We have all witnessed the devastation of the wildfires that have destroyed and ravaged Maui resulting in the tragic loss of life and displacing many people. We have received information from Bishop Larry Silva, Diocese of Honolulu, on how we can best assist our sisters and brothers in Hawaii.
Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Paul J. Bradley, 77, and appointed Msgr. Edward M. Lohse, 61, as the fifth Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo. The resignation and appointment were announced today by the Holy See in Rome. Bishop-elect Lohse is currently the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Erie. Ordination of the new Bishop has been scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at St. Augustine Cathedral, Kalamazoo.
STATEMENT REGARDING THE FEAST OF ST. PATRICK, MARCH 17, 2023: Dear Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Out of pastoral consideration, I have decided to grant a general dispensation for our Diocese from the obligation to abstain from meat on Friday, March 17, 2023, the memorial of Saint Patrick. I quickly remind us all that no one needs to feel they must avail themselves of this dispensation. For those who do, I ask that you take on a different and particular act of Lenten discipline that day. Through the intercession of St. Patrick, may we continue, as he did, to recognize Christ present to us in all circumstances, guiding us along our Lenten journey. Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger. Assuring you of my daily prayers, and asking for your prayers for me as well, I remain Faithfully yours in Christ, Most Reverend Paul J. Bradley Bishop of Kalamazoo
The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley has released the following statement on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: “It is with great confidence in Christ’s promises, yet with sadness of heart, that we have received the news that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has been called from this world to the eternal life with our Heavenly Father. At the same time, we offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, who has “finished the race” here on earth, that he may enjoy at last the eternal rest and unending joy of the saints in Heaven.
Bishop Bradley has released a Letter to the Faithful regarding Prop 3, the radical and extreme proposed amendment to the constitution which would have Michigan become the most extreme anti-life state in the country, and most of the world. Read the full Letter here.
On the Feast of diocesan patron St. Augustine, Bishop Paul J. Bradley releases his latest pastoral letter, "Behold, I am making all things new": A Pastoral Letter on Priestly Spiritual Renewal and Prayer for Vocations. In his letter, the bishop announces a new diocesan year, beginning on the birthday of Our Blessed Mother, September 8, 2022, and outlines plans for priestly renewal and lay faithful participation.
The Diocese of Kalamazoo has released the following statement from Bishop Paul J. Bradley on the Motu Proprio*, Traditionis Custodes/Guardians of the Tradition, released today by Pope Francis.
January 20, 2021 (Kalamazoo, Mich.): The Diocese of Kalamazoo has released the following statement from Bishop Paul J. Bradley regarding today’s inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris: Bishop Bradley affirmed the statement today released by Archbishop Jose Gomez, President, USCCB, (click for full statement) on the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States. Bishop Bradley added, “On this day marking the transfer of leadership in our country, let us pray that our new President and Vice President will be open to God’s guidance, adhering to our principles of Life (from the moment of conception to natural death), Liberty (including religious freedom), and Justice for all.”
"In this troubling moment, we must recommit ourselves to the values and principles of our democracy and come together as one nation under God. I entrust all of us to the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. "~USCCB President Archbishop Gomez
Bishop Paul J. Bradley welcomes Pope Francis’ recent announcement, declaring the Catholic Church observe a “Year of St. Joseph”. In conjunction with the declaration, the Holy Father released an Apostolic Letter to the world, entitled Patris Corde/With a Father’s Heart. The Letter marks the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. This special “Year of St. Joseph” began on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2020 and lasts until December 8, 2021.