KATERI, PATRON SAINT OF PEOPLE IN EXILE

Bishop Mark to host prayer gathering for those who feel 'separated from the church'

Small offerings are tucked between the feet on a statue of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha in the chapel of the shrine dedicated to her in Fonda, N.Y., July 14. Kateri -- Mohawk for Catherine -- is her baptismal name. Tekakwitha, the name given to her as a child, means "bumps into things." Her eyesight was impaired due to small pox. (CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec) (July 16, 2012) See KATERI-NAME July 16, 2012. (Courtesy photo of Nancy Phelan Wiechec)

We are blessed to have several shrines in our Diocese, and I was particularly struck during a recent visit to the Fonda Shrine by one of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha’s patronages: people in exile. The shrine staff interpret this patronage broadly, explicitly including “people who feel exiled from the Catholic Church.” The moment I heard this, I felt a clear call to respond — sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks gently; other times the message is unmistakable. This one felt significant to my own vocation as Bishop of Albany.

Since that visit, the question has remained with me in prayer: How can I reach those who feel separated from the Church, when I myself, as a bishop, may represent part of what has caused their pain or alienation?

I believe there are three things any bishop can and must do: ponder, listen and pray.

Pondering

I cannot name every reason people feel exiled, but several groups come to mind. Many carry deep wounds from the sexual abuse crisis — whether they were victims themselves, family members or simply heartbroken by the failures of priests and bishops. Others feel shut out because of marriage situations the Church does not recognize. Still others experience rejection or unwelcomeness because their lives do not align with Church teaching on sexuality; their loved ones often share those feelings. Some have stepped away believing they are unforgivable. Others feel the Church itself has changed too much — or not enough — especially regarding liturgy. Finally, there are those who feel separated from attending Church due to their own personal mental health struggles.

These are very different experiences. Yet the sense of exile, of standing on the outside looking in, is something many share.

Listening

For the past 10 years I have tried to be a listening bishop. I consult dozens of laymen and laywomen before every November bishops’ meeting. I hold “Ask a Bishop” sessions in parishes, publish my email, lead synodal gatherings, and attend events where I know I will hear perspectives different from my own. Pope Francis ordained me bishop during the Year of Mercy, and I have tried ever since to live up to that call.

Praying

Even when we are apart from the sacraments, most of us who were raised Catholic still reach for the “Hail Mary” or the “Our Father” in times of crisis. We share a common spiritual home. As a pastor I learned the value of gatherings that do not require attending Mass and of events held outside the church building itself. These lower the barrier and allow people to pray together again.

With all this in mind, I am planning a simple prayer gathering at the Fonda Shrine under the patronage of Saint Kateri for anyone who feels exiled from the Catholic Church. It will take place on Sunday, August 23 at 1 p.m. Earlier that same day, I will celebrate Mass at the Shrine at 10:30 a.m. for anyone who wishes to join in prayer and support for those who may come later.

I do not know who will come, or how many. But I will be there, praying with and for them that, in the words of Jesus, “all may be one.”

How You Can Help

Please share this invitation with anyone who might find it meaningful. This is not an event meant to shame or criticize, but to offer prayer and welcome. You might simply ask, “Have you ever felt this way?” and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

I feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit and am taking this small, concrete step. We will see where it leads.

Most Rev. Mark O’Connell, JCD

Bishop of Albany