A Shepherd's Message - May 26, 2026

In this message, Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez shares the homily given by Pope Leo XIV at an April 26 Mass when he ordained 10 new priests at St. Peter’s Basilica. Archbishop Vásquez is set to ordain four men to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on June 6 at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. 

Archbishop Vásquez: The Holy Father reminds us that the priest is called to serve as Christ serves, offering his life freely for the good of God’s people. It is a great joy for me to gather with the priests of the Archdiocese for the biannual convocation. I am grateful to these men for dedicating themselves to ministering to this local Church. This time gives us the opportunity for rest, renewal and priestly fraternity. Please pray for us and especially for the four men who will be ordained to the priesthood on June 6. 

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Dear brothers and sisters,

This Sunday is full of life! Although death surrounds us, Jesus’ promise is already coming true: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). We see great generosity and enthusiasm in the willingness of these young men, whom the Church calls today to be ordained as priests. It is the Holy Spirit who unites people and vocations in freedom, so that no one lives for themselves any longer.

The vocation of these our brothers invites us to reflect upon the priest’s service, which is a ministry of communion. “Life in abundance,” in fact, comes to us in a deeply personal encounter with the person of the Son, but it immediately opens our eyes to our brothers and sisters who are already experiencing, or who are still seeking, the “power to become children of God” (Jn 1:12). Dear ordinands, the deeper your bond with Christ, the more radical your belonging to all of humanity. There is no opposition, nor competition, between heaven and earth; in Jesus, they are united forever. Certainly, like the love of spouses, the love that inspires celibacy for the Kingdom of God must also be guarded and constantly renewed. You are called to a specific, delicate and difficult way of loving and, even more so, of allowing yourselves to be loved in freedom. This will make you not only good priests but also honest, helpful citizens, builders of peace and social friendship.

In this regard, in the Gospel that was proclaimed (Jn 10:1–10), Jesus refers to aggressive figures and actions: strangers, thieves and robbers who disregard boundaries and intrude between Him and those He loves. They come, Jesus says, “only to steal and kill and destroy.” Their voices are different from His own and are unrecognizable. With His words, He evokes not only forms of physical aggression, but above all of spiritual aggression. This does not, however, deter Him from giving up His life. We must not be frightened by reality. It is the Lord of life who calls us. May the ministry entrusted to you, dear brothers, convey the peace of those who know that they are safe, even amid dangers.

Today, the need for security makes people aggressive, causes communities to close in on themselves and leads people to seek out enemies and scapegoats. Fear is often present around us and perhaps within us. May your security not lie in the role you hold, but in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, as well as in your participation, along with your people, in the story of salvation. This salvation is already at work in the many good deeds that are quietly carried out by people of goodwill in the parishes and settings where you will join them as fellow travelers. What you proclaim and celebrate will protect you, even in difficult times.

In the communities where you will be sent, the risen One is already present, and many have already followed Him commendably. You will encounter people who will direct you towards Him. These communities will also help you to become saints! For your part, help them to walk together, following Jesus, the Good Shepherd, so that they may become places of life that rise anew and share themselves with others. Facilitating encounters, helping to bring together those who would otherwise never meet, and conciliating division is one and the same as celebrating the Eucharist and Reconciliation. Coming together always means planting the Church anew.

At one point in today’s Gospel, Jesus begins to speak about Himself using an important image. “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep” (Jn 10:7). This image reminds us of Baptism.

“I am the gate,” Jesus said. Dear ordinands, consider yourselves to be part of this suffering humanity, which awaits abundant life. By introducing others to the faith, you will rekindle your own. Together with the baptized faithful, you will cross the threshold of the mystery every day — the threshold bearing the face and name of Jesus. Never hide this holy door. Do not block it; do not be an obstacle to those who wish to enter. “You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering” (Lk 11:52).

Today more than ever, especially when statistics seem to indicate a divide between people and the Church, keep the door open! Let people in, and be prepared to go out. You are a channel, not a filter. Many believe they already know what lies beyond the threshold. Often, there is something within them that is alive and has not died out; this draws them in. The Lord knows, and He waits. Be a reflection of His patience and tenderness. You belong to everyone and are for everyone! Let this be the fundamental purpose of your mission: to keep the threshold open and direct others to it, without using too many words.

On the other hand, Jesus insists and clarifies: “I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture” (Jn 10:9). He does not stifle our freedom. The Church’s doors are open, but not to cut us off from life. Whoever is saved can “go out and find pasture.”

Dear brothers, go out and discover culture, people and life! The people you will serve as priests inhabit pastures that you must come to know. At times, it will seem to you that you lack the necessary maps. But the Good Shepherd has them; listen to His very familiar voice. So many people today feel lost! In this regard, there is no more precious testimony than this: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for His name’s sake” (Ps 23:2–3). His name is Jesus: “God saves”! You are witnesses to this.