The Most Reverend Ralph B. O’Donnell
On October 28th, the local Church in the Diocese of Jefferson City was privileged to welcome The Most Reverend Ralph B. O’Donnell as its 5th Bishop at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Jefferson City, Missouri. Bishops are ordained to carry forth the ministry of Christ as the chief shepherd after the heart of the Lord — leading the Christian community, proclaiming the faith, calling the people to holiness, and witnessing in word and deed the presence of the risen Lord.
The Bishop serves as a source of unity within his local Church and as a point of communion with the universal Church. St. Augustine of Hippo reminds us: “For you, I am a Bishop, but with you, I am a Catholic.” Bishop O’Donnell’s motto, taken from Psalm 100, is “Serve the Lord in gladness.” This reflects his desire to serve, not to be served, and to do so with childlike joy before the Lord. Let us join our hearts in prayer for the chief shepherd of our diocese, that he may lead us all toward holiness.
All Saints Day – November 1
On November 1st, we commemorate the solemnity of All Saints Day, a holy day of obligation dedicated to honoring the saints of the Church — both those formally canonized and all who have attained heaven (Hebrews 12:22-24). These saints lived lives of extraordinary faith and dedication to God, serving as models for all Christians.
Through God’s divine power, the souls in heaven hear our prayers and can intercede on our behalf. As Scripture encourages, “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and run with perseverance the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
All Saints Day is a rich celebration that invites reflection on our own spiritual journey, inspiring us to aspire to holiness through prayer, attending Mass, and learning from the lives of the saints. True holiness is rooted in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:5-10), exemplified supremely in Jesus — the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and the pure of heart. Let us invoke Mary, Mother of the Lord and mirror of all holiness, to guide and accompany us.
All Souls Day – November 2
On November 2nd, we commemorate All Souls Day, honoring the faithful departed who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith. This day reminds us of the mystery of death and the promise of resurrection and eternal life. Scripture tells us the Lord will come unexpectedly, “like a thief in the night.”
While much about life after death remains a mystery, we are crafted for immortality. As the psalmist says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain wisdom of heart” (Psalm 90:12). St. Augustine reminds us, “We loved them in life; let us not forget them in death.” Let us continually pray for the faithful departed, that they may be ushered into God’s divine embrace alongside the saints, where we shall one day be joined together with Him.
— Fr. Martin Masiisa
