the bishop

to remind us once again of the importance of living a sacramental life, of resuming attendance at Mass every Sunday, of how each day should be marked with prayer.

In my life as a priest and a bishop, I have never encountered someone who left the practice of the faith, even if it was just for the two months of summer – and saw how their distance from the Church made them happier. I have never had a conversation with someone who vacated their faith and said, “I am so much happier now than I was when I practiced my faith “faithfully.” And the reason for this is that they lost the “connectedness” between themselves and the Lord which left them with an empty feeling – something they would admit if they were honest about it. I learned that no one ever felt happier when they walked away from the Lord – but just the opposite: the sure guarantee that if one wants to find happiness, they always find it when they are engaged in things like Mass, the Eucharist, Reconciliation, daily prayer, etc.

Looking back, I have no recollection of a “sad” summer vacation, and I am sure that being connected to my faith life had something to do with it. My prayer for you is that, halfway through the summer you yearn for the happiness that only these can bring to your life. I am sure this is what the Lord wants for you, and I pray what you want with your union with Him.

A blessed and joyful summer to you all.

ON SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 2023 BISHOP FRANCIS MALONE ORDAINED DEACONS KELBY TINGLE AND GABRIEL CISNEROS CAMPOS TO THE PRIESTHOOD FOR THE DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT. The ordination was held at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans where a crowd filled the Cathedral until it was standing room only. Both men were celebrated by the faithful of the Diocese as well as their families both near and far. At the end of the ordination, Bishop Malone had one more surprise up his sleeve - a mariachi band! In Mexico, ordinations often include a mariachi band, and to honor Father Gabriel he had a mariachi band conclude the Mass.

Following the ordination both newly ordained priests went to a reception held at Loyola College Prep where there was food, music, and the priests offered their first blessings.

The following day, both priests held their Mass of Thanksgiving - Fr. Kelby said his first Mass at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans with Fr. Peter Mangum while Fr. Gabriel said his first Mass at Christ the King with Fr. Fidel Mondragon. We wish both new priests the best of luck as they begin their first assignments. Fr. Kelby will be joining Msgr. Matthew Long as associate pastor at St. Jude in Benton and Fr. Gabriel will be joining Fr. Jerry Daigle as associate pastor at St. Joseph in Shreveport.