Gulf Pine Catholic • January 16, 2026 7 228-539-9800 www.RiemannFamily.com Gulfport Pass Christian West Jackson County Biloxi Long Beach Hancock County I spent a month in the hospital and lost 30 pounds. I was unable to lift my arms, unable to eat, and unable to celebrate or receive the Eucharist. In that profound weakness, the words of St. Paul took on a deeply personal meaning: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s realization -- that it is precisely when our own strength fails that Christ’s power is most fully at work within us -- became my lived experience. When Paul proclaims, “For when I am weak, then I am strong,” he is not denying suffering, but acknowledging a deeper truth: that true strength comes from surrender, humility, and dependence on God. In those moments when I could do nothing on my own, I came to understand that Christ was sustaining me completely. His grace was not merely enough -- it was transforming. Through that suffering, and later when I was ordained your bishop, I came to know in a new and lasting way that Jesus loved me, and that His power rests most fully upon us when we place our trust entirely in Him. Even in our sorrow and suffering, especially in our weakness, we are invited to embrace the Epiphany. Jesus is the star of our lives and the love of our lives, and He meets us precisely where we are. Each time we gather at the Altar -- the true altar of Epiphany -- we come seeking to encounter Jesus more deeply. When we approach Holy Communion and hear the words, “The Body of Christ,” it is meant to be an Epiphany moment. Our “Amen” becomes a wholehearted “Yes, let it be.” Yes, let the Light of Christ live in me, so that I may carry it back to my family, my friends, my coworkers, my classmates, and all whom I encounter. The Epiphany is meant to be shared. It is the love of Jesus revealed in our lives and offered to the world through the simple, faithful gifts we give each day. SEE BISHOP’S SPANISH COLUMN, PAGE 4 BISHOP’S COLUMN From page 3 Same mission, new logo We are excited to share the newly designed Little Sisters of the Poor logo! This logo is for all the Little Sisters of the Poor homes across the world. Some homes have already made the switch, while others are still in the process. At Sacred Heart Residence in Mobile, AL, we will officially make the change to the new logo on January 1. While the logo is new, our mission remains the same. The mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor is to offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcome as Christ, cared for as family, and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to Himself. This new logo conveys the mission of the Little Sisters very well. The mission of the Little Sisters is symbolized by the outreached hand which can represent the welcoming and supportive nature of the Little Sisters and the lay individuals who work alongside them. The hand holding the walking stick illustrates the Little Sisters commitment to the elderly. The dove symbolizes the Holy Spirit as well as the peace that should radiate within our Homes and to the outside. The phrase “Hospitality at Heart” evokes the fourth vow of the Little Sisters, which is hospitality. The choice of primary colors represents warmth and the vitality of the Congregation. We are excited for this new beginning and ask for your continued prayers and patience as we make this change. As we begin this new year, you will notice the new logo on our mailings, envelopes, website, newsletters, and other areas, but know our mission of providing compassionate care to the neediest elderly will always remain the same! For more information about the Little Sisters of the Poor, please visit their website at www.littlesistersofthepoormobile.org.
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