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VOL. 55 NO. 6 • SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 • DIOCESE OF BEAUMONT • 16 PAGES, 1 SECTION

Bishop’s favorite memory: “The greatest times that I shared with you during these past 18 years are those times we gathered together around the altar to celebrate the Eucharist….” See more on Page 3.
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A shepherd strengthened by Christ
It was July, 18 years ago that
Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, be-
came the fifth bishop of the Dio-
cese of Beaumont. He was 56,
had been an auxiliary bishop for
the then-Diocese of Galveston-
Houston, and was looking for-
ward to ministering in Southeast
Texas. After being an auxiliary
in Houston and heading down
I-10 to visit his family in Mallett,
La., Bishop Guillory had driven
through the Beaumont Diocese
many times. And though he may
have been somewhat familiar
with Southeast Texas, he was still
“the new guy.”
But that “new guy” title soon
wore off and now 18 years later
Bishop Guillory is a fixture in
Southeast Texas. He is familiar
to many because he frequently
visits the parishes – sometimes
to celebrate a parish anniver-
sary and sometimes to console
a parish that is reeling from
damage because of one of the
many storms that come through
Southeast Texas. And, parish-
ioners are often surprised by a
phone call from him congratu-
lating them on a new grand-
child or comforting them after
the loss of a loved one.
People in the community
recognize him because of his
presence in the media through
news interviews and through his
televised reflections. Often he is
stopped at the grocery store by
a “stranger” who says, “I watch
you every morning.”
Some met him face to face for
the first time as he loaded clean-
ing supplies into their cars after
Hurricane Harvey and then stop-
ping to ask them about how the
storm had affected their lives.
He’s not only the shepherd for
the faithful of the diocese, he has
also become a spiritual leader in
the larger community. He has
worked tirelessly to build relation-
ships with other faith communi-
ties and joined them in prayer.
But since he is reaching his
75th birthday on Sept. 1, he
will submit a letter of resig-
nation. All that because of a
Canon Law - Canon 401 §1, “A
diocesan bishop who has com-
pleted the seventy-fifth year of
age is requested to present his
resignation from office to the
Supreme Pontiff, who will make
provision after he has examined
all the circumstances.”
Though he will be submitting
his resignation, it could take a
year before another bishop is
appointed. And even though
he’s retiring, he’s not planning
to leave the area. He intends to
stay in Beaumont where he has
made lasting friendships.
In the years since his instal-
lation, there have been many
singular moments that can
be highlighted – dedicating a
church, baptizing someone in
prison, throwing out the first
pitch at an Astros game.
More often, memories of
Bishop Guillory highlight
his pastoral care of the entire
Southeast Texas community. He
has mourned with the commu-
nity after tragedies such as 9/11,
the shootings in Ferguson, Mo.;
Sandy Hook, Conn.; and Or-
lando, Fla. He would often in-
vite not just the Catholic faith-
ful but the entire community
of Southeast Texas to join in
prayer.
Sustained by the Lord, Bishop
Guillory has helped guide the
Church in Southeast Texas with
restoration after church proper-
ty was devastated by three hur-
ricanes.
Through the years, Bishop
Guillory had targeted specific
areas he wanted to work on in-
cluding increasing youth min-
istry, revitalizing evangelization
and making sure that Steward-
ship formation is available to
all. Bishop Guillory is forever
looking to the future, wanting
to make sure the Church is vi-
brant and growing for the next
generations of Catholics.
Early in his episcopacy Bishop
Guillory began to make plans for
the future financial stability of the
Church establishing the Catho-
lic Foundation of the Diocese
of Beaumont, Inc. so that funds
given by generous stewards could
be used long into the future.
In 2008, under Bishop Guil-
lory’s direction, the diocese
