Gulf Pine Catholic • May 8, 2026 7 228-539-9800 www.RiemannFamily.com Gulfport Pass Christian West Jackson County Biloxi Long Beach Hancock County He discussed new forms of warfare, including the latest technology that has changed its dynamics. “If you’re operating a drone, and at five o’clock you go home, after perhaps even eliminating someone, you don’t have the same kind of support that you have in a deployed location,” he said. “You go back almost as if you came back from, you know, a job in the bank. And so, I think that makes us all the more intentional about trying to help soldiers, airmen, sailors in those situations.” To support military families facing frequent relocations and separations, he recommended practical help. “Some-times even helping a parent watch [their] children as they attend to some sort of need,” he said. “Those things can all be great, great, great help for military families.” Looking at the faith lives of today’s service members, Archbishop Broglio, is encouraged. “I’m given hope by the kinds of questions they ask,” he reflected. “Certainly, by the willingness… young service men and women going into the priesthood or a religious life. Those are tremendous signs of hope. And I think the commitment that they have not only to serve the country, but also to grow in that faith life…those are all good signs of hope.” He concluded with gratitude for local troops: “I’m very grateful for what they do…[and] wish them well and thank them for the service that they render to the country. And also, I hope, their contributions to the local communities, the local Catholic communities as well.” BISHOP’S COLUMN From page 3 What are the riches of His glory? Not worldly wealth, but the gifts of heaven -- given to us through the Holy Spirit (cf. Isaiah 11:2-3). Wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord -- these gifts were poured out upon the Church (cf. Acts 2:1–4), transforming ordinary people into bold witnesses. These same gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to us when we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. God is at work in us through these gifts and each is a form of service (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7) and are meant to be shared. Wisdom reveals God’s plan (cf. Isaiah 55:8-9). Counsel guides us in difficult decisions (cf. Psalm 32:8). Fortitude gives us courage to proclaim Jesus without fear (cf. Acts 4:2931). Piety draws us into prayer and worship (cf. Hebrews 4:12). And as we receive these gifts, we are strengthened to live out the Great Commission. This means a shift -- from maintenance to mission. Our parishes, families, schools, and ministries must become places where disciples are formed intentionally. That begins with listening, sharing our own stories of faith, and walking with others as companions on the journey. Every ministry must have one clear goal: making disciples. If it does not, we must reevaluate it. To do this well, we need clarity of vision and a path for growth -- helping people move through the stages of faith and conversion, always accompanied by others. Small groups are especially powerful in fostering this growth. Leaders must be formed not just to manage programs, but to make disciples who make disciples. Partnerships across families, parishes, and schools will help ensure that every person -- child, youth, and adult -- is supported in their faith journey. Accompaniment is key. No one walks alone. May the eyes of our hearts be enlightened. What is the inheritance of the holy ones? It is eternal life with God (cf. John 14:2-3), but also the experience of His life now (cf. John 10:10). When we believe in Jesus -- truly believe -- it changes everything. In suffering, in uncertainty, in joy -- He is with us (cf. Matthew 28:20; Romans 8:35-39). In the Eucharist, we encounter Him fully -- His Body and Blood given for us (cf. Luke 22:19-20). In that moment, heaven touches earth. And in the gift of fear of the Lord, we remember that we are created, known, and loved by God from the very beginning (cf. Psalm 139:13-14). The greatness of God’s power -- revealed in raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right hand (cf. Ephesians 1:19-20) -- is the same power at work in us. This is what we pray for: that God’s love may be poured out upon us, that the Holy Spirit may fill us, and that His grace may transform us -- so that we may know Him, love Him, serve Him, and witness to Him. And as we are enlightened, we are also sent. My prayer is that we, as a Church, will hear and respond to the words of Jesus -- to make disciples, to baptize, to teach, and to trust that He is with us always, even to the end of the age. SEE BISHOP’S SPANISH COLUMN, PAGE 4 ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO From page 1 Prayer for Vocations God our Father, We thank you for calling men and women to serve in Your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to Your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen
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