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. In the Motu Proprio, Pope Francis has returned the responsibility for when and where the pre-Vatican II liturgy according to the 1962 Missal may be celebrated to the local diocesan bishop, reversing an earlier Motu Proprio from Pope Benedict XVI. The new directive will have an impact on where and when the Faithful will be able to participate in the traditional Latin Mass.
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.
Bishop Paul J. Bradley has written a Letter to the Faithful entitled, "Letting Faith Form our Conscience." In his letter, Bishop Bradley offers encouragement and guidance for forming our conscience in general and its application to our role as faithful citizens.
In light of recent incidents of violence and racial tension in communities across the United States, the USCCB president, along with Bishop Bradley, has invited all Catholics to unite in a National Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Our Communities, September 9, the Feast of St. Peter Claver. All are invited to pray, fast, attend Mass and ask for the intercession of saints who have fought for racial equality such as St. Peter Claver.
In a heartfelt Letter to the Faithful, Bishop Paul J. Bradley announces his decision to extend the General Dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days through November 22, 2020. He also encourages the Faithful to "Keep Holy the Lord's Day" . Click here to read the full text.
August 3, 2020 (Kalamazoo, Mich.): The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley has announced the following clergy appointments as well as the formation of a new Parish Collaborative. Changes are effective August 10, 2020 unless otherwise noted.
Bishop Bradley offers a video update on a number of diocesan initiatives including important changes to this year's Bishop's Annual Appeal and the reconvening of the diocesan Committee Against Racism.
My dear friends, as we all are painfully aware, we’re living in a very tumultuous, anxious, and greatly divided time in our country. Tensions are high, anger is great, peaceful protests against racism and social injustice are widespread, and sadly, some of those protests have turned violent, and destructive, including here in our own community. I’m reminded of St. Paul’s words to the Corinthians, and us, to “mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).