Currently we in the Diocese of Shreveport Louisiana are without a Bishop. I hope when Pope Benedict is considering these matters ,and those that consult him, that even in this faraway corner of the Cathlolic world we get a Bishop like the new one they have in Lake Charles.
The Latin Mass Society of Lake Charles blog reported last night that he might be issuing a statement on the implementation of extraordinary form of the Roman Rite as well as thoughts on the recent CDF document.
I looked at the Diocese of Lake Charles Web Site and saw that this wonderful message by the Bishop has been uploaded today.
This is the A Pastoral Letter by His Excellencey, The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles that was read in all churches of the Diocese last Sunday. It is the first pastoral letter he has written as Bishop.
The letter was written on the feast of Feast of St. John Vianney and focuses on vocations. Not only priestly and religious but that is one the main focuses. The Bishop realizes that the answer is in part getting back to the fundamentals. Here is just a segment:
The context for this prayer for vocations to the priesthood must be the Eucharist. The priesthood finds its origin in the desire of Jesus for His Church to "do this in memory of me." Love for the Eucharist opens the hearts of a priestly people to respond to the call and to embrace further the call to sacramental priesthood.
Beginning with the feast of St. John Vianney, I invite you to enter more fully into an environment of vocation through prayer centered on the Eucharist. With the assistance of the Very Reverend Deans, we will institute throughout the diocese a program of Forty Hours Devotion. In this devotion, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for a period of time, accompanied by readings from the Sacred Scriptures, the rosary, meditation, and concluding with Benediction. Each parish takes a turn in hosting this devotion. Through it we will express our desire as a diocese to live our Christian vocation with a particular emphasis on raising up priestly vocations in our midst. In this way we will answer Our Lord’s request, "Ask the harvest-master to send workers to his harvest" (Luke 10:2).
To accompany this year-long Eucharistic devotion, I am asking the Catholic schools and religious education programs to promote Eucharistic Hours for the intention of priestly vocations. Holy Hour on the eve of First Friday is a praiseworthy way for a parish to foster prayer for vocations. When the liturgical calendar permits, a Votive Mass for Priestly Vocations can be celebrated. Joined with the many other efforts to promote vocations, sponsored by our Vocation Director, Director of Seminarians, Vocation Recruiters, and Serra Club, I am confident that this increased Eucharistic prayer will bring many graces.
St. John Vianney, known as the Curé of Ars, is the patron of parish priests because of his zeal. He heard confessions for lengthy hours each day. He was dedicated to the religious instruction of his parishioners. His devotion to the Eucharist was intimate and total. On his feast, I ask his prayers for us. May we all discover the loving plan of God for us. For us who have responded, may that plan be clearer. For those who wait, may they hear God’s voice and say "yes."
I pray that my future Bishop as well as all Bishops have the same attitude.
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