A Historic Gathering of California and Alta Mexico

In October, the Bishops of California and Alta Mexico gathered at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph to pray and collaborate on issues unique to the Church in the West, highlighting the importance of unity and shared mission among our communities. Here are some of the thoughts on the meeting.
Their full remarks were recorded and can be streamed on the DSJ YouTube channel:
How does praying and planning together as bishops strengthen the Church as well as your own episcopal ministry?
Where do you see hope or the Holy Spirit moving in your diocese right now?
Do you have a message of encouragement to the Faithful as the Church concludes the Jubilee Year of Hope?

Monseñor Eugenio Lira Rugarcía,

Obispo de Matamoros-Reynosa, Tamaulipas, México

I think the great hope is that we know a wonderful goal awaits us, that heaven is in heaven, and that with God all ends well. That is the great hope we all have. And so we go forward, confident that we will not only find God in eternity, but already now, because He has come to us in Jesus Christ, whom He has promised us. “I am with you always, until the end of time” 9 (28:20). So, as Pope Leo XIII reminded us, there is hope. We are citizens of heaven, as Saint Paul said. And we must understand that, as citizens of heaven, to reach the goal, we must be capable of living, as Saint Augustine advises, by doing good works

Bishop Matthew G. Elshoff,

Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles

We see so much division, and we know that it's through the power of the Holy Spirit, through prayer, that we appreciate how we can be united as one. And that gift of the Holy Spirit, I think, is found throughout the baptized community, but in particular, in those who are appointed to help lead the community on its journey to salvation. The Holy Spirit works in union with the bishops. When we gather, it's an opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, to unite us through that gift of prayer, and then be a sign to the communities that we serve.

Monseñor Mario Nicolás Villanueva Arellano,

Obispo auxiliar de Tijuana, México

At this moment, in Tijuana, we face many challenges. These include migration, poverty, and marginalization. We need to make more effort, and, without a doubt, root all our actions in the call to evangelize. This is the most important thing: this mission calls for the commitment of all the baptized men and women to put forth our best efforts in the name of Jesus.

Bishop Rey Bersabal,

Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento

I think it is important to be focused on how God accompanies us all the time, that his mercy and love are bigger than what we continue to fail in responding. Just like the gospel today. You know, sin. Yes: It causes us a lot of trouble. But Jesus’obedience in dying on the cross: that beautiful gift is bigger than anything else we have done in life. I can see that in a lot of kids now. Regardless of what has happened in their lives, it is so encouraging to see them respond [by] acknowledging there is a call to gather, to pray, and to respond to the social needs, and that this is a call to gather, to pray, and to respond to the world. It is promising. It is promising.

Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen,

Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Orange

Praying and meeting with the bishops of California to plan programs are fundamental aspects of episcopal life and ministry for the good of the diocese. I see that when the bishops meet to share their experiences, it is very beneficial. It strengthens my spirituality to know that many others accompany me in my episcopal ministry.