Many happy returns, Pope Francis

“Being Church means being God’s people, in accordance with the great plan of his fatherly love. This means that we are to be God’s leaven in the midst of humanity. It means proclaiming and bringing God’s salvation into our world, which often goes astray and needs to be encouraged, given hope and strengthened on the way. The Church must be a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven and encouraged to live the good life of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaudium, 114).”  – Pope Francis

On behalf of the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Trenton, I extend our congratulations, very best wishes and promise of prayerful support to our Holy Father Pope Francis on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his election to the Chair of St. Peter. May the Lord Jesus Christ, whose Vicar you are, continue to bless and strengthen you as you shepherd his Church. Ad multos annos, your Holiness! 

Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D
Bishop of Trenton