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Por Padre Miguel Ángel Rodríguez Carballeda, sacerdote de la Arquidiócesis de Puebla, México Este artículo fue publicado originalmente en Vatican News Poco a poco, la Iglesia se acerca a dos fechas de enorme significado: en orden cronológico, viviremos el V Centenario de las apariciones de la Virgen María al santo Juan Diego en México, en 2031 y, dos años después, en 2033, el II Milenio de la Muerte y Resurrección de Jesucristo, nuestro Salvador. Ambas recurrencias, íntimamente unidas en el plano de la fe, no debieran ser, para quienes vivimos en este tiempo, acontecimientos triviales o meramente circunstanciales: con toda certeza podemos decir que tienen en el corazón de Dios –quien sigue llevando hacia adelante la historia de la salvación de los hombres– un valor específico de gracia y bendición. Todo, absolutamente todo lo que sucede en nuestra vida y en nuestra historia, se halla bajo la mirada del Señor que, desde el comienzo del universo, anhela colmar de Su vida y felicidad a todas las cosas por Él creadas, si bien cada una según su orden y perfección. Celebración en la parroquia de Saint Paul, Nampa La acción de Dios, desde el principio, no ha menguado ni mucho menos terminado, sino que continúa, llena de fuerza, día a día, momento a momento, hasta su realización final: con razón, el apóstol san Pablo afirma en la Segunda carta a los Corintios que Cristo es un sí permanente de parte de Dios, y no un sí y después un no (cf. 1,19-20). En efecto, la voluntad divina de salvar a todos los hombres es vigente, actual y siempre renovada en el transcurso de la historia. Para quienes habitamos el mundo en este todavía joven siglo XXI, la conmemoración de ambos acontecimientos es una oportunidad para vivir, verdaderamente y con mucha fuerza, un auténtico tiempo de gracia, un espacio de encuentro, de reflexión responsable, de profunda gratitud y de intenso empuje hacia adelante, con bríos renovadores y esperanza firme en el porvenir. Central y única será la celebración de la Redención, pero no menos relevante la de las apariciones de Guadalupe, habida cuenta de la íntima unión de María al plan salvífico del Hijo de Dios, y también de la singularidad del fenómeno guadalupano, que llevó al Papa Benedicto XIV a referirse a él con aquellas palabras del Salmo 147: Non fecit taliter omni nationi, esto es, No hizo nada semejante con alguna otra nación. Sin pretender ofrecer ahora puntos de reflexión particulares sobre estos dos acontecimientos, estamos, sin embargo, en condiciones de ponerlos delante de nuestra mirada de fe y procurar suscitar, con la acción de la gracia y de la intercesión de María, al menos tres reacciones desde el fondo de nuestro ser: 1) asombro alegre, 2) gratitud y examen de conciencia, y 3) petición humilde. Peregrinación durante los festejos del 12 de diciembre de 2023 , en honor a la Virgen de Guadalupe en Boise. En primer lugar, podemos ser llevados por la actitud del niño del Evangelio al asombro alegre de lo que Dios ha hecho por nosotros: ¡Él hace maravillas por nosotros!, como inspiradamente lo proclamó María en su encuentro con su prima, Santa Isabel. Somos amados, y maravillados podemos abrir nuestros ojos ante la manifestación que, de Su amor, Dios misericordioso nos hace continuamente y de infinitas maneras. Y, si alguna vez, en este movimiento de nuestro ser de querer asombrarnos gozosamente de todos y cada uno de los favores del Señor en nuestra vida y en la historia de la humanidad, el Enemigo nos sugiriera que el peso de nuestra miseria debe frustrar nuestra alegría y nuestra confianza en Dios, tenemos el derecho de afirmar, apoyados en la enseñanza de Jesucristo, Padre Germán Osorio, durante la homilía en Saint John the Evangelist. Que lo que no es posible a nuestra miserable condición de pecadores, sí es posible a la omnipotencia amorosa del Dios único que nos ha salvado por Su Hijo en el Espíritu Santo. En segundo lugar, siendo conscientes de nuestra pequeñez, podemos apoyarnos en el gozo de la acción amorosa y gratuita de Dios a nuestro favor para exultar, con la fuerza con la que compartimos en la Vigilia Pascual la proclamación del Pregón pascual –llamado, precisamente, Exultet, en latín– dando gracias a Dios por Su largueza y liberalidad con nosotros. Podemos traer también, por ejemplo, a la memoria, la gratitud alegre del pueblo de Dios después de atravesar, sin mojarse, el Mar Rojo, viendo a sus perseguidores vencidos por el poder de Dios actuante en Moisés y Aarón. O imaginemos el sentido de agradecimiento de San Juan Diego Cuautlatoatzin cuando, al volver aquel martes 12 de diciembre de 1531 de la Casa Episcopal, constató que, efectivamente, su tío Juan Bernardino había sido curado tal como la Virgen se lo había asegurado. Y al mismo tiempo de vivir la gratitud, sería bueno reconocer, con un corazón humilde y confiado, que en muchas ocasiones no hemos cumplido lo que Dios nos pide y nos conviene tanto. En efecto, muchas veces no hemos hecho caso de las palabras que Dios nos ha dirigido, no hemos aprovechado tampoco la ayuda que nos ha ofrecido y no hemos vivido como Él esperaba y aún espera. A nosotros –como dice la oración del profeta Daniel– nos corresponde elprobio, el dolor y el arrepentimiento, pues hemos merecido los males que hemos padecido y no hemos respondido a Dios según la confianza que Él ha puesto en nosotros. O, en forma más sintética, podemos hacer nuestras las palabras contritas del publicano que oraba en el Templo: ¡Oh Dios! ¡Ten compasión de mí, que soy pecador! (Lc 18,13). Peregrinación en honor a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe por el centro de Boise. (ICR/foto Vero Gutiérrez) En tercer lugar –y volviéndose éste quizá el momento más importante–, culminar este movimiento del corazón pidiendo al Señor que a partir de ahora Él transforme nuestra vida y haga posible en nosotros lo que nosotros no hemos podido. Para intentar que esto se lleve a cabo, podemos aprovechar la sencilla oración que compartió con toda la Iglesia el Papa Juan Pablo I –futuro beato– al final de su Audiencia del 13 de septiembre de 1978: Señor, tómame como soy, con mis defectos, con mis faltas, pero hazme como tú me deseas. Y de igual manera, tenemos la posibilidad de hacer presentes en nuestra vida diaria las palabras del amor maternal de Dios expresado a través de María: ¿No estoy aquí yo, que soy tu madre? ¿No estás bajo mi sombra y resguardo? ¿No soy yo la fuente de tu alegría? ¿No estás en el hueco de mi manto, en el cruce de mis brazos? ¿Tienes necesidad de alguna otra cosa? (n. 119). Estas son las maravillosas frases que, según el Nican Mopohua, pronunció María a san Juan Diego el martes 12 de diciembre de 1531, cuando precisamente él huía y se disculpaba al mismo tiempo de no haber atendido su llamado por la gravedad en la que se hallaba su tío. Contamos, pues, con la ayuda de Dios mismo, no estamos solos: contamos con el poder de nuestro Padre, con la gracia que nos otorga constantemente por medio de Jesucristo y quien continuamente nos habla a través de Su Palabra; contamos con la fuerza del Espíritu Santo, que actúa incesantemente en nuestra alma y nos orienta a la salvación; y contamos de manera especial con la intercesión de la Madre de la Iglesia, con la de los ángeles y santos, que desean vivamente para nosotros lo que ellos ya experimentan en la patria eterna. Celebración de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en la parroquia Our Lady of the Valley en Caldwell Dios siempre nos ofrece la ayuda necesaria para nuestra conversión, y actualiza constantemente esta ayuda para que podamos caminar hacia Él, creciendo día a día en la comunión con Cristo. Y para favorecer esta comunión, nos concede la ayuda más eficaz: María, que tiene siempre a Cristo en el centro de su vida y, queriendo cumplir su misión de Madre de la Iglesia, nos enseña precisamente a centrar todo en Él. Acudamos a Ella con apertura, para que nos guíe a semejanza de san Juan Diego y nos volvamos una Iglesia en salida que, fraternalmente, se prepare para celebrar con esperanza, entusiasmo y alegría espiritual desbordante, estos dos grandes acontecimientos de fe que viviremos dentro de pocos años.

