The Catholic Sentinel
October 26, 2007
http://www.sentinel.org/node/8450
Archbishop John Vlazny Friday received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the Portland-area Archbishop's Prayer Breakfast. The more than 120 people rose to their feet to honor their spiritual leader. This month, he observes the 10th anniversary of the announcement of his posting to the Archdiocese of Portland from rural Minnesota.
Earlier, the archbishop noted that the past several years have presented challenging times for the archdiocese, which just emerged from bankruptcy this year. The abuse scandal has hurt all of us, the archbishop said, creating divisiveness. He is inviting members of western Oregon parishes to gather in small prayer groups to reflect on reconciliation to bring about change.
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| Archbishop Vlazny and Al Corrado confer during Portland prayer breakfast. Photo by Ed Langlois |
"Our uncertain financial responsibilities have at last been determined, but the work of healing and reconciliation continues among us," the archbishop told the group.
In his homily after the readings, the archbishop commented on the generosity and resiliency of the faithful during the four years of the bankruptcy litigation.
"They knew our church had to continue its evangelizing mission," he said.
He said that God is still in charge of us, pointing to the increase in the number of seminarians studying for the priesthood in western Oregon. Another hopeful sign of God's provenance, he said, is the success of last year's Archbishop's Catholic Appeal.
The goal for the 2007 Archbishop's Catholic Appeal was $3.3 million. Funds support a wide range of ministries, ranging from pastoral care and Catholic schools, to ministry program support and seminary education.
The archbishop told the group he is grateful for their help.
"You helped me carry out my mission in one of our most challenging times," he noted. "Early next year, I will look to you again for help with the next appeal."
The gathering at the Oregon Convention Center is one of three being conducted in the archdiocese; the others are in Eugene and Salem. Membership in the Salve Regina Society comes automatically with gifts to the Appeal. Various categories are included that are based on the size of the gift.
Musical selections were performed by a five woman group that included a flautist and pianist.
The archbishop invited breakfast go-ers to consider joing him on his pilgrimage next spring to Lourdes, France.
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