For us Catholics, everything is always both universal and local. In other words, the local Church (diocese) is a living embodiment of the universal Church, and it maintains that important characteristic by being faithful to Christ under the leadership of its bishop, who is joined to all bishops around the world under the successor of St. Peter.

Much has been written this past week of the extraordinary visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United States. His itinerary encompassed a wide range of activities and audiences, all of them important to the Church: a meeting with President and Mrs. Bush; vespers and an address to the bishops of this country; Masses before huge crowds at Nationals Park in Washington and Yankee Stadium in New York; an address to the United Nations; a visit to a synagogue; an intimate gathering with victims of clergy sexual abuse; meetings with Catholic educators, inter-religious leaders, young people (and a special gathering for youth with disabilities), priests, religious, seminarians; and a prayerful stop at Ground Zero to greet relatives and friends of the victims of September 11.

In each of these venues, Pope Benedict revealed himself as a humble and loving pastor deeply concerned for his flock, full of hope that if we take Christ at his word we will be full of hope and peace. I had the privilege of being present for vespers with him at the Basilica Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington and for the Mass in Nationals Park. I learned many years ago to read his words attentively, because God has blessed him with uncommon insight and the ability to illuminate the gospel with clarity. I was not disappointed during this trip, and I have gone to the internet to print the texts of his talks for further reflection.

Knowing the value and depth of the Pope’s words, however, this time I also found myself drawn to the intensity of his personal presence: warm, engaging, peaceful, joyful. He speaks English fluently with a distinct German accent, and throughout the visit he was vigilant to communicate the gentle and heartfelt nuances of his message with great care. Here was a pastor speaking to his flock about what was vital and life-changing both for him and them. Here was a father telling his children of his love and, more importantly, of God’s love. Here was a preacher proclaiming gospel lessons Christ wants us to remember.

I mentioned earlier that the Church is always both universal and local. Providentially, less than 48 hours after Pope Benedict gathered with Catholic Educators, 500 people from around the Diocese of Joliet gathered at Joliet Catholic Academy for our first “Summit on Catholic Schools,” whose purpose was to provide a forum to discuss issues facing us as we move Catholic schooling into the future. It was an extraordinary event, one I believe will set the stage for the future of Catholic schools in our diocese.

Our Superintendent, Sr. Helen Jean Kormelink, O.S.B., had been present with other Catholic educators when the Pope offered words of encouragement, and she came to the Summit with his message of hope. The universal came to the local, and we were linked to the Holy Father by our participation in the Summit.

I was struck particularly by these words of the Pope:

“The sacrifice [of those who helped build the system of Catholic schools in this country] continues today. It is an outstanding apostolate of hope, seeking to address the material, intellectual and spiritual needs of over three million children and students. It also provides a highly commendable opportunity for the entire Catholic community to contribute generously to the financial needs of our institutions. Their long-term sustainability must be assured. Indeed, everything possible must be done, in cooperation with the wider community, to ensure that they are accessible to people of all social and economic strata. No child should be denied his or her right to an education in faith, which in turn nurtures the soul of a nation.” He added, “Are we ready to commit our entire self, intellect and will, mind and heart – to God? Do we accept the truth Christ reveals? Is the faith tangible in our universities and schools? Is it given fervent expression liturgically, sacramentally, through prayer, acts of charity, a concern for justice, and respect for God’s creation? Only in this way do we really bear witness to the meaning of who we are and what we uphold.”

The Pope spoke eloquently as our universal pastor of the very things to which we need to be attentive in the Diocese of Joliet. I am grateful to him and to the hundreds of Catholic school supporters who began a process this past Saturday through which we will develop a plan to ensure that our schools are truly Catholic and offer the highest quality education; that they are available, accessible, and affordable; that they are administered by well-trained and dedicated educational leaders and teachers who receive a just salary; and that our longstanding Catholic American commitment to the poor and immigrants is generously and lovingly continued.

I encourage you to visit www.uspapalvisit.org for a full account of the Holy Father’s Apostolic Journey to the United States.

Do you have a petition for Bishop Sartain’s prayer list? You may send it to him at:

Bishop Sartain’s Prayer List
Diocese of Joliet
425 Summit St.
Joliet, IL 60435-7193