On September 17, Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Brendan John Cahill as the seventh Bishop of Joliet. Bishop Cahill comes to us after 11 years as Bishop of Victoria, Texas, and will be formally installed November 11.
At a recent Vespers with the priests of our diocese, Bishop Cahill gave us an opportunity to hear his heart. He spoke warmly of his family, most of whom still live in Houston, including his mother. His father died eight years ago. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the religious sisters and brothers who educated him and helped form his faith.
I came away convinced that Bishop Cahill will be a wonderful gift to our diocese. He is humble, deeply in love with Jesus, devoted to Mary and filled with genuine Christian joy. Like Bishop Conlon and Archbishop Hicks, he is committed to fostering evangelization and discipleship throughout the Church.
Bishop Cahill is especially concerned that young adults know they have a home in the Church. He wants us to reach out, listen, welcome and invite rather than judge or exclude. His ministry also reflects a deep concern for the dignity and rights of immigrants. He holds national leadership roles with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in the pastoral care of migrants, refugees and travelers. In Texas, he has also supported efforts addressing psychological and mental-health needs.
Please pray for Bishop Cahill, the Diocese of Victoria and our Diocese of Joliet during this time of transition.
~ Fr. John
