Bishop Steven Biegler

President Trump announced the end of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), which affects roughly 800,000 youth who arrived in the USA prior to their 16th birthday.  Many have lived in this country since they were small children.  Often they know the United States as their only home.

Some will respond with anger and outrage.  Others who support the President’s position will react with satisfaction that he has fulfilled his campaign promise.  However, our country is still suffering from the division experienced in the last election, and fostering greater division will not be helpful.  Nor will it necessarily help the DACA youth.  Reckless speech is the language of fools.  That way of speaking has become popular, even among our leaders.

But we are called to speak in the fiery tongue of the Holy Spirit, not allowing free rein to our wills, but seeking the guidance of the Lord.  Strong words and firm resistance are needed, but in a prayerful spirit which seeks what is best for the youth affected.  Let us use our energy to search for a new solution for this issue through prayer and the hard work of collaboration.

Please pray for the gifts of wisdom, courage and justice for members of Congress.  Contact them and urge them to work together for the good of our nation, and the future of DACA youth.  The USCCB published a statement regarding the cancellation of DACA, which has been posted on our website, dioceseofcheyenne.org.

Every September in Rome, the Vatican hosts the newly ordained bishops from the past year.  Some refer to this gathering as “baby bishops school.”  I am in Rome for this purpose, along with about 115 other new bishops from around the world.  We begin tonight (Wednesday) at 7:00 PM with an hour of Eucharistic Adoration.

Each day a speaker will present a specific topic.  Over the next three days the topics are as follows.

Thursday:  “Episcopal Ministry as a Journey of Collegial Discernment” with Archbishop Luis Ladaria, Prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith.  I remember him from when I was a seminarian in Rome 25 years ago, because he taught one of our theology courses at the Gregorian University.

Friday:  “The Bishop and the Comprehensive Care of Priests” with Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster in England.  I am aware of how important this topic is.  The lives of priests are stressful, and I see their care as a top priority.  I am looking forward to hearing more about this topic.

Saturday:  “Pastoral Discernment in a Media Culture” with Monsignor Lucia Adrian Ruiz, Secretary for Communication.