By Matthew Geske, LCPC Clinical Director, CCI For the ICR In my 25 years of counseling work, many of the individuals and couples I have seen are suffering from what I would call an intimacy disorder. The Oxford Dictionary defines intimacy as “close familiarity or friendship; closeness.” This intimacy disorder can start in a child with a variety of tragic events, a serious illness or a death in the family, for example. Or, even more challenging, the presence of an alcoholic or abusive parent in the child’s life. These difficult circumstances, as hard as they may be, can be weathered if the hurt individual has another person or community that can acknowledge the problem and provide a sense of closeness to the scared child. Matthew Geske, LCPC As a human being, a child of God, we are designed to be in connection with others and most of all with our Creator. A person’s ability to form intimacy with others determines one’s ability to live a full life. Remember how Genesis describes life in the Garden of Eden before the Fall: humans walk and talk with God with no defenses or barriers—true intimacy. It is hard to hear the word “intimate” without placing a sexual connotation to the term in this modern age. One of the most precious characteristics God has given us, intimacy, has been robbed from us and must be restored in order to have healthy relationships and true closeness. The problem comes when the hurt individual has no one to turn to and instead turns to a substance or unhealthy activity for comfort. For substances, this can be alcohol or drugs. For activities, this can be what I will call “acting in” or “acting out.” “Acting in” can take the form of self-criticism and unhealthy guilt. Acting out can be any repeated activity that distracts a person from emotional pain, the ache of wanting to be connected to others. Connection through intimacy is what allows us to heal. The use of substances — unhealthy acting in or acting out — is what I describe as false intimacy. False, in that it gives the illusion of intimacy, yet results in us being separated from others. In the counseling office, we see the extremes. Nobody wants to attend counseling unless something is majorly not working in their life or relationships. So, if somebody walks through the counseling door, I can reliably predict that he or she has been engaging in some form of false connection, thus an intimacy disorder. In my own life, I can see the origins of my own intimacy disorder. Having tragically lost my father at a young age and being far away from extended family, my mother was ill-prepared to handle her own grief, leaving us children very much alone. I became increasingly isolated and disconnected from immediate family and friends as I was left to grieve in isolation. Thus, I learned to “act in” to get my need for intimacy met. Later in my teen years, I started to “act out” (a prime time for acting out). For me, it was angry rock and roll, reckless behavior and experimenting with drugs, all of which I used to soothe my broken heart. I imagine if I were born in the 2000’s. “Acting out” would be excessive computer gaming, marijuana, online pornography and questioning my gender or sexual orientation. For young women, I would add social media and now asking ChatGPT for life advice. All of these are examples of false intimacy. The challenge is that, in the short term, all these activities are effective in comforting and distracting that deep hurt a young person feels, yet in the long run, they create havoc. Intimacy disorder undermines a person’s ability to form deep, meaningful relationships with others. Primarily working with men in my counseling practice, what I most commonly see is men who have been exposed to pornography at a young age, have had some difficult childhood experiences, have no safe adult to go to and then turn to regular porn use to cope. Then, when it becomes time to marry, he has a distorted idea of what true intimacy is with a spouse. Often, the spouse feels a lack of emotional safety, which undermines the marital bond. This causes all sorts of problems in the relationship. Certainly, there is hope. Developing an open and honest relationship with others can start the healing process related to intimacy disorders. Being part of a community where openness and honesty are practiced can have a huge impact. That is why counseling and involvement in recovery groups can be so beneficial. But you must ensure that the counselor and/or the group are healthy, which is not always the case. Stopping an unhealthy activity is a start, yet unless the ability for true intimacy is restored, a person will return to the same, or a different, way of “acting in” or “acting out.” The pain must go somewhere, and healthy close relationships with others, and ultimately with God, is where the healing happens. For Catholic men struggling with pornography and related issues, an excellent resource is peterkleponis.com/the-path-of-recovery. Matthew Geske is a licensed clinical professional councilor (LCPC) and the clinical director at Catholic Charities of Idaho, a nonprofit that provides a range of services, including mental health, family support services, refugee and resettlement programs and assistance to individuals and families in need.

By Allison Brandt Catholic Charities of Idaho For the ICR Imagine you’re driving home and hear a strange noise coming from your car. You listen closely to identify the source, and if it persists, you call a mechanic. No one wants a small issue to lead to a total breakdown. If we attend this swiftly to the needs of a machine, let’s consider how often we attend to something far more sacred and irreplaceable: our marriage. Every marriage has its occasional “clunks and squeaks.” This doesn’t always signal a crisis. Often, a quick check-in with your spouse is enough to clear up a misunderstanding and avoid the same pothole next time. Allison Brandt Other times, investigating a simple issue reveals deeper problems that require a third party’s guidance. While a counselor cannot “fix” a marriage, she can provide the tools to identify core issues and teach effective communication which ideally leads to a deeper connection and a stronger marriage. Could marriage counseling help you? Here are some signs to consider: • Feeling Stuck: Do you feel like talking more only makes things worse, yet staying silent solves nothing? Do you or your spouse frequently shut down, storm off, or leave meaningful topics unresolved? • The “Loop”: Do the same unresolved issues surface repeatedly without progress? • Constant Friction: Do simple, everyday conversations frequently unravel into arguments and hurt feelings? • The Negative Script: Have you developed an internal monologue that focuses primarily on your spouse’s flaws? • Withdrawal: Do you avoid your spouse or turn to others to process frustrations that should be shared with your partner? • Defensiveness and Contempt: Is it difficult for you or your spouse to own up to mistakes? Do you notice blame-shifting, name-calling, mocking, or bringing up vulnerabilities to shame one another? Note: Any threats or acts of violence are signs to seek professional help immediately. Most of us genuinely want the best for our marriages, but we don’t always have the tools to perform the “tune-up,” on our own. If these questions about your marriage caused you concern, consider reaching out to a counselor. A brief description of your situation is usually enough for a professional to assess if counseling is recommended. Seeking help is not a sign of failure; it is a proactive step in protecting the Sacrament of Marriage. Allison Brandt is a licensed professional counselor at Catholic Charities of Idaho. She holds a master’s degree in counseling, with a focus on marriage and family counseling, from Northwest Nazarene University. Brandt offers counseling in English and Spanish to individuals, couples, families and adolescents. In her work with couples and families, she uses Gottman therapy and a systems approach to identify communication breakdowns and develop more effective ways to communicate.

