Georgia Bulletin

The Newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta

Our Auxiliary Bishops Columns

Our archdiocese is blessed with three auxiliary bishops, whose commentaries are featured here.

Our Auxiliary Bishops

“The invitation of Lent”

BY BISHOP JOHN N. TRAN

English  | En Español

This Lent, perhaps we can think about how to best share our gifts with those who need them most.  

Previous Columns by Our Auxiliary Bishops

  • Pilgrims of Hope in the Jubilee Year

    Two days after opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to inaugurate the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis opened a second Holy Door at the Rebibbia New Complex Prison in Rome.

    By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III 
    Published: January 24, 2025
  • Prayers for the dead an act of love and respect

    When I am not on a tight schedule and I find myself in Sandy Springs, I will sometimes pull into Arlington Cemetery to visit the graves of the priests and bishops of the archdiocese.

    By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, SM
    Published: January 9, 2025
  • A Christmas homily to remember

    In 2010 Archbishop Nikola Eterovic wrote a book titled, “The Word of God,” in which he advised those giving a homily at Mass to be well prepared, relevant and in general not go over eight minutes, the average amount of time for a listener to concentrate.

    By BISHOP JOHN N. TRAN
    Published: December 26, 2024
  • Hope on the horizon for our children

    The popes that have governed during my time as a priest consistently stress that the path forward in evangelizing the next generation is by stressing the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

    By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III
    Published: December 5, 2024
  • A prayer for service members and veterans

    When all is going well, in terms of national security, it may be easy to forget what we owe those who supply our constant protection. 

    By Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM
    Published: November 15, 2024
  • Called to be saints in our own place and time

    As we celebrate the great Solemnity of All Saints’ Day, I am reminded that none of those the church venerates as saints likely started their lives thinking they would one day be honored throughout the world.

    By BISHOP JOHN TRAN
    Published: November 1, 2024
  • The grass is not greener on the other side

    When we think “the grass is greener on the other side,” we may conclude that others are more blessed than we are if they have a better situation in life or have been successful in accomplishing goals. This should not be the case if the Lord is truly our Shepherd.  

    By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III
    Published: October 9, 2024
  • Regaining our sense of wonder

    From time to time we get reminders that our human experience, including our spiritual life, is composed of both rational and emotional awareness.

    By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, SM
    Published: September 19, 2024
  • The treasure of grandparents and the elderly

    This year, we celebrate the Fourth World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, instituted by Pope Francis to remind the church of the beauty of growing old and the obligation of Catholics to honor the elderly and their inherent dignity.

    By BISHOP JOHN N. TRAN
    Published: September 6, 2024
  • Be not afraid

    Although there is great uncertainty regarding what we think the future holds for our nation, we are reminded by the psalmist; “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. … Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob.” 

    By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III
    Published: July 11, 2024
  • The bountiful returns of marriage

    My parents were married in June, and, although any month is suitable for a wedding, June has long been thought of as the ideal month for marriage. I want to reflect here on the sacrament of marriage and the benefits it offers to couples and to the larger society. 

    By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.
    Published: June 17, 2024
  • Go forth and set the world on fire

    To all our graduates, our heartfelt congratulations for your achievements. The culmination of all the time, energy, sacrifice and work is fitting of a celebration with your family, friends and classmates.

    By BISHOP JOHN N. TRAN
    Published: June 3, 2024
  • A pilgrimage in the Holy Spirit

    In preparation for the Jubilee Year, the pope encourages everyone to dedicate themselves “to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer in one’s personal life, in the life of the Church, and in the world.”

    By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III
    Published: May 6, 2024
  • Praying the Liturgy of the Hours

    Jesus, in many instances in the Gospels, instructs his listeners to pray. So, whenever we stop what we are doing to pray or begin our day or end our day with prayer, we are following his earnest directive.

    By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, S.M.
    Published: April 19, 2024
  • Growing in grace and cherishing life

    How we value life will determine the culture in which our children are being formed. We champion the cause for life when we preach a consistent life ethic that values each person created in the image and likeness of God no matter how small or how guilty.

    By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER III
    Published: January 12, 2024
  • The precious gift of life

    As we continue to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas, my thoughts turn to the precious gift of life.  

    By BISHOP JOHN N. TRAN
    Published: December 14, 2023
  • A reminder of an apostolic calling

    Pope Francis received us warmly and made clear that his time was ours—as much as four hours, if we desired it. In the end, we 15 bishops from Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas spoke with him for about two hours and twenty minutes.

    By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, SM
    Published: March 5, 2020