TVC WINTER 2025

EDITOR’S NOTE

CATHOLIC THE VALLEY

WINTER 2025

CATHOLIC THE VALLEY

COLUMNS 05 Message from our Shepherd 10 Ask a Priest 28 Formation for Ministry 29 Making Sense of Bioethics 30 Family Life 31 Women en la Frontera 32 Liturgical Living 35 Christus Vivit in the RGV the Rio Grande Valley In every issue 22 THOSE WHO SERVE Deacon answers call to serve others by taking action 24 - 27 FEAST DAYS & DEVOTIONS Resources for feast days in December, January and Febuary 36 - 40 COMMUNITY LIFE Some highlights from the Church in A GIFT FOR YOUR DOMESTIC CHURCH

Features 7 EVIDENCE Former atheist who investigates Eucharistic miracles presents findings

WINTER 2025 VOLUME 2: ISSUE 2

“Saint Bride,”

Bishop Daniel E. Flores Publisher Brenda Nettles Riojas Editor Paul Binz Assistant Editor Ricardo Treviño Content Developer Angelica Corona Creative Communications Specialist

painting of St. Brigid, a patron saint of Ireland, by John Duncan at the National Galleries of Scotland. Her feast day is celebrated Feb. 1.

9 JUBILEE YEAR

Holy sites designated for local pilgrimages and indulgences

The Valley Catholic is published quarterly.

p. 7 EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES Scientific evidence that Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist

Pilgrims in a holy year

13 SYNOD UPDATE

H ow quickly one year ends and another begins. The opening of the Holy Year 2025 by Pope Francis on Dec. 24 serves as an ideal way to focus our attention to being “pilgrims of hope.” “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us,” Pope Francis said, “and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.” Let’s take these words to heart and look for ways to “be tangible signs of hope.” Bishop Daniel E. Flores echoes the Holy Fa- ther and calls us to share our joy and be a mes- senger of the Lord’s presence. In his message on page 5 , he points out we have “a mission to be a joyful, happy Catholic who lives the faith.” We can do this by taking note of all the wonderful ways the Lord works in our lives, and graces them with the people we journey with on our pilgrimage. As we put this edition together, we could see clearly the ways people in our community serve the Lord, from those reminding us about the church’s teachings on

end-of-life issues to those who are committed to promoting vocations and answering God’s call. One of my highlights leading up to this edition was attending the talks by Dr. Ricardo Castañon on the miracles of the Eucharist. ( See story on page 7 .) The Lord gives us proof that he is present in the Eucharist. Pope Francis said, “We need to recognize the immense goodness present in our world, lest we be tempted to think ourselves over- whelmed by evil and violence.” He also reminds us, “In the realization that all of us are pilgrims on this earth, which the Lord has charged us to till and keep (cf. Gen 2:15), may we never fail, in the course of our sojourn, to contemplate the beauty of creation and care for our common home.” In the midst of this messy world and chal- lenges, there is much goodness. Let’s make it a point to recognize it and give thanks to God every day. BRENDA NETTLES RIOJAS EDITOR

Final session set for three-year process of listening and dialogue 16 OUR CATHOLIC FAMILY Proyecto Desarrollo Humano marks 20 years of service 20 END-OF-LIFE ISSUES Assisted suicide or euthanasia are not options for Catholics

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11 Religious Art 33 Saint Cutout

MEMBER

HOLY YEAR Jubilee 2025 a year of special spiritual graces and indulgences

Monstrance used for Eucharistic Adoration On the cover

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