually who are in search of physical and spiritual healing.  But not all who desire to make the pilgrimage are able to travel to France.   That’s where Our Lady of Lourdes Hospitality North American Volunteers come in.