Bishop Michael Martin spent last week in Rome for education and fellowship with 300 other newly ordained bishops from around the world. Follow his postcards to the people back home in the Diocese of Charlotte.
Sept. 22, 2024
Experiencing an honor he calls “hard to describe,” Bishop Michael Martin, a Conventual Franciscan priest, said Mass Sunday in the Upper Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, where he is visiting after a weeklong conference in Rome.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
"Baby Bishop” school concluded Saturday with many new global friendships having been confirmed at the tomb of St. Peter. I took a train last night from Rome and arrived in Assisi at the tomb of St. Francis. Since my meetings are over, this is my final postcard but certainly not my final thoughts about all I have experienced and reflected upon in these days in Italy.
To try to summarize my experience in Rome would be to trivialize the work of the Holy Spirit. There are times when we must simply stand in awe of something much bigger than ourselves: the essence of the Church and being her living stones. I have often said we do a great job in the U.S. of helping people to love their parish but aren't so good at helping people love the Church. May my simple journey these days – and the untold number of homilies based upon them that I will bore you with in the coming weeks – be a source of connection for all of us beyond parish life to the heart of the Church.
I celebrated Mass this morning in the stunning Upper Basilica of St. Francis for the first time in my life as a priest (and certainly as a bishop) – an honor that is hard to describe. In the decree of canonization, Pope Gregory IX referred to Francis as having triumphed over the world while being "knowingly unlettered and wisely foolish." As that gives me hope, may we all aspire to a triumph that is not as the world measures success. Rather, may we desire nothing more than the Cross of Jesus. Tomorrow, I will begin the day with a Mass at the tomb of St. Francis, where I will remember all of you in prayer. Then, I will travel to La Verna where 800 years ago last week, St. Francis received the wounds of Jesus in a mystical experience. I will especially pray for our seminarians there, that they may know the power of the Holy Spirit to use them as witnesses of the Gospel to the extent to which they are willing to be transformed into Christ, weaknesses and all, knowingly (un)lettered and wisely foolish!
I saw a poster today used here in Assisi to mark the 800th anniversary of the stigmata of St. Francis. It read "Encounters that leave a mark." This experience has certainly left its mark in my heart, and I pray that all of us so marked will not fear to share the simple yet personal truths of the Kerygma (see Sept. 16 postcard) so that all may be marked with the sign of the Cross, turning our sufferings and deaths into the peace that only the resurrected Jesus can give. Thanks for traveling with me and see you soon stateside!
Peace,
+ Bishop Mike
Sept. 20, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I woke up ready to go on a day of perfect weather.
We sat through a moving presentation this morning on the plight of immigrants around the world. Certainly, the U.S. border was part of the discussion, along with challenges in so many other parts of the world where people and their families are forced to leave their homelands to survive. We spoke about the “right to remain” – how can we support work to help all people flourish in their home countries? These are big issues, but we have a bigger God!
We also heard fascinating talks about the digital world and AI. The Church may not be the most technologically savvy, but we bring so much to this important realm of the human experience. Not just looking for ways to use technology for good, but rather to help the world interpret the deeper meaning of new technologies and their impact on the human person.
Cool Application: So often we wonder how to examine our conscience. One presenter today suggested we review our browser history of the past few days to see where our heart has been fed. That was convicting!!!
I skipped lunch and took a 5-mile walk through the streets of Rome – felt fabulous at the end! The North American College hosted the U.S. bishops for dinner, a great evening that included a great view overlooking the Vatican. We wrap up tomorrow. You are in my prayers.
Peace,
+ Bishop Mike
Sept. 19, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It’s 6:30 a.m. and we’re in buses headed to St. Peter’s Basilica. Just walking in with a large group of bishops was surreal – imagining what it must have been like for the bishops at Vatican II. We celebrated Mass in the Immaculate Conception Chapel, directly behind the main altar and in front of that famous alabaster window of the Holy Spirit. At the end of Mass, we were led to the front of the main altar, underneath which the tomb of St. Peter rests. Each of us was permitted to go down the stairs and take a moment of personal prayer individually before the tomb. I prayed for the grace to be a good bishop for you, and entrusted the Diocese of Charlotte to the Lord's care through the intercession of St. Peter. It was a holy moment.
We then walked through the basilica to visit the papal apartments. After climbing an inordinate number of stairs (albeit in beautiful stairwells), we entered into the Clement VIII meeting hall to await the Holy Father. He arrived about 10:15 a.m. and was greeted by a standing ovation. He took his seat and simply said he had no prepared remarks and preferred a simple conversation “between brothers.” A number of bishops then went to the microphone to ask questions or offer thanks. Pope Francis’ responses were free and easy, having fun with some by making jokes and offering his heart for others who clearly represented Churches in places of warfare, famine and unrest. The intimacy of the gathering was a gift of the Holy Spirit, and hard to imagine in a hall that was more than 400 years old!