kicked off a $25 million capi-
tal campaign. Funds were ear-
marked for evangelization and
formation of youth and young
adults. Much of the monies
would be used to grow parish
youth ministries and religious
education programs, scholar-
ships for Catholic schools and
for the remodeling of the Cath-
olic Student Center at Lamar
University and a new chapel
Bishop Guillory giving Pope Francis a typical Texas greeting of ‘Howdy!’
Planning for the future also
includes ministry now to those the life of the Church. needy and the vulnerable not
youth and young adults. Not only But his evangelization was only locally but also on the state
does Bishop Guillory support and always more direct than just level. Through the Texas Catho-
encourage programs, he shows up media messages. Bishop Guil- lic Conference he has addressed
at events at Campus Ministry lory brought his Louisiana love legislators about issues of social
and often celebrates Mass for the for personal encounter to Mardi justice and advocated for those
school children. He hosts dinners Gras of Southeast Texas as he without a voice.
for small groups of young adults shook hands and blessed rosa- And now, Bishop Guillory is
asking them about their concerns ries at the Encounter Catholic submitting his letter of resig-
and wanting to know how the booth. And he brought his gift nation, but he will continue to
Church can better minister to for pastoral care to the area pris- be Bishop of Beaumont until a
them. ons as he confirmed and bap- new bishop is appointed.
But it was not only evangeliza- tized hundreds. Though Mallet, La., was his
tion to youth and young adults Bishop Guillory has always hometown, Southeast Texas will
that captured his attention. His been proud of the diversity of the be his home.
concern has always been broad- diocese and encourages the cel- And when asked about his
er than that. In 2006, the dio- ebration of that diversity through favorite memories of these 18
cese initiated a evangelization liturgy and worship. Diocesan years, Bishop Guillory says the
effort known as “Return to Me.” celebrations always include prayer greatest times were when “we
The effort began with television in other languages and music gathered together around the
and newspapers ads encourag- from other cultures. altar to celebrate the Eucharist.”
ing “occasional” Catholics to He has put his faith into ac- And Bishop Guillory, those
become active participants in tion and has been a voice for the were our greatest times too.
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Pastoral care, peace, evangelization:
The episcopacy of Bishop Curtis J. Guillory, S.V.D.
July 2000 – Bishop Curtis John Guillo-
ry is installed as the fifth bishop of Beau-
mont becoming the first religious order
bishop for the diocese and first African
American ordinary of a Texas diocese.
September 2001 – Southeast Texans
come together to pray and remember
the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack
as Bishop Guillory celebrates a Memo-
rial Mass.
July 2001 – Bishop Guillory restructures
the Stewardship and Development Office
to give attention to the formation of faith-
ful in regard to Stewardship not only of
treasure but also of time and talent.
January 2002 – Southeast Texas reli-
gious leaders including Bishop Guillory
issue a joint statement on a commitment
to peace, “Lord, Make Us Instruments
of Your Peace.”
September 2002 – Bishop Guillory opens
the first Diocesan Stewardship Conference
with prayer and encouragement as nearly
300 gather for the event beginning a 16-
year journey of formation.
August 2004 – After an 18-month
study into the sustainability of the dioc-
esan Catholic schools by the Diocesan
School Board, Bishop Guillory put their
findings into effect targeting marketing,
school board responsibility, pastoral rela-
tions and finances.
October 2004 – After renovation and
restoration, St. Anthony Cathedral, the
Mother Church, welcomes the public
Cutting the ribbon for the new Catholic Pastoral Center in April 2011 are Archbishop Emeritus
Joseph Fiorenza, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Bishop Guillory, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo,
