The Catholic Sun

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.

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.