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Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
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Happening Now
The following offers the latest information about events and activities happening in the Diocese of Little Rock.
Sts. Peter, Paul united in preaching Gospel
The tradition of honoring these saints on the same day goes back to the early Church. “Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles’ blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching and their confession of faith.” — St. Augustine of Hippo in 395 A.D. According to tradition, St. Peter felt he was not worthy to die in the same manner as Jesus ... More
Sacred Heart Welcomes us in Tenderness
The Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is always celebrated during the octave of Corpus Christi or 19 days after Pentecost Sunday. The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents his divine love for humanity, demonstrated most tangibly by the sacrifice of his life for our sins. Though it is a solemnity, it is not a holy day of obligation. Although devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus goes back many centuries, it was not celebrated universally in the Church until 1856 when Pope Pius IX made it a solemnity. "Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his passion, and gave himself up ... More
John the Baptist prophesied from womb
Besides the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist is the only other saint with a feast day celebrating his birth. Though it is a solemnity, the feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is not a holy day of obligation. That being said, the mysteries of his birth and the prominent role he played in the life of Christ hold special significance in the Church. His feast has been observed by the Church as early as the fourth century. From the moment of conception, a relationship was established between Jesus and John. An angel appeared to an elderly Zechariah and told him his wife ... More
2025 jubilarian priest Mass to be June 25
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving Wednesday, June 25 to honor seven priests who are celebrating 25, 60 and 65 years of priestly service in the Diocese of Little Rock. It will be held at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner reception in McDonald Hall. The public is invited to attend the Mass and dinner. Reservations are not required. The jubilarians are Msgr. Gaston Hebert, 65 years; Father Henry Mischkowiuski and Father Jerome Kodell, OSB, 60 years; and Father Rodolphe Balthazar ... More
Miracle of Eucharist focus of Corpus Christi
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, traditionally referred to by its Latin name, "Corpus Christi", is the feast day that highlights the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, — Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. This year it is celebrated June 22. The word "Eucharist" means "thanksgiving." It comes from the Greek "eucharistein" and "eulogein," which "recalls the Jewish blessings that proclaim — especially during a meal — God's works: creation, redemption and sanctification." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1328) On the night before he died, ... More
Fathers have irreplaceable role in family
"Children who are being raised without fathers are twice as likely to drop out of school, are at seven times greater risk of poverty and are seven times more likely to become pregnant during their teenage years. Without a father present, children are more likely to have behavioral problems, to abuse alcohol and drugs and go to prison," according to the National Fatherhood Initiative. Given the importance of fathers, having positive role models can make all the difference in helping them reflect the love of our father in heaven. Just as Mary is the greatest role model for mothers ... More
Trinity is intimate relationship of love, trust
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity is celebrated each year the week after Pentecost. God has revealed himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is three, distinct persons in one God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tell us this revelation is the central mystery of the Christian faith and life. But how can God be Father, Son and Holy Spirit and still be one God? This may sound overwhelming and difficult to understand because it is. In his 2019 homily in Vatican News, Father Antony Kadavil told a story of how St. Augustine tried to understand the great mystery of the Trinity. ... More
Veni Sancte Spiritus on Pentecost Sunday
Jesus promised the Advocate would come. "It is better for you that I go," he told his apostles. "For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." Knowing they were confused, Jesus said, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of Truth, he will guide you to all truth." (John 16: 7-13) And before Jesus ascended into heaven he instructed his followers to stay together and not leave Jerusalem, "but to wait for 'the promise of the Father' about which you have heard me speak, for John baptized with water, ... More