Each of us bishops was then able to personally greet the Holy Father, and as my turn approached, I simply introduced myself, thanked him for all he does for the Church, and invited him to North Carolina! While he simply shook my hand and said ‘Thank You,’ I'm not sure I can take that as a "yes.” I blinked, and in an instant, the moment of a lifetime had taken place. There was more that took place throughout the rest of the day, as we returned for further meetings, but suffice it to say for this postcard that my heart is moved with the grace of the Holy Spirit at how God chooses us to be His instruments in the world. I just met a one-man band!
Peace,
+ Bishop Mike
Sept. 18, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The alarm went off at 6:15 this morning and I turned it off. Next thing I knew, it was 6:53 a.m. and Mass was starting at 7. Not a good start to the day.
Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny spoke eloquently about the role bishops have in promoting reconciliation among people. His simple challenge was for us to walk with those suffering from cultural, ethnic or political divides – emphasizing that our job is not to “figure it out,” our ministry is to be with them and to serve their spiritual needs amid unimaginable difficulties. My mind went to those in our diocese who are troubled by their immigration status, and my heart was also moved by informal stories of bishops I have met here from India, Syria, Ukraine and elsewhere who are facing tremendous challenges. For everyone experiencing such difficulties, we need to ask ourselves: Am I there for them? Are we there for them? Heavy stuff.
Dr. Linda Ghisoni and Dr. Gabriella Gambino, who both work in the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life, gave excellent presentations about the state of family life and the role of new lay movements within the Church. So much of the human experience rides on the health of the family, and yet more and more, the role of the family has been diminished. A bright spot of late has been the emergence of laypeople coming together to witness how to live as disciples in the world. We have a number of these groups in our diocese. A responsible and empowered laity is the only way forward for our Church.
Lunch Break: Video-called mom today via WhatsApp with a view of St. Peter’s dome behind me. What a thrill – ain’t technology great!
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States (who was present at my ordination in May), covered the afternoon by sharing his global perspective – informed by years of diplomatic service to the Church – on the various challenges of sharing the faith. He talked about Pope Francis’ work years ago with the Aparecida Document – which describes how and why the Church must be about missionary discipleship, continually going out to encounter people. He also offered perspective on the pope’s 2013 encyclical Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”), which has a similar call to discipleship. Cardinal Pierre challenged us to lead our churches beyond self-interest and foster the desire to go out to the margins and evangelize. The nature of the Church is missionary – let’s get out there!
This evening the U.S. bishops were treated to dinner at the residence of 21 U.S. priests who work at the Vatican, and Cardinal Pierre joined us. The motley crew is pictured below.
Gotta get some sleep now – we leave at 6:30 tomorrow morning for St. Peter’s for Mass with Pope Francis. Certainly can’t oversleep for that!
Peace,
+ Bishop Mike
Sept. 17, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We got some needed rain today in Rome, but God always shines on us! (What, too sappy?) In presentations today, we new bishops heard about the impact of the Church on the world stage and our responsibility to promote “integral human development” (the holistic development of a person and their community). It was a powerful reflection on engaging the cultures of the world, using St. Paul’s speech in Athens (Acts 17) as a prototype for how to reach people – and it included great insights on using sports and other cultural phenomenon where so many people are focused.
Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General for the Synod of Bishops, challenged us to be “masters of discernment” as we listen attentively to the wide-ranging insights of the People of God. Lastly, we heard a pep talk on the upcoming Holy (Jubilee) Year 2025 with a focus on hope. We so often speak about faith and love, but it often seems hope – the third theological virtue – gets left out. Well, the Jubilee Year will give us time to refocus on it, and I’m dreaming of hopeful ways for us to connect our Holy Year celebrations with those of the Universal Church. Stay tuned!
A correction: My Day 1 postcard shared that we had 150 bishops from around the world gathered for learning and fellowship. Turns out, we are 300, and we met today with the other 150, who mostly hail from “missionary” countries. Above is a photo of all of us together during today’s presentations. That’s me in the other photo – sitting in the back row with bishops from California, Vermont and Iowa, like the troublemaker kids in school.
Perk Alert: I didn't know until today that one bonus of being a bishop is that we may skip the line at St. Peter’s Basilica and go in the back door. (Another is being saluted by the Swiss Guards!) I walked over to St. Peter’s after lunch today with Bishop John McDermott of Burlington, Vermont, for some prayer time and simple amazement at being at one of the true wonders of the world. Praying for you all!
Peace,
+ Bishop Mike
Sept. 16, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
On my first day of “new bishops class” today, I was taken by the presentation of Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, who heads the Vatican's doctrinal office (translation: he’s a big deal). He spoke about Pope Francis' vision for how we share our faith with others – the core mission of the Church. While this might sound like some dry university lecture, it was quite the contrary and focused on the need for all of us to share the message of faith – making it personal and relatable to all people.