A statue of Our Lady of Grace is at the Verbum Spei Monastery of Our Lady of Ephesus. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) By Philip A. Janquart ICR Editor A day-long retreat for grieving mothers and grandmother, titled “The Comfort of Prayer on the Journey of Grief,” will be held June 6 at the Monastery of Our Lady of Ephesus in Boise. Organized in collaboration with Sacred Sorrows—a Catholic ministry that offers retreats, spiritual accompaniment and healing support for mothers and grandmothers who have lost children—the event is designed to provide prayer, community and hope to those carrying profound loss. For Kim Steinberg, the event is deeply personal. “Children aren’t supposed to die before their parents,” she told the Idaho Catholic Register. That is how Steinberg began an article written a year ago about the death of her son, Kieran. In that earlier piece, she described attending a Sacred Sorrows retreat in Tucson—an experience rooted in the Catholic understanding of redemptive suffering and the hope of Christ—that helped ease her sorrow and bring meaning to her loss. After the article was published, women began approaching her after Mass. One shared the story of her five-year-old grandson. Another asked for prayers for a friend who had lost a baby. Others quietly revealed their own grief—some fresh, some carried for decades. “These encounters with other mourning mothers pierced the dull gray world of my grief,” Steinberg said, “awakening a deep well of compassion and an insistent desire to act.” That desire led to the creation of the upcoming Boise retreat. “Every grieving parent deserves the kind of spiritual care, nurturing and peace I received,” she said. “I couldn’t keep that experience to myself.” Recognizing that many women would not be able to travel out of state, she felt called to bring Sacred Sorrows to Idaho. She also wanted to ensure fathers—who carry the same loss in their own way—would not be overlooked. The effort came amid her own continuing struggle with grief. Even two years after her son’s death, daily life could feel overwhelming. In A Grief Observed, C. S. Lewis writes, “There is a sort of invisible blanket between the world and me. I find it hard to take in what anyone says.” The words resonated deeply. Many days, Steinberg said, passed in a blur. Planning an event felt daunting, but Steinberg drew strength from the spirituality of Thérèse of Lisieux, recalling her words: “God would never inspire me with desires which cannot be realized.” Trusting in that, she began reaching out. With encouragement from her parish pastor at St. Mary’s, Father John Kucera, and a welcoming response from the Monastery of Our Lady of Ephesus, the retreat began to take shape. Support soon followed. Two women from a small Bible study group at St. Mary’s—both of whom had experienced similar losses—stepped forward to help. They were joined by Rita Morton, founder of Sacred Sorrows, and priests from the monastery. They planned the June 6 retreat, offering both practical support and the emotional strength needed to move forward. “One last question remained,” she said. “How could we include fathers while still honoring the unique needs of mothers?” The answer came through the Church’s sacramental life. While the daytime retreat is focused on women, fathers are invited to participate in a concluding Mass—an experience she remembers as profoundly moving during her own retreat in Tucson. “The sacraments shower graces down upon us,” she said. Registration for the retreat is now open at sacredsorrows.org. Financial assistance is available, and organizers encourage others to sponsor a mother or grandmother who may not otherwise be able to attend. The Diocese of Boise has also embraced the ministry, offering its support. “We’re grateful,” she said. “Most of all, for the Lord’s grace and mercy, which have provided strength, opened doors and blessed our way.”

By Cari Moodie, RN Saint Alphonsus Health System For the ICR For those who are carrying the heaviness of anxiety, depression or thoughts of suicide, please know this: You are not alone, and you are deeply loved by God and your Church. In 2023, 457 Idahoans died by suicide, with the State’s rate approximately 1.6 times the national average. Idaho has the fourth-highest suicide rate in the United States (Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, 2026). Nationally, more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023, making it the second-leading cause of death for ages 10-14 and 25-34, second only to accidents (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025). Anxiety, depression and insomnia that may lead to suicidality are affecting families, neighborhoods, schools and churches. This reality touches people of every faith and socioeconomic background. It is a serious and heartbreaking issue in our community. Cari Moodie, RN In light of these statistics, hope for a brighter future begins with each of us. Psalm 62:6-7 tells us: “My soul, be at rest in God alone, from whom comes my hope. God alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not fall.” As Catholics, we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves, especially in times of struggle. By seeking professional support, checking in with one another and ourselves, strengthening healthy habits such as stress reduction and proper nutrition, and seeking spiritual guidance, we can foster deeper connection and compassion. In doing so, we help one another feel seen, supported and loved—ultimately enhancing our quality of life. Together, we can make a difference, one by one. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Just begin one at a time. One, one, one. If I had not picked up that first person dying on the street, I would not have picked up the thousands of others later on” (Praying with Mother Teresa: Prayers, Insights, and Wisdom of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Marian Press, 2016, p. 39). “You can’t pray yourself out of this,” Bishop James D. Conley told Our Sunday Visitor News. “We are body and soul, and grace builds upon nature.” This quote is from Bishop Conley’s pastoral letter “A Future With Hope,” written after his experience with severe anxiety and depression. In the same message, he explains that sharing his journey is meant to help others who feel lost in deep emotional or spiritual pain. A Catholic vision of hope and human dignity The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers is a national resource. The Diocese of Boise has established an Idaho chapter aligned with its mission, which states: “The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers is a lay association of the Christian faithful whose members are called to be a healing presence in the lives of people with mental illness and their families. Members see Christ in those who live with mental illness. “Members practice a ministry of service and presence; like the Good Samaritan (Lk10:30-37), they do not look the other way or walk past those living with mental illness but instead pour the oil and wine of the Gospel into their lives” (Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, 2026). You are invited to learn more and consider joining this ministry. How to put evidence-based support in action: SOS — Signs of Suicide One accessible, evidence-based suicide prevention program is Signs of Suicide (SOS), developed by MindWise Innovations. Research shows the SOS program can reduce suicide attempts by up to 64% among middle and high school students. Its ACT model—Acknowledge, Care, Tell—can be integrated into parish programs, youth ministry, school partnerships and parent education. In 2015, the SOS program was introduced in Catholic schools throughout the Treasure Valley. Since then, more than 5,800 students have been taught the ACT model. As students and adults have learned to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately, many young people whose depression might otherwise have gone unnoticed have been identified and connected with professional help. Lives have been saved. In addition to its success in schools, the program can be implemented in parishes through religious education. It may be offered in a single session led by trained adults. The curriculum includes versions for middle school and high school students, as well as gatekeeper training for adults. Readers are invited to attend the SOS breakout session at the spring conference to learn more about this program. Crisis resources If you or someone you encounter is experiencing a crisis, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. “The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States and its territories” (988 Lifeline, 2026). If you or someone you encounter is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911. Prayers of the faithful St. Dymphna is the patron saint of those suffering from mental illness and her intercession is a source of hope. Good St. Dymphna, great wonder-worker in every affliction of mind and body, I humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary, Health of the Sick. May all people suffering from mental distress be filled with the Lord’s peace and comfort. St. Dymphna, martyr of purity and patron of those who suffer from mental afflictions, beloved child of Jesus and Mary, pray for us. Cari Moodie, RN, is a faith community nurse and mental health advocate serving as health ministry coordinator with Saint Alphonsus Health System in the Treasure Valley. She collaborates with the Diocese of Boise to support parish health ministries and promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

