Annual ‘Bishop’s Appreciation Mass’ focuses on reconciliation

By Doug Weller, The Register

SALINA — Reconciliation was the theme of Bishop Edward Weisenburger’s homily for a Mass offered in thanks to women religious in the Diocese of Salina.

Women religious in the diocese are invited to the annual Mass and luncheon at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

At the start, Bishop Weisenburger reminded the sisters that last year’s Mass was one of his first public events following his ordination as the 11th bishop of Salina.

“So it is a blessing to be here with you, in honor of your presence and ministry in our diocese,” he said.

His homily reflected on the Scripture readings of the day, which also was the Feast of St. Mark.

The readings referenced the disagreement between the Apostles Mark and Paul, which led to their estrangement for several years. Yet at the end of his life, Paul asks for Mark to be sent for him so that they could reconcile.

“The Scriptures allude to the wonderful experience of reconciliation,” Bishop Weisenburger said. “So I ask that you might pause with me to contemplate who among us has lived in an ideal community?”

There are always strong personalities, he said, no matter the organization.

“How can you not have disagreements? That is nature; that is who we are,” he said.

But it is forgiveness and reconciliation that sets apart Christians, he stressed.

“We are the most faithful to the Gospels when we are a people of reconciliation,” Bishop Weisenburger said. “May each of us, as individual followers of Christ, always struggle to affect perfection not of life but of forgiveness and reconciliation.”