Beloved, Bishop Joseph Strickland is emerging not only as a true shepherd of the flock, but as a wise, fearless and most caring spiritual father. His words below not only give clarity in truth, but are a soothing balm for confused, weary and concerned sheep: “The Passion always–always–leads to the Resurrection.”

I thank God for such a shepherd and pray you will join me in prayer for him and for the handful of true shepherds yet willing to lay down their lives for the sheep.

God bless and keep you,
Mother Miriam of the Lamb of God, O.S.B.

The Passion leads to the Resurrection

A reflection as the conclave convenes
(Transcript from A Shepherd’s Voice by Bishop Joseph Strickland May 5, 2025)

This week, as the cardinals of the Church gather in Rome to elect a new pope, the eyes of the world turn once again to the Vatican. For many faithful Catholics, this is not a moment of joy or confidence – but of sorrow, confusion, and fear. The scandals of recent years have shaken trust in the shepherds of the Church. The legacy of the last pontificate has left deep wounds.

The vast majority of the cardinal electors were appointed by Pope Francis, and while we must pray for every one of them, it is no secret that many have expressed or defended ideologies and practices contrary to the perennial Magisterium of the Church. Scandals – both doctrinal and moral – have wounded the Body of Christ, and the silence or complicity of shepherds has led many to lose confidence in the human element of the Church.