Cardinal Fernandez noted the past 40 years have shown us that simply teaching more doctrine and morality does not engage the hearts and minds of most people. Rather, our mission is about sharing the “Kerygma” – a fancy Church word for these four truths: God created us for love; we sinned and screwed things up; Jesus died to save us; and we are called to live out His teachings.
These truths – the heart of the Gospel message – have to be what we constantly share with our families, friends, and people on the margins. It’s that simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Ask yourself: When was the last time you had a conversation about Jesus with someone you love?
I'm fired up now! I can't wait to engage with all of you about how we can continue to deepen our living of these truths and then get busy proclaiming them. I hope you’ll get a head start for me. Turn your phone off and have this discussion with someone you care about. Start by listening to their understanding of the Kerygma. Don't think you aren’t trained or holy enough, or that you might not get it right. If the Apostles had thought that way, you wouldn't be reading this postcard right now!
Peace,
+ Bishop Mike
Sept. 15, 2024
The Pontifical North American College in Rome, where seminarians from the United States go to study.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I was up early today to take a taxi to the Pontifical North American College (NAC) to celebrate Mass with seminarians from all over the USA who are studying there, including Ronan Ostendorf, John Harrison and Gabriel Lugo – three of our seminarians from the Diocese of Charlotte.
Through their experience at the NAC, these men who are preparing to be future priests of the United States will share a vision of the Church formed by witnessing the global Church at work. Sometimes we priests can get so focused on our local parish that we forget the needs and perspectives of being a part of something universal. Our three men will help us keep that broader outlook, formed here in Rome.
It is a Sunday brunch tradition at the NAC that all the seminarians sit grouped together by their home states, and they usually bedeck the table with some flag or icon of the home sod. The four of us made up the North Carolina table, and given what we saw at other tables, I think we need to send these guys some North Carolina swag! I spent some time individually with each of them and then headed out, renewed in the peace of knowing that our diocese is blessed with really good seminarians!
I was also blessed to spend the afternoon at the OFM Conventual headquarters in Rome, reconnecting with some friars I haven't seen in years and spending some quality time with Conventual Franciscan Father Carlos Trovarelli, the 120th successor of St. Francis of Assisi.
Then it was back in time for prayers and dinner with the other “baby bishops” who have come together to begin work tomorrow. I enjoyed dinner with five bishops from Nicaragua, Venezuela, Romania and England and marveled at the language “stew” we used to communicate with each other. My head started to hurt as we flipped from English to Italian to Spanish (especially with me being not particularly fluent in any of them!).
Now I am back in my room, hoping to watch the Panthers game as well as the Ravens game on YouTube, only to find out my NFL Sunday ticket doesn't work in Europe – of course, it doesn't!
As I write this postcard to you, dear brothers and sisters, please know you remain in my prayers. And better luck next week, Panther fans!
Peace,
+ Bishop Mike
Evening prayer with the other bishops
Sept. 14, 2024
ROME — In Rome’s bohemian Trastevere district, Bishop Martin meets Diocese of Charlotte seminarians for dinner, conversation and prayer. The three seminarians studying in Rome this year are Gabriel Lugo (front left) of Immaculate Conception Parish in Forest City, Ronan Ostendorf (back left) of St. Michael Parish in Gastonia, and John Harrison (back right) from St. Mark Parish in Huntersville. The bishop is in Rome for a “new bishops” conference at the Vatican.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I arrived today in the Eternal City with little travel difficulty and settled into our host seminary near the Vatican called the Missionary College of St. Paul, where many priests and seminarians from developing countries live and study. I am here in Rome with about 150 new bishops for a week of prayer, learning and fraternity. It is good to be here!
After a brief nap, I needed to walk off my jetlag, so I walked the two miles to St. Peter's Basilica, and while the line to get inside was prohibitive, I felt the embrace of Mother Church simply standing inside Bernini’s outstretched colonnade arms of St. Peter’s Square. I stopped in a favorite bookstore from my days here as a seminarian almost 40 years ago, just to enjoy the enormous number of titles of scholarly and pastoral work written about our Catholic faith, mostly in Italian, and I pined for a time when I could just read and read and read.
I stopped in a local church to remember in prayer a confrere of mine – Father Joseph Beniciewicz, OFM Conv. – who died suddenly this week at 64 and who was being buried at that hour not far from where I grew up in Baltimore. As wonderful as a trip to Rome can be, not being able to be present for the funeral and for my brothers who mourn his loss weighs heavily.
After a walk back to the college (uphill!), I write this short postcard to all of you in the Diocese of Charlotte, as in a few moments I will Uber to a favorite area of Rome – Trastevere – to meet our three seminarians studying in Rome for dinner. Looking forward to being with them and bringing them the thoughts and prayers of all of you.
Peace,
+ Bishop Mike