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, John and Linda Duplissey, chairs for the Together for God’s
Good Work Capital Campaign, and Charlie Messina, Construction Director.
during a weeklong celebration that ends
with dedication.
January 2005 – Bishop Guillory issues
a pastoral letter to the faithful, “Revital-
izing Our Parishes for Mission.”
September 2005 – Hurricane Rita blows
through Southeast Texas. Many church
doors are closed temporarily and diocesan
staff are relocated to Houston as South-
east Texans endure a six-week evacuation.
Bishop Guillory heads up the rebuilding
for the diocese and provides spiritual lead-
ership for the community.
August 2006 – The Vatican recognizes
the artistic and historical significance of
St. Anthony Cathedral as well as its im-
portance in liturgical and pastoral min-
istry for the community and names it a
minor basilica.
October 2006 – Bishop Guillory re-
ceives the national 2006 St. Elizabeth
Ann Seton Award from the National
Catholic Educational Association. The
NCEA also recognizes St. Anne Catho-
lic School.
February 2008 – The Together for God’s
Good Work Capital Campaign kicks off
with a goal of raising $25 million with
funds earmarked for parish youth and
religious education programs, campus
ministry at Lamar University, scholar-
ships for Catholic schools, Catholic
Charities, Infirmed Priests Fund, con-
struction of a Pastoral Center and devel-
opment for Holy Family Retreat Center.
SEPTMEBER 1, 2018 • E AST T EXASCATHOLIC.COM 5
On Sept. 9, 2012, first responders were honored at a Blue Mass at St. Anthony Cathedral Ba-
silica, Beaumont. After Mass Bishop Guillory dedicated a replica of the Ground Zero Cross in
the prayer garden and blessed emergency vehicles and first responders.
September 2008 – Hurricane Ike dev- August 2017 – The Catholic Young Pro-
astates Southeast Texas, leaving only one fessionals has its first gathering with Bish-
church untouched. The capital cam- op Guillory as honorary guest speaker.
paign is put on hold to resume after re- August 2017 – Southeast Texas is dev-
covery and rebuilding. astated by the catastrophic rains of Hur-
July 2009 – Bishop Guillory announces ricane Harvey. Thousands of South-
that work on the Catholic Pastoral Cen- east Texans are left homeless. Catholic
ter will begin. schools and parishes are flooded. Water
April 2011 – The newly constructed reaches the tops of buildings at Holy
Catholic Pastoral Center is dedicated. Family Retreat Center.
The construction of the building is one September 2017 – Bishop Guillory
the elements of the capital campaign. not only leads the diocese in the ef-
August 2011 – The St. Thomas More forts of recovery and rebuilding but
Chapel is dedicated and the newly re- he stands shoulder to shoulder with
modeled Campus Ministry building is volunteers on supply distribution lines
reopened. Construction is funded by and travels to the most affected parish-
monies from the Together for God’s es celebrating Mass and offering solace
Good Works Capital Campaign. to parishioners.
August 2013 – The bishop convenes the February 2018 – The Diocese of Beau-
first priest convocation in Galveston. mont’s Harvey recovery efforts are the
September 2016 – Bishop Guillory re- beneficiaries of Catholic Extension’s
ceives the Rabbi Samuel Rosinger Hu- Spirit of Francis Dinner honoring Arch-
manitarian Award presented by Temple bishop Joseph Fiorenza. Bishop Guillory
Emanuel. is an honorary guest.
September 2016 – Southeast Texas August 2018 – Bishop Guillory leads the
celebrated the 50th anniversary of the festivities for the first Diocesan “Local”
diocese – with more than 4,000 in at- World Youth Day. Evangelization to the
tendance at Ford Park. youth has been one of Bishop Guillory’s
February 2017 – Bishop Guillory priorities.
joined the Islamic Society of the Triplex August 2018 – Bishop Guillory cel-
for an afternoon of prayer and solidar- ebrates Mass at the first Diocesan Con-
ity in response to the Executive Order vocation of Catholic Leaders hosted by
regarding immigration and resettlement. the Evangelization Commission.
6 E AST T EXASCATHOLIC.COM • SEPTEMBER 1, 2018

