Our Guest Columnists Columns
The Georgia Bulletin features guest columns and spiritual reflections from laypeople and clergy from the archdiocesan community.
Our Guest Columnists
“A priest walks into a Waffle House ”
BY LAURETTA HANNON, CommentaryEnglish
It sounds like a joke, but a priest really did walk into my Waffle House that morning. He was an arresting figure–clad in a black cassock, exuding a commanding military air and, well, he radiated.
Previous Columns by Our Guest Columnists
Praying for the persecuted
As the church comes to the solemn week when we recall our Lord’s Passion, it is a good time for us to be praying for those who are in harm’s way as they preach and live the Gospel message.
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.Profound gratitude to God
Since ordination, I have been asked numerous times by those I encounter: How is the transition? The answer: From my perspective, it is going well. However, others may have a different opinion. If it is indeed going well, then I only have God and others to thank.
By BISHOP JOHN N. TRANPatrick: the saint and the legend
Separating the long-standing legends associated with St. Patrick and the man himself is a tricky task. The saint’s fame is worldwide, in every country, celebrated by millions on March 17, the day of his death.
By FATHER JOHN KIERAN, CommentaryPublished: March 8, 2023
A fire that still burns
Recently, we honored the men and women religious working in the Archdiocese of Atlanta who have done incredible things. For example, the Sisters of Mercy opened the first hospital in Atlanta in 1880 having arrived with only five dollars for their use.
By BISHOP BERNARD E SHLESINGER IIIViewing choices for Catholics
I just happened to hear a media commentator mention that he didn’t find much that he really wanted to watch on a very popular streaming service. He is probably not alone.
By JOEL M. KONZEN, SMOur Lady enters the room
I’d been meeting up with my friend at the Mexican restaurant for at least a year. Each time I’d bring the workers flyers about our college’s free ESL and GED classes. Without fail, I’d get a polite yet entirely lukewarm response when distributing these flyers.
By LAURETTA HANNONPublished: January 20, 2023
That they all be one: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is Jan. 18-25. The observance “invites all to respond to Our Master’s urgent plea for unity,” writes Father John Kieran.
By FATHER JOHN C. KIERAN, CommentaryPublished: January 11, 2023
Discovering God’s will in the new year
The beginning of a new year is a time when many resolve to be more self-disciplined in order to improve their health and lifestyle. However, as good as resolutions are for self-improvement, they may have nothing to do with giving glory to God.
By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER IIIThe Lord of Christmas and Easter
At Christmas, as well as throughout our year, it is in the Eucharist that we sit up and realize that Christmas and Easter must be one for us.
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.Published: December 28, 2022
Becoming a better companion of Christ
I recently attended an eight-day silent directed retreat in order to discern more deeply how the Lord is leading me as a bishop.
By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III, CommentaryLiving what we profess
According to Pope Benedict Emeritus XVI, the church has three obligations: “Evangelize, worship and care for the poor.”
By FATHER RICHARD WISE, CommentaryPublished: November 20, 2022
Bright spots in the realm of vocations
There is good news here in the Archdiocese of Atlanta in the realm of priests and religious orders.
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.That they may be one
Recently, I had the privilege of representing the Archdiocese of Atlanta at an event honoring the late Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu, a man who was pivotal in ending the apartheid regime in South Africa.
By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III, CommentaryAnswering the call to abolish the death penalty
In his September prayer intention, Pope Francis called on “all people of goodwill to mobilize for the abolition of the death penalty throughout the world.” As the faithful of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, in a state with active death penalty statutes, we should be committed to answering this call.
By JAYNA HOFFACKER, CommentaryPublished: September 30, 2022
Remaining healthy in ministry
When asked which is the most important commandment, Jesus responds with “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.Restoring a biblical worldview
Today, many of us are being formed and educated in front of a screen rather than in a family setting of prayer with communal reflection on the Word of God.
By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER IIIPriestly influence
One day, when Peter Julian Eymard was 5 years old, his sister found him on a stepladder behind the high altar, with his ear against the tabernacle. “What are you doing?” she cried out. He answered, “I am listening to Jesus.”
By FATHER JOHN C. KIERAN, CommentaryPublished: August 9, 2022
The impact of inner-city Catholic school closures
In all of the dioceses where I have served—Atlanta, Austin, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Lafayette in Louisiana, and New Orleans—I have seen the closure of some Catholic schools in the center of the city or near the center. I am aware of the same phenomenon having taken place in many other dioceses.
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.The grace of boredom
“I’m sooooo bored.” This has become a common summer phrase in our house, one I imagine other parents can relate to. My initial response is to roll my eyes, but a secret part of me delights in the spiritual significance of this uncomfortable state.
By SARAH OTTO, M.Div.Published: July 12, 2022