St. Peter preaching the Gospel in the Catacombs by Jan Styka (c. 1902) By Marco Roman, PhD Director of Communications From the very beginning of the Church’s life, her mission has been clear: to proclaim Jesus Christ. The Acts of the Apostles reveals that the earliest preaching of the Church was not a collection of abstract ideas or moral suggestions, but a bold, Spirit-filled proclamation—the kerygma—that Jesus Christ is Lord, crucified for our sins, raised for our salvation, and that, having ascended to the Father, He pours forth the gift and power of the Holy Spirit upon His Church. This proclamation stands at the center of all evangelization, both then and now. At Pentecost, we witness the first great moment of this preaching. Filled with the Holy Spirit, St. Peter stands before the crowds and proclaims with clarity and conviction: “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we are all witnesses” (Acts 2:32). He does not begin with speculation or philosophy, but with a concrete announcement of what God has done in Christ. The Catechism teaches: “The transmission of the Christian faith consists primarily in proclaiming Jesus Christ in order to lead others to faith in him” (CCC 425). This is the essence of the kerygma: not merely teaching about Christ, but announcing Him as living Lord and Savior. The structure of Peter’s preaching becomes the pattern for all apostolic proclamation. First, there is the announcement of Jesus’ life and mission, attested by signs and wonders (cf. Acts 2:22). Second, the proclamation of His Passion and death, not as defeat, but as part of God’s saving plan (cf. Acts 2:23). Third, and most importantly, the witness to the Resurrection: “God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death” (Acts 2:24). Finally, there is the call to conversion: “Repent, and be baptized … for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). This unified proclamation—centered on Christ’s saving work and calling for a response of faith—is at the very heart of the Gospel itself: “The Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners … the message of salvation offered to all men” (CCC 1846); and it is through the Resurrection that this saving work reaches its fulfillment, for “the Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith … it justifies us and brings about our filial adoption so that men become Christ’s brethren” (CCC 654). This same pattern resounds throughout the Acts of the Apostles. In Solomon’s Portico, Peter proclaims: “You killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are all witnesses” (Acts 3:15). Before the Sanhedrin, he declares with apostolic boldness: “There is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:12). And in the house of Cornelius, the kerygma is again clearly announced: “They put him to death … but God raised him on the third day … and commanded us to preach to the people” (Acts 10:39-42). The content does not change. The message is not adapted to suit the moment. It remains Christ—crucified and risen—offered for the salvation of all. What is equally striking is the boldness of this preaching. The apostles speak not as men relying on their own strength, but as witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit. Even in the face of persecution, they cannot remain silent: “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). The Catechism reminds us that this missionary impulse flows from the Spirit Himself: “The Holy Spirit is the principal agent of the whole of the Church’s mission” (CCC 852). Evangelization is not first our work—it is the work of God, in which we are invited to participate. The effect of this preaching is immediate and transformative. At Pentecost, those who hear are “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37), leading to repentance, baptism and a new life in Christ. “So those who received his word were baptized … and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). The Catechism speaks of this response as true conversion: “Faith is a personal adherence of man to God … inseparable from a free assent to the whole truth that God has revealed” (CCC 150). The kerygma does not leave people unchanged—it draws them into communion with Christ and His Church. This dynamic remains alive in every age. Wherever the kerygma is proclaimed with clarity and fidelity, hearts are stirred, lives are changed, and the Church grows. In our own Diocese of Boise and throughout the world, we are witnessing a renewed openness—especially among the young—to the truth of the Gospel. They are searching not for ambiguity, but for clarity; not for compromise, but for the fullness of truth found in Jesus Christ and His Gospel. The human person is created for the truth. It is the truth that confirms and elevates the dignity with which we are made. To live by the truth is to exalt that dignity, fulfilling the vocation for which we were created. This is why the kerygma continues to resonate so deeply: it is not imposed from the outside, but speaks to the deepest longing of the human heart. The Acts of the Apostles reminds us that we must never lose confidence in this first proclamation. The kerygma is not one message among many—it is the foundation upon which all catechesis, sacramental life and Christian discipleship are built. As the Catechism teaches, “Catechesis is intrinsically linked with the whole of the Church’s life … its aim is to put people not only in touch, but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ” (CCC 426). If we are to renew the Church in our time, we must return again and again to this beginning. With the Apostles and in the power of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim: Jesus Christ is Lord. He has died. He is risen. And in Him, we are offered new life as adopted sons and daughters of the Father. This is the kerygma. This is the Church’s first preaching. And this is the message that continues to transform the world.

St. Peter Preaching by Masolino da Panicale (c.1426) By Marco Roman, Ph.D. Director of Communications It is possible to identify as Catholic and yet not fully live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. In every age, the Church must confront this persistent reality: the temptation to reduce the fullness of the Catholic faith to something comfortable, familiar and manageable. Today, this often appears in what may be described as cultural or convenient Catholicism—a way of living the faith that retains certain outward elements while setting aside the deeper call to conversion and authentic discipleship. Dr. Marco Roman The Acts of the Apostles presents a markedly different vision. The early Christians were not content with a nominal or inherited faith; they were men and women whose lives had been decisively converted through an encounter with the Risen Christ. They “devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). Their faith was not occasional or selective—it was total, integrated and transformative. By contrast, cultural Catholicism often settles for partial discipleship or, even more strikingly, reflects a growing unfamiliarity with what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, as revealed in Sacred Scripture and lived in the life of the Church. It may value liturgical beauty, inherited customs or a sense of Catholic identity, yet resist the comprehensive demands of the Gospel. Convenient Catholicism emerges when the faith is shaped according to personal preference—embracing what is agreeable while disregarding what is difficult. This tendency becomes especially evident in the area of moral teaching, where the call of Christ challenges both personal desires and prevailing cultural norms. In matters such as marriage, human sexuality and the dignity of the human person, it is not uncommon to encounter selective adherence: “I believe in the Church, but not in that teaching.” Such a position points not simply to disagreement, but to a reluctance to allow the Gospel to fully shape one’s life. Sacred Scripture itself reveals that this tension is not new. During His earthly ministry, Jesus frequently taught in ways that were demanding and, at times, led to division. When He revealed the mystery of the Eucharist, many responded, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” and “many of His disciples drew back and no longer followed Him” (Jn 6:60, 66). Christ did not dilute the truth to preserve acceptance. A similar reaction is seen in His teaching on marriage: “What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder” (Mt 19:6). The disciples, confronted with the weight of this teaching, respond, “If such is the case … it is better not to marry” (Mt 19:10). In both instances, Christ reveals a truth that is demanding, total and transformative. In the present day, comparable responses emerge when the Church faithfully proclaims both the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and His vision of marriage as a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, within which the gift of sexual love is rightly ordered. These teachings may be countercultural, yet they arise from the same divine wisdom—one that directs the human person toward authentic love, freedom and dignity. Authentic conversion, therefore, is not merely an initial moment, but an ongoing disposition. As St. Peter proclaims, “Repent … that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19), and again, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). One of the clearest indications of the Holy Spirit’s work in a person’s life