Father Michael Jamail - Vicar General

“My fondest memory is the series of decisions Bishop Guillory has made to
inclusiveness in the Kingdom of God. This is shown in his active welcom-
ing and collaborative attitude toward many faith traditions, the immigrants
from Asia, Indonesia, North, Central and South America, families and youth,
non-practicing Catholics, non-believers, all races - and his generous funding
of pastoral care.”

Regina Rogers - Founder, Gift of Life

“A blessing and a legend in Southeast Texas, Bishop Guillory has transcended race and
religion and had a profound impact on our region. From humble beginnings to his out-
standing achievements as a spiritual leader, Bishop has never forgotten his roots and has
remained committed to social justice and equality for all.”

Billie Matthews - Diocesan Stewardship Council

“When the Bishop calls you at the hospital or at home to ask how are you
doing, that’s amazing. I absolutely love the way Bishop relates to students
when they’re making their confirmation. He is precious with them. I love
him for it.”

Father Khanh Ho - Pastor, Holy Trinity

“I found Bishop Guillory easy to approach because of his simple and
down-to-earth personality. What struck me most about him is his quick
response to help people in need.”

Nancy Fontenot - Receptionist, Pastoral Center

“Bishop Guillory is very supportive and deeply caring. He has this way of showing great compassion not just for
the parishioners of the Diocese but also his employees. We are blessed to be a part of his team.”

The Rev. James R. Fuller, PH.D. - Senior Pastor, Calder Baptist Church
“Of the many qualities I appreciate about Bishop Guillory, his commitment to inter-religious relationships remains a
unique contribution to the religious fabric of Southeast Texas. He welcomes all faith traditions as friends and helps
us all learn from one another. For this and many other reasons, Bishop Guillory will leave an indelible mark for good
on Southeast Texas!”
 SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 • E ASTT EXASCATHOLIC.COM 7

Sister Esther Dunegan, IWBS - Chancellor

“Bishop Guillory came to my office to drop off a draft of his article
for the ETC. He was dressed in loose sports attire with a baseball cap
and looked like he had been jogging. When he walked into my of-
fice, I had to take a second look to be sure there was a Bishop under
that cap! By being out among the people, walking with them, and
caring for them, Bishop Guillory models for me the Good Shep-
herd. Besides being present for a great number of Church gatherings
throughout the diocese, he is constantly out in the local civic com-
munity. He is very much a ‘people person.’”

Linda Domino - Catholic Charities Board Member

“After Hurricane Harvey, I have a wonderful memory of Bishop work-
ing alongside many Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas volunteers
unloading pallets of supplies in a hot warehouse and later distributing
needed household supplies to people who had lost everything. I espe-
cially admired that Bishop personally went from car to car in the long
lines to greet as many people as possible and provide words of encour-
agement and hope in addition to the needed supplies. I would describe
Bishop Guillory as a true servant leader.”

Tommy Frank - Certified Volunteer Prison Chaplain Assistant

“Every time I requested Bishop to go with me to the prison in Livingston,
which is a maximum security prison and houses death row inmates, he
went. He did many baptisms and confirmations there. The prisoners there
were lifted to new spiritual heights by his humility and his willingness to
visit with them.”

Wayne F. Sparrow - St. Therese Parishioner

“He has ministered to the diocese with patient faith, addressing our concerns, without condemning us for
them. He has done so collectively, yet somehow touching us individually. We address him properly as Bishop.
Perhaps he should be correctly addressed as faithful servant.”
8 E AST T EXASCATHOLIC.COM • SEPTEMBER 1, 2018

Rosalind Sanchez - Director of Office of Worship

“My fondest memory of Bishop Guillory was his celebration of the funeral
Mass of his fellow priest and friend, Msgr. Richard DeStefano. I saw the
sorrow of someone who had lost a friend, much like the Gospel story of
Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary and friend of Jesus.”

Josh Parrish - Information Technology Director

“The first day Bishop Guillory came by my office in the new building
he said: ‘What’s all that?’ about all the equipment in the office. I said:
‘That’s what makes this building run.’ ‘Oh, I didn’t know that,’ Bishop
Guillory said. He has the ability to let us do our jobs without interfer-
ence. He’s always been extremely friendly and laid back with me. He’s
always trusted me to do my job.”

