Our Auxiliary Bishops Columns
Our archdiocese is blessed with three auxiliary bishops, whose commentaries are featured here.
Our Auxiliary Bishops
“Praying for the custodians of the Catholic Church’s mission”
BY BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, SMEnglish | En Español
Until the white smoke is seen above the Sistine Chapel and the watching world emits a cheer, we will continue to pray for the repose of the soul of our recently deceased Servant of the Servants of God, Pope Francis.
Previous Columns by Our Auxiliary Bishops
Bishop Tran reflects upon the invitation of Pope Francis
“I am forever grateful to Pope Francis for teaching me how to live as a disciple of Jesus,” writes Bishop Tran upon learning of the Holy Father’s death.
ByBishop Shlesinger recalls pastoral charity of Pope Francis
“I thank God for Pope Francis, for he has taught me to be a better disciple, a more charitable man and a more pastoral bishop,” said Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger.
ByBishop Konzen reflects on Pope Francis’ leadership
“Starting with Pope Pius XII, I have enduring memories of the popes of my lifetime,” writes Bishop Joel Konzen. “But Pope Francis is the one who called me to the episcopacy and whom I’ve met one-on-one in Rome …”
ByFollowing Blessed Carlo Acutis
Although Blessed Carlo died of leukemia at the age of 15, his short but profound life taught us—young and old—many lessons in holiness.
By BISHOP JOHN TRANThe greatest nation with the biggest heart
If self-sufficiency, self-satisfaction and self-reliance are the only concerns of a nation, then it will never be a nation under God, who is love, but only a nation focused simply on self-interests.
By BISHOP BERNARD E. SHLESINGER IIIThe church’s tradition of extending care overseas
In addition to so many in the United States deserving our charity, the mission we have to those suffering elsewhere should not be forgotten.
By BISHOP JOEL M. KONZEN, SMThe invitation of Lent
This Lent, perhaps we can think about how to best share our gifts with those who need them most.
By BISHOP JOHN N. TRANPilgrims 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 IIIPrayers 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, SMA 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. TRANHope 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 IIIA 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, SMCalled 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 TRANThe 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 IIIRegaining 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, SMThe 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. TRANBe 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 IIIThe 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.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