February 5, 2025<\/p>\n
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,<\/p>\n
February 12th is an important date for the Church in the Diocese of Peoria. It was on this day in 1875 that Pope Blessed Pius IX erected the Diocese of Peoria, thus beginning the storied history of sharing the Gospel as part of this particular Diocese.<\/p>\n
On February 12, 2025, we will gather to celebrate Mass in our Cathedral and inaugurate our many efforts to mark our 150th Anniversary. There is no better way to begin our celebrations than to do so at the altar of the Lord. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our lives as Catholics and gathering to encounter the Lord in Word and Sacrament in the midst of the People of God renews us in our witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n
The Sesquicentennial Anniversary is a moment for us to reflect on our past and to give thanks to God for all that has been handed on to us. It is a time to consider our present efforts to live as Jesus\u2019 disciples. And it is also an occasion to dream of the future where, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, we will advance on our way to God\u2019s Kingdom. Indeed, our anniversary is a grace-filled opportunity to share our faith, serve our world, and deepen our relationships with one another.<\/p>\n
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Appointed as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Peoria by Pope Francis, I am so grateful for the Church throughout our diocese. I am filled with joy and holy pride by the tremendous witness shown by our priests, deacons, consecrated women and men, and lay faithful. I am humbled by the prayers of so many and I am entirely dependent upon the grace of the Holy Spirit to serve as your bishop.<\/p>\n
Over the course of so many years, the Diocese of Peoria has experienced great opportunities and significant challenges. These moments shape who we are. Now, entrusting ourselves to the example and motherly love of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, may we remain centered on our mission given to us by Jesus. We Proclaim Christ: Yesterday, Today, Forever!<\/p>\n
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Peace and Prayers,<\/p>\n
+<\/b>Most Reverend Louis Tylka,\u00a0Bishop of Peoria<\/p>\n
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