Victoria Pham - Queen of Vietnam Parishioner

“Dinner at Bishop Guillory’s residence was a very educational and pleasant experience.
Although the main topic (getting young adults back to the church) discussed that
evening required great consideration, Bishop Guillory was quite candid about it and
made his guests feel at ease in sharing their own personal journey of getting back to the
church and expressing their concerns.”

Bữa ăn tối tại dinh thự của Đức Giám Mục Guillory thật là hữu ích và vui vẻ. Mặc
dù chủ đề chính của ngày hôm đó là nói về cách làm thế nào để lôi kéo những người
thanh niên trở lại nhà thờ. Đức Giám Mục Guillory đã suy xét vấn đề và thật tình
nói lên những ưu tư cũng như làm cho những người khách của đức giám mục cảm
thấy thoải mái khi chia sẻ cuộc hành trình cá nhân của riêng họ.

Dr. Denton Harris - St. Anne Parishioner

“One of the attributes Bishop Guillory shares with our Lord Jesus is his ability to gather diverse groups of
people to him. He has been present for all of us spiritually as well as physically in times of joy and sorrow. As
Jesus said when he first saw the apostle Nathaniel: ‘There is no duplicity in him.’ Someone may come to do
the bishop’s job, but no one can replace him.”
 SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 • E ASTT EXASCATHOLIC.COM 9

Father Jerry McGrath, - St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica

“My fond memories of Bishop Guillory are his fruitful ‘down to earth’ hu-
man, pastoral care of Catholics and all peoples. He has been a very Pas-
toral Bishop who has not forgotten his humble family roots, the splendid
charism of the Divine Word Missionaries and the importance of living in
concrete ways Christ the Lord’s life-giving ministry of accompaniment as he
built deep lasting relationships and friendships with the people of Southeast
Texas. Through the years he has been a faithful and hope-filled presence of
God’s mercy and comfort to all God’s people as they have experienced the
stressful struggles with health, traumas of a loved one’s death, enduring so
many other different types of heavy personal crosses like economic hard-
ships and natural disasters.”

Jesus Abrego - Director of Hispanic Ministry

“My fondest memory is the way he cares about and talks to young people.
He wants to be present when there’s a tragedy.”

“Lo que mas me impresiona es la manera como se preocupa y les habla a

los yovenes. Cuando se nos presenta una tragedia el siempre esta presente.”

Lonnie Arrington - St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica Finance Council

“My first thoughts -- my friend. Works tirelessly in the vineyard every day,
always seeking a positive outcome to every problem. His sense of humor is
contagious. I worked with him on the restoration of the Cathedral. I watched
his unwavering support of Msgr. McGrath and the team throughout the effort.
He’s not a man who’s faint of heart. My words to him are the same as his words
to me when I suffered a stroke, ‘Get some rest. God’s not through with you yet.
There is more work to do in the vineyard.’”

Judge John Stevens - St. Jude Thaddeus Parishioner

“Bishop and I have a special fondness for New Orleans. My maternal grandparents are from there,
and Bishop was a pastor there, and his family is from near there. We like to reminisce about that city.
We’ve decided that sitting at Café du Monde drinking chicory coffee and endlessly eating beignets
would be nirvana. We’ve never done it, but maybe now that he’ll soon be retired....”
10 E AST T EXASCATHOLIC.COM • SEPTEMBER 1, 2018

Third-grade students welcome Bishop Guillory

Students from Laura Lee Smith’s third-grade class at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica School, Beaumont, penned letters to Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, wel-
coming him on his visit and wishing him well in his upcoming retirement.
 SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 • E AST T EXASCATHOLIC.COM 11
Students’ letters express thanks, farewell

Bishop Guillory fields questions from students ranging