is a growing willingness to receive the full teaching of Christ and His church—even when such teaching is difficult or not yet fully understood. This reflects not blind submission, but a trusting openness to divine truth. Within the Diocese of Boise, this reality is increasingly visible through the OCIA process in parishes across the diocese. Many adults who enter the Church do so with a sincere desire to receive the faith in its entirety. In encountering Christ, they experience a reordering of priorities and a deeper coherence in the Church’s moral and sacramental life. Those entering the Church frequently note that teachings once perceived as restrictive—particularly in the areas of marriage, human sexuality and moral life—come to be understood as ordered toward authentic love and human flourishing. This shift is not the result of doctrinal change, but of a heart transformed by grace. This dynamic is especially evident among younger adults. A growing number of young men are seeking clarity regarding courtship, marriage and family life, desiring to embrace an authentic understanding of masculinity and their responsibilities as husbands and fathers. At the same time, many young women are seeking a deeper awareness of their dignity and vocation, desiring relationships marked by fidelity, mutual self-gift and a shared commitment to building families grounded in faith. Observing the consequences of a culture that has often set aside these truths, they are drawn to the Church’s consistent and life-giving vision. The early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42), receiving the fullness of the faith. The Holy Spirit does not produce confusion, but unity in truth. The question remains whether the faith is received as a whole or selectively adapted. The human person is created for truth, and to live in accordance with that truth is to fulfill one’s dignity and vocation. This life of faith finds its center in the Eucharist. The disciples “devoted themselves … to the breaking of the bread” (Acts 2:42), gathering regularly for this encounter (Acts 20:7). The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of the Christian life (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1324), in which Christ is truly present—body, blood, soul and divinity—offering himself and drawing the faithful into communion. Just as Christ’s teaching on the Eucharist calls for belief in His Real Presence, so His teaching on marriage calls for fidelity that reflects that same permanence and total self-gift. In both, the faithful are invited into participation in divine love. The manner in which the Eucharist is received reflects the disposition of the heart. Within the Diocese of Boise, those newly initiated into the Church often approach the Eucharist with evident reverence, conviction and surrender. Their witness serves as a reminder of the magnitude of this sacrament and the interior disposition it calls forth. From the Eucharist flows a life of prayer. The early church was “devoted … to the prayers” (Acts 2:42), turning to God consistently, especially in times of trial (Acts 4:24). Prayer was not incidental, but foundational. This life of prayer extends into communion. The believers were “together” and “of one heart and soul” (Acts 2:44; 4:32). Discipleship is not lived in isolation. The Christian life requires relationships of mutual encouragement, accountability and support, particularly in the face of challenges and the demands of fidelity to Christ. This communion bears fruit in charity. The early Christians ensured that no one among them was in need (Acts 2:45; 4:34). The Holy Spirit forms hearts capable of generous self-gift. At the same time, the Holy Spirit produces joy. The early Christians lived with “glad and generous hearts” (Acts 2:46) and rejoiced even amid suffering (Acts 5:41). This joy is rooted in communion with Christ rather than external circumstances. Such joy is accompanied by courage. “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Fidelity to Christ often requires perseverance in the face of opposition. Finally, where the Holy Spirit is active, there is growth and mission. “The Lord added to their number day by day” (Acts 2:47), and the Gospel was proclaimed with boldness (Acts 28:31). A life shaped by the Holy Spirit naturally extends outward, in witness. If it is possible to identify as Catholic without fully living as a disciple, then the invitation remains clear. The same Holy Spirit who radically transformed the lives of the first disciples in the Acts of the Apostles continues to act within the Church today, calling each person beyond a faith that is merely cultural or convenient. This call is a call to conversion, to authentic discipleship and to a life fully alive in Jesus Christ.

Bishop Peter Christensen celebrates Mass for the ground-breaking ceremony at Risen Christ Parish in Boise. (Courtesy photo/Risen Christ Parish) By Philip A. Janquart ICR Editor The long-anticipated expansion of Risen Christ Church in Boise took a visible step forward on April 12, as parishioners gathered for a groundbreaking and blessing ceremony following the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Bishop Peter F. Christensen, with current pastor, Father Ben Uhlenkott, and retired pastor, Monsignor Joe da Silva, by his side, presided over both the Mass and the blessing, marking a milestone after years of planning, preparation and fundraising. For many in the pews, the moment was both celebratory and deeply meaningful—the continuation of a story that began more than three decades ago. “They started gathering in 1992,” Parish Life Coordinator Audrey Weiss said in a December 2025 interview with the Idaho Catholic Register, recalling the parish’s earliest days meeting at Lake Hazel Elementary School. “That was over at Lake Hazel Elementary. In 2000, the building committee was formed to build this space, and then they started the groundbreaking in 2003.” Bishop Peter distributes Holy Communion at the Mass for the ground-breaking ceremony at Risen Christ Parish. (Courtesy photo/Risen Christ Parish) From those humble beginnings in a school cafeteria, the parish has grown into one of the fastest-growing Catholic communities in the Boise, Idaho area. What began with a handful of families has expanded into a vibrant parish now straining to accommodate its members. At the weekly 10:30 a.m. Mass—the same liturgy that preceded the groundbreaking—the need is especially evident. “That Mass is very well attended,” Weiss said. “You have about 100 folding chairs along the walls in the worship space, and another 50 in the narthex.” That reality has driven the parish’s “Rooted in Christ, Rising Together” campaign, an effort aimed at expanding the existing sanctuary and improving facilities to better serve a rapidly growing congregation. Parishioner John Stone, who leads the building committee, said the expansion fulfills a vision that dates back to the church’s original construction. “It was built with the idea that one day it would be expanded,” Stone said. “That day has come.” Bishop Peter leads the ground breaking for the long-awaited expansion of Risen Christ Parish in Boise. (Courtesy photo/Risen Christ Parish) Plans call for increasing seating capacity by nearly 200, along with the addition of a cry room, expanded restrooms and improvements to parking and accessibility. The expansion will primarily extend the south side of the building, a design choice shaped by both cost considerations and current needs. “This is the right size to accommodate the growth we have, the number of people attending [Mass] and the available funds we have,” said Father Ben. The project is the result of years of careful preparation. Planning intensified in early 2023, shortly before the parish paid off its original mortgage—a key financial milestone that allowed leaders to focus on future growth. Parish Life Coordinator Audrey Weiss, left, celebrates with parishioner Eileen Richards. (Courtesy photo/Risen Christ Parish) Parishioners who had been contributing to the mortgage redirected their giving toward the building fund, helping the parish build significant reserves even before launching a formal campaign. Today, leaders say the effort is about more than construction. “This campaign is about more than adding seats,” Father Ben wrote in campaign materials. “It’s about making room for more hearts to be transformed, more families to feel at home, and more lives to be anchored in Christ.” Weiss echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the parish’s growth is rooted in its culture of welcome. Father Ben Uhlenkott, pastor at Risen Christ, joins parishioners in a toast. (Courtesy photo/Risen Christ Parish) “Part of the reason that we’re growing so much is we’re trying to get every parishioner here to practice radical hospitality,” she said. “Our parish is welcoming, and it’s something we really strive for. I think that contributes to the growth. And the Holy Spirit is at work.” Sunday’s groundbreaking, led by Bishop Christensen, offered a tangible sign of that growth — and of the faith sustaining it. For longtime parishioners, it was also a moment of continuity: a reminder that the same community that once gathered in a borrowed cafeteria is still building, still growing and still looking ahead. As Stone put it, the expansion is simply the next step in a journey decades in the making. Parish Expansion Facts: • Estimated cost: $6 million • Diocesan loan requirement: 70% of project cost secured • Seating increase: 196, plus cry room for 34 • Additional work: Expanded bathrooms, more parking • Architect: Greg Ugrin, who designed the original church • Campaign timeline: Three-year effort launched August 2025 We are growing! • Between 2004 and 2024, Ada County’s population grew by 85% • Boise population is expected to continue to increase substantially in the next 5 to 10 years • 600 new households registered at Risen Christ since May 2022 – nearly triple the original count • Infant baptisms grew from just 4 in 2019 to 17 in 2024, and a total of 26 in 2025. • Becoming Catholic soared from 1 participant in 2019 to 20 in 2024 – with 22 enrolled in 2025 • 1,953 individuals were served from our Mobile Pantry from May 2024 to June 2025

Each summer Catholic youth are able to attend camps to bolster their faith with activities, the Sacraments, fellowship and fun. (Courtesy photo/Andrew Furphy) Andrew Furphy Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries This coming summer will be my fourth summer of working with the camp teams in Idaho to create a week of fun, fellowship, and formation. The past three years I have had the privilege of supporting the Diocesan camps which have included our Catholic Jr. High Camp and Camp RIM. This year I am please to bring both camps back to serve the youth, their parents, and the parishes through these week long camps. Catholic Jr. High Camp – takes place in the Sawtooth wilderness at Camp Perkins, June 15-19. This years theme is the ‘Legends of the Trinity’ where we take a look at the truths of the Trinity through storytelling of ninjas. Registration is open and can be found at evangelizeidaho.com/jrhighcamp-1. This camp is for current 6th-8th graders. Camp R.I.M. (for current 9th-11th graders) – takes place at our diocesan camp St. Pope John Paul II camp near Cascade, June 28 – July 2. As always we will dive into the reality that our mission must flow out of Identity which is understood in our relationship with God. This summer we will dive into Psalm 89:2 “Your merciful love was established forever” and how we experience and share this love with others. Registration will be through your parish director of youth ministry. For more information, visit evangelizeidaho.com/camprim. This summer I am also excited to announce that I am partnering with a team in northern Idaho to offer a camp near that region of our Diocese. It has been a privilege to get to know these team member the past few years, and it is a great opportunity to bring together everything we have learned and put it in service to make it more accessible to everyone in our diocese.

Bishop Peter F. Christensen prays in front of the Altar of Repose following the Mass for Holy Thursday in 2025 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) By Marco Roman, PhD Director of Communications “The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice.” (CCC 1367) Each year, the Church enters the most sacred days of the liturgical year: the Holy Triduum — the three holy days beginning with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, continuing through Good Friday, and culminating in the Easter Vigil. Dr. Marco Roman These liturgies are not merely commemorations of past events; they make present the saving mysteries through which Christ accomplished the redemption of the world. As the Catechism teaches, “The Paschal mystery of Christ’s cross and Resurrection stands at the center of the Good News” (CCC 571). In these days, we encounter the deepest realities of our faith: sacrifice, redemption, justification, reconciliation and new life in Christ — through which God restores humanity to communion with Himself. The Sacred Triduum begins on Holy Thursday with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, when the Church commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. On the night before He died, Jesus freely offered Himself in advance through the sacrament of His Body and Blood. “At the Last Supper … our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of His Body and Blood” (CCC 1323). In the Eucharist, Christ does not give a mere symbol but His very sacrifice, making present the saving event of Calvary. Thus, “the Eucharist is … a sacrifice because it re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross” (CCC 1366). What begins sacramentally in the Upper Room reaches its historical fulfillment on Calvary, revealing the profound unity between the Eucharist and the Cross. As the Catechism affirms, “Jesus gave the supreme expression of His free offering of Himself” at the Last Supper (CCC 610). A cross with a relic of the True Cross of Christ is used in the Veneration of the Cross, a part of the liturgy of Good Friday. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) At times, some Christians misunderstand the Catholic teaching on the Eucharistic sacrifice, thinking Christ is sacrificed again at every Mass. The Church teaches clearly that Christ’s sacrifice occurred once for all on Calvary and cannot be repeated. Rather, the Eucharist makes that one sacrifice sacramentally present so its saving grace may be applied to every generation. “The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice” (CCC 1367). The Church does not add to Christ’s offering; she enters into it. In this way, the faithful of every age are brought spiritually to the foot of the Cross to receive the fruits of redemption. Through the Eucharist and the priesthood, Christ ensures that His saving sacrifice remains present throughout history. The mystery begun in the Upper Room reaches its fulfillment on Good Friday, when the Church contemplates the Passion and death of Christ. Through His suffering and death, Jesus accomplished what humanity could not: “Jesus atoned for our faults and made satisfaction for our sins” (CCC 615). Sin had broken communion with God, and humanity could not restore it. But Christ, true God and true man, offered the perfect sacrifice of obedience and love, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant who “makes Himself an offering for sin” (CCC 615). The Cross reveals both the gravity of sin and the immeasurable love of God. Scripture emphasizes that Christ’s sacrifice is unique and definitive — offered “once for all” (cf. Heb 9:26–28; 10:10). The Church fully affirms this truth: the sacrifice of Calvary is complete and unrepeatable. Yet Christ willed that this one sacrifice remain accessible through the Eucharist. Thus, the Mass does not multiply sacrifices but makes present the one saving sacrifice so its grace may be received in every age. As the Catechism teaches, “Christ’s death is … the Paschal sacrifice that accomplishes the definitive redemption of men” (CCC 613). Through it, the world is reconciled to God — “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (CCC 433) — and our justification is won, since “justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ” (CCC 1992). Good Friday stands at the center of the Triduum, revealing both the cost of our salvation and the depth of divine mercy. The sorrow of Good Friday gives way to the radiant joy of the Easter Vigil, when the Church proclaims Christ’s victory over sin and death. The Resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith: “The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ” (CCC 638). By rising, Christ confirms that His sacrifice has conquered sin and opened the way to new life. As the Catechism teaches, “just as Christ was raised from the dead … we too might walk in newness of life” (CCC 654). Through the Resurrection, we are restored to the Father and given access to divine life, for “the Resurrection of Christ has opened for us access to a new life” (CCC 654). It also grounds our hope of eternal life, since Christ is “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (CCC 658). The Easter Vigil is also the moment when the fruits of Christ’s victory are manifested through the Sacraments of Initiation. Catechumens receive Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, while candidates are received into full communion with the Church. Baptism unites us to Christ’s death and Resurrection, so that “we too might walk in newness of life” (cf. CCC 628; 654). Deacon Bill Burns sings the Exsultet during the Easter Vigil at St. John's Cathedral in 2025. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) In the Diocese of Boise, we are blessed each year to witness many entering the Church at the Easter Vigil. They come seeking the fullness of God’s revelation in Christ and His Church, sustained by the Holy Spirit. Their journey is a powerful sign of the Church’s living mission and a reminder to all Catholics of our fundamental vocation to evangelize and invite others into the fullness of faith and sacramental life. Taken together, the liturgies of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil reveal the full mystery of our salvation. Through them, Christ redeems us, reconciles us to the Father, justifies us through grace, and restores us to divine life. As the Catechism beautifully summarizes, “The whole of Christ’s life is a mystery of redemption” (CCC 517). The Holy Triduum invites us not merely to remember these events, but to enter into them. Through the sacraments — especially the Eucharist — we participate in Christ’s saving death and Resurrection and receive the grace that flows from them. These sacred days proclaim the deepest truth of the Gospel: God has not abandoned humanity. Through the Cross and Resurrection of His Son, He has opened for us the path to reconciliation, new life and eternal glory. Therefore, with the whole Church, we proclaim, “Christ is risen. He is truly risen!”

