The Catholic Sun

The University of Mary, in partnership with the Diocese of Phoenix, announced the launch of the Photina Center for Catholic Counseling, a new initiative dedicated to forming mental health professionals who are clinically trained and rooted in Catholic teaching on the dignity of the human person. This collaboration builds on the University of Mary's existing Master of Science in Counseling program, which is fully online, available nationwide and grounded in the university’s authentic Catholic identity and commitment to faith-filled formation.  Located in downtown Phoenix, mere steps from the Diocesan Pastoral Center, the Photina Center will serve as an in-person hub for select educational offerings, professional development and community resources. 

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.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Warning against increased cases of "cyber-slavery," Pope Leo XIV said the violence of human trafficking can be overcome only by seeing every individual as a beloved child of God.A "particularly disturbing" offshoot in the world of trafficking is "the rise of so-called 'cyber slavery,' whereby individuals are lured into fraudulent schemes and criminal activities, such as online fraud and drug smuggling," he said in a written message released by the Vatican Feb. 6. "In such cases, the victim is coerced into assuming the role of perpetrator, exacerbating their spiritual wounds."The "logic of dominion and disregard for human life," geopolitical instability, armed conflicts and the widening gap between the rich and the poor all help fuel the horrors of human trafficking, he wrote for the 12th International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking.

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! 

In “Globetrotting the Gospel,” the third video of a four-part series on getting to know Bishop-elect Peter Dai Bui, we learn about the bishop-elect’s frequent flyer and jeep driving journey to the Diocese of Phoenix, becoming a diocesan priest and his time serving at the Vatican. You’ll hear about his six years of service in the Pontifical Council Cor Unum where he received the title “Monsignor” from Pope Francis, a role in which he traveled to multiple countries, and the humble conversation with Bishop Olmsted that started it all.

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.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Leo XIV praised consecrated men and women for going to the world's peripheries and refusing to abandon their people, even amid conflict. "They remain, often stripped of all security, as a living reminder -- more eloquent than words -- of the inviolable sacredness of life in its most vulnerable conditions," he said Feb. 2 in his homily for Candlemas -- the feast of the Presentation of the Lord -- which also marks the Catholic Church's celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life.