The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley has released the following statement on the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: “It is with great confidence in Christ’s promises, yet with sadness of heart, that we have received the news that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has been called from this world to the eternal life with our Heavenly Father. At the same time, we offer our prayers for the repose of the soul of Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger, who has “finished the race” here on earth, that he may enjoy at last the eternal rest and unending joy of the saints in Heaven.
Bishop Bradley has released a Letter to the Faithful regarding Prop 3, the radical and extreme proposed amendment to the constitution which would have Michigan become the most extreme anti-life state in the country, and most of the world. Read the full Letter here.
On the Feast of diocesan patron St. Augustine, Bishop Paul J. Bradley releases his latest pastoral letter, "Behold, I am making all things new": A Pastoral Letter on Priestly Spiritual Renewal and Prayer for Vocations. In his letter, the bishop announces a new diocesan year, beginning on the birthday of Our Blessed Mother, September 8, 2022, and outlines plans for priestly renewal and lay faithful participation.
The Diocese of Kalamazoo has released the following statement from Bishop Paul J. Bradley on the Motu Proprio*, Traditionis Custodes/Guardians of the Tradition, released today by Pope Francis.
January 20, 2021 (Kalamazoo, Mich.): The Diocese of Kalamazoo has released the following statement from Bishop Paul J. Bradley regarding today’s inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris: Bishop Bradley affirmed the statement today released by Archbishop Jose Gomez, President, USCCB, (click for full statement) on the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States. Bishop Bradley added, “On this day marking the transfer of leadership in our country, let us pray that our new President and Vice President will be open to God’s guidance, adhering to our principles of Life (from the moment of conception to natural death), Liberty (including religious freedom), and Justice for all.”
"In this troubling moment, we must recommit ourselves to the values and principles of our democracy and come together as one nation under God. I entrust all of us to the heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. "~USCCB President Archbishop Gomez
Bishop Paul J. Bradley welcomes Pope Francis’ recent announcement, declaring the Catholic Church observe a “Year of St. Joseph”. In conjunction with the declaration, the Holy Father released an Apostolic Letter to the world, entitled Patris Corde/With a Father’s Heart. The Letter marks the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. This special “Year of St. Joseph” began on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2020 and lasts until December 8, 2021.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has released "Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call of Love", a pastoral letter against racism. Read the letter here.
Bishop Paul J. Bradley, in the name of the entire Diocese of Kalamazoo, warmly welcomes and applauds Pope Francis’ latest Encyclical, Fratelli Tutti (Brothers and Sisters All) released yesterday in Assisi on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Bishop Bradley invites all the Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese to read this landmark encyclical on fraternity and social friendship, which adds greatly to the Church’s Social Teachings.