This stained glass window of the Resurrection of Christ is in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Boise. (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez) Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Christ is risen! He is truly risen! At Easter, the Church proclaims the most joyful and decisive truth in human history: Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death. The Resurrection is not simply an event of the past; it is the living source of our hope and the foundation of the Church’s mission in every age. Because Christ lives, the world is not abandoned to darkness. Because Christ lives, the promise of salvation is offered to every human heart. Each year at the Easter Vigil, this truth is made visible in a powerful way as men and women enter the Church and are welcomed into full communion with Christ and His body. Throughout the Diocese of Boise, we are witnessing a remarkable increase in catechumens and candidates preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation. Bishop Peter F. Christensen Their journeys of faith are a profound sign that the Holy Spirit continues to stir hearts and draw people to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their witness reminds us that the Church is alive, that the Gospel still speaks to the deepest questions of the human heart and that the Lord continues to call new disciples in every generation. In my visits to parishes across our diocese, I have been deeply encouraged by many signs of renewal: families gathering faithfully for Sunday Mass, young people seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, adults returning to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and parish communities growing in prayer, service and missionary outreach. These are not merely human accomplishments—they are signs that God is actively at work in the life of our local church. The Resurrection reminds us that the Church is not called simply to maintain what already exists. Rather, we are sent into the world with a mission. Before ascending to the Father, the risen Christ entrusted His disciples with a clear command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” This command remains at the heart of the Church’s life today. Each baptized Catholic shares in this call—to proclaim the Gospel, to witness to Christ in daily life and to invite others to encounter His mercy and truth. In many ways, our diocese remains a mission field. Idaho is a place of great beauty, rapid growth and tremendous opportunity for the Gospel. Many in our communities are searching for meaning, hope and a deeper understanding of life’s purpose. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to meet that search with the joyful witness of our faith. Evangelization often begins in simple ways: a word of encouragement, an invitation to Mass, a conversation about faith or a personal example of charity and fidelity. Through these small acts, the Lord continues His saving work among us. I express my profound gratitude to all who contribute to the life and mission of our diocesan Church. I am especially grateful to our priests and deacons who faithfully proclaim the Gospel and administer the sacraments. I thank our Religious men and women for their prayerful witness and I am deeply appreciative of our catechists, Catholic school educators, parish leaders and the many volunteers who serve so generously. Bishop Peter baptizes one of the Elect during the Easter Vigil Mass in 2025 at St. John's Cathedral in Boise. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) I also extend gratitude to the many apostolates that advance the Gospel throughout our diocesan family. These ministries—often carried forward quietly and faithfully by committed lay men and women—play an essential role in strengthening the Church and extending its mission. In a particular way, I thank those involved in Catholic media and evangelization, especially Salt & Light Radio, whose work brings the message of Christ into homes, workplaces and hearts across our region. Finally, I offer heartfelt gratitude to the families of our diocese who strive each day to live and pass on the Faith. In a special way, I thank parents— fathers and mothers—who are among the true heroes of our faith. Through their daily sacrifices, their witness of prayer, their example of charity and their commitment to raising their children in the life of the Church, they faithfully hand on the Catholic faith to the next generation. As we all know, the family is the first school of faith, where the light of the Gospel is received and nurtured. Within the ordinary yet profound rhythms of family life, parents become the first teachers of prayer, the first witnesses to Christ and the first guides who lead their children to encounter the living Lord. I would also offer a personal encouragement to every family in our diocese to set aside time—especially during this Easter season—to come together in gratitude for the many gifts, shared moments and joys of family life. Take time to thank God for one another, to offer prayers of thanksgiving and to ask the Lord to continue strengthening your love, sustaining each member in his or her own walk with Him. For this sacred vocation and for the quiet yet powerful witness of so many fathers and mothers, we give thanks to God and entrust all families to the care of the Holy Family. With gratitude for the many signs of faith and renewal across our local church, let us continue together the mission entrusted to us by the risen Lord—to proclaim the Gospel, to form disciples and to invite others into the saving love of Jesus Christ. Because Christ is risen, this mission is alive among us and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, it continues to bear abundant fruit throughout the Diocese of Boise. May the joy of the Resurrection fill your hearts, your homes and our entire diocesan community. Christ is risen! Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Peter F. Christensen Bishop of Boise Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo: ¡Cristo ha resucitado! ¡Verdaderamente ha resucitado! En Pascua, la Iglesia proclama la verdad más gozosa y decisiva de la historia de la humanidad: Jesucristo ha vencido al pecado y a la muerte. La Resurrección no es simplemente un aconte- cimiento del pasado; es la fuente viva de nuestra esperanza y el fundamento de la misión de la Iglesia en todas las épocas. Porque Cristo vive, el mundo no está abandonado a las tinieblas. Porque Cristo vive, la promesa de la salvación se ofrece a cada corazón humano. Cada año, en la Vigilia Pascual, esta verdad se hace visible de manera poderosa cuando hombres y mujeres entran en la Iglesia y son acogidos en plena comunión con Cristo y su cuerpo. En toda la Diócesis de Boise, estamos siendo testigos de un notable aumento de catecúmenos y candidatos que se preparan para recibir los sacramentos de iniciación. Bishop Peter shares the flame that began with the Easter Vigil Fire and the lighting of the Pascal Candle in 2025. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) Sus caminos de fe son un signo profundo de que el Espíritu Santo sigue moviendo los corazones y atrayendo a las personas hacia el Evangelio salvador de Jesucristo. Su testimonio nos recuerda que la Iglesia está viva, que el Evangelio sigue respondiendo a las preguntas más profundas del corazón humano y que el Señor sigue llamando a nuevos discípulos en cada generación. En mis visitas a las parroquias de nuestra diócesis, me han animado profundamente muchos signos de renovación: familias que se reúnen fielmente para la Misa dominical, jóvenes que buscan una relación más profunda con Cristo, adultos que vuelven al sacramento de la reconciliación y comunidades parroquiales que crecen en la oración, el servicio y la labor misionera. No se trata simplemente de logros humanos, sino de signos de que Dios está actuando activamente en la vida de nuestra iglesia local. La Resurrección nos recuerda que la Iglesia no está llamada simplemente a mantener lo que ya existe. Más bien, somos enviados al mundo con una misión. Antes de ascender al Padre, Cristo resucitado encomendó a sus discípulos un mandato claro: “Id, pues, y haced discípulos a todas las naciones”. Este mandato sigue estando en el centro de la vida de la Iglesia hoy en día. Cada católico bautizado participa de esta llamada: proclamar el Evangelio, dar testimonio de Cristo en la vida cotidiana e invitar a otros a encontrar su misericordia y su verdad. En muchos sentidos, nuestra diócesis sigue siendo un campo de misión. Idaho es un lugar de gran belleza, rápido crecimiento y enormes oportunidades para el Evangelio. Muchos en nuestras comunidades buscan sentido, esperanza y una comprensión más profunda del propósito de la vida. Como seguidores de Jesucristo, estamos llamados a responder a esa búsqueda con el alegre testimonio de nuestra fe. La evangelización suele comenzar de manera sencilla: una palabra de aliento, una invitación a la Misa, una conversación sobre la fe o un ejemplo personal de caridad y fidelidad. A través de estos pequeños gestos, el Señor continúa su obra salvadora entre nosotros. Expreso mi profunda gratitud a todos los que contribuyen a la vida y la misión de nuestra Iglesia diocesana. Estoy especialmente agradecido a nuestros sacerdotes y diáconos, que proclaman fielmente el Evangelio y administran los sacramentos. Agradezco a nuestros religiosos y religiosas por su testimonio de oración y estoy profundamente agradecido a nuestros catequistas, educadores de escuelas católicas, líderes parroquiales y a los numerosos voluntarios que sirven con tanta gene- rosidad. También extiendo mi gratitud a los numerosos apostolados que promueven el Evangelio en toda nuestra familia diocesana. Estos ministerios —a menudo llevados a cabo con discreción y fidelidad por laicos y laicas comprometidos— desempeñan un papel esencial en el fortalecimiento de la Iglesia y la extensión de su misión. Bishop Peter confirms a Candidate during the Easter Vigil at St. John's Cathedral in Boise. (ICR photo/Emily Woodham) De manera especial, doy las gracias a quienes trabajan en los medios de comunicación católicos y en la evangelización, en particular a Salt & Light Radio, cuya labor lleva el mensaje de Cristo a los hogares, los lugares de trabajo y los corazones de toda nuestra región. Por último, expreso mi más sincera gratitud a las familias de nuestra diócesis que se esfuerzan cada día por vivir y transmitir la fe. De manera especial, doy las gracias a —padres y madres— que se encuentran entre los verdaderos héroes de nuestra fe. A través de sus sacrificios diarios, su testimonio de oración, su ejemplo de caridad y su compromiso de educar a sus hijos en la vida de la Iglesia, transmi- ten fielmente la fe católica a la siguiente generación. Como todos sabemos, la familia es la primera escuela de la fe, donde se recibe y se nutre la luz del Evangelio. En el seno de los ritmos cotidianos, pero profundos, de la vida familiar, los padres se convierten en los primeros maestros de la oración, los primeros testigos de Cristo y los primeros guías que conducen a sus hijos al encuentro con el Señor vivo. También quisiera animar personalmente a todas las familias de nuestra diócesis a que dediquen un tiempo —especialmente durante este tiempo de Pascua— a reunirse para dar gracias por los numerosos dones, los momentos compartidos y las alegrías de la vida familiar. Dediquen un tiempo a dar gracias a Dios los unos por los otros, a elevar oraciones de acción de gracias y a pedir al Señor que siga fortaleciendo su amor, sosteniendo a cada miembro en su propio camino con Él. Por esta sagrada vocación y por el testimonio silencioso pero poderoso de tantos padres y madres, damos gracias a Dios y encomendamos a todas las familias al cuidado de la Sagrada Familia. Con gratitud por los numerosos signos de fe y renovación en toda nuestra iglesia local, continuemos juntos la misión que nos ha encomendado el Señor resucitado: proclamar el Evangelio, formar discípulos e invitar a otros al amor salvador de Jesucristo. Porque Cristo ha resucitado, esta misión está viva entre nosotros y, por el poder del Espíritu Santo, sigue dando frutos abundantes en toda la Diócesis de Boise. Que la alegría de la Resurrección llene sus corazones, sus hogares y toda nuestra comunidad diocesana. ¡Cristo ha resucitado! Sinceramente suyo en Cristo, Reverendísimo Peter F. Christensen Obispo de Boise

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. On this day, the faithful commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. ( ICR photo / Vero Gutiérrez) By Deacon Salvador Carranza Palm Sunday We begin with the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. We cry out, "Hosanna!" ("Save us, we beg you"). This plea for deliverance turned into a cry of praise. Shortly thereafter, the atmosphere shifts dramatically toward the Passion. This contrast serves as a mirror for the human heart, reflecting how quickly we can shift from devotion to denial. During this liturgical season, the images are veiled as a sign of reverence The Easter Triduum (from the Latin "triduum," meaning "a period of three days") It is considered a single celebration spanning three calendar days. There is no final blessing on Holy Thursday or Good Friday. Instead, the celebrations pause and then resume. This structure invites believers to "watch and pray" with Christ throughout his passion, death, and resurrection. On Holy Thursday, the washing of the feet is a gesture of humility and service that recalls Christ’s example at the Last Supper. It invites us to show love for our neighbors. Father Hippolytus Ezenwa, Pastor, of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, celebrating Mass on Holy Thursday. Holy Thursday (Day 1): The Easter Triduum begins with the Mass of the Lord's Supper. During this celebration, we commemorate the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood. We also recall the washing of the feet, through which the Lord teaches us that leadership and faith must be grounded in service and humility toward others. Holy Thursday symbolizes the self-sacrificing love of Jesus Christ, who formed an everlasting connection with his disciples by turning a meal of service into a divine sacrifice that nourishes the soul and encourages a life of humble charity toward others. In the Good Friday liturgy, which celebrates the Lord’s Passion, the faithful venerate the cross. They approach the cross and genuflect, bow, or kiss it as a sign of love and respect for the crucified Christ. Good Friday (Day 2): This solemn day of prayer and fasting centers on the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Mass is not celebrated; instead, the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion takes place. This celebration typically includes the reading of the Passion and veneration of the cross. Good Friday represents the supreme act of divine love and sacrifice. The death of Jesus Christ is seen as the necessary atonement for the sins of humanity, achieving reconciliation with God. Sacred Heart Parish is in Boise. Holy Saturday (Day 3): Holy Saturday begins as a day of quiet reflection on Jesus’s burial. After sunset, the Easter Vigil begins—the "high point" of the Easter Triduum—and celebrates Christ's victory over death. Easter Sunday Easter Sunday symbolizes the triumph of life over death and the fulfillment of God’s promise through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It offers believers a sense of spiritual renewal and the hope of eternal life. "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said" (Matthew 28:6). During the Good Friday celebration of the Lord’s Passion, the priest and ministers enter in silence at the beginning of the liturgy. Instead of the usual opening greeting, the priest prostrates himself on the ground as a sign of humility, penance, and deep contemplation of Christ’s Passion.