June 7, 2026
This month marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Oblate Bishop Arsène Turquetil. His remarkable missionary story is shared elsewhere in this bulletin. I have always been inspired by him. What moves me most is his zeal for souls.
He spent decades serving in difficult mission territory. There were hardships. There was isolation. There was disappointment. But he never gave up. Why? Because he loved Jesus Christ. And he wanted others to know Him too.
Last year, during my illness, I spent a great deal of time praying and reflecting on my priesthood. I remember praying for a zeal for souls like Bishop Turquetil had. A desire to bring people closer to Christ. A desire to help others know God’s mercy and love.
Sometimes I wonder how I am doing with that promise. It is easy to become busy. It is easy to become distracted. It is easy to focus on many things while forgetting what matters most.
Bishop Turquetil reminds me that the heart of priesthood is helping people encounter Jesus Christ. That is what mattered most to him. And it should matter most to me. As we honor his memory this month, perhaps we can all ask ourselves a simple question, “Do my words and actions bring others closer to Christ?”
May Bishop Turquetil pray for the Missionary Oblates, for all who visit our Shrine, and for each one of us. And may we never lose our zeal for souls.
I remember you at Mass.
