For a decade, even when discussing the internal workings of the Vatican, Pope Francis has insisted the Church is not the Church of Christ if it does not reach out, sharing the “joy of the Gospel” and placing the poor at the center of its attention.

As Houston continues to grow in various regions, the Catholic Chaplains Corps (CCC) is increasing its efforts to bring Christ’s love and compassion to over 120,000 patients, families and staff located at the Texas Medical Center, The Woodlands and Conroe each year.

Celebrating the creation of Houston’s first Catholic career and technical school, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo welcomed the first admitted students to the school along with donors and members of the school’s board of trustees March 7.

After responding to numerous challenges over the last 15 years – including Hurricane Ike in 2008 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the 2008 financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic – the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is moving forward to complete the master plan for the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart first developed over two decades ago.

Before we put away the Valentine’s decorations or eat the last of those delicious chocolates, let’s reflect on our ability to desire the good of the other. It may come easy to love strangers or people who may not know us but what about those closest to us — our siblings, family members, cousins, parents and colleagues?

We are Capex Dei, or perhaps it is better to say we have the capacity for God. The deepest and innermost part of our very being is this capacity for God. This capacity, gifted to us by God as His rational creation, craves fulfillment and is indelible in the human heart. Sometimes, we may not recognize what we crave or to whom we crave.

Reflecting on the 10th anniversary of the election of Pope Francis, Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston, said “Ten years ago, Pope Francis was a surprise choice coming to us from Argentina and over these years has continued to be a Pope of surprises.”

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Lenten Friday this year, many U.S. bishops have joined Daniel Cardinal DiNardo in issuing dispensations from abstinence on March 17, allowing the faithful to enjoy the Irish American tradition of eating corned beef (or ham) and cabbage in good conscience.

This year, the Memorial of Saint Patrick falls on Friday, March 17. It is well known that Saint Patrick's Day is a day of friendly social celebration for many American Catholics. I, therefore, decree that on Friday, March 17, 2023, all Catholics of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, no matter where they may be, and all other Catholics present in the Archdiocese on that day, are, by my authority, dispensed from the obligation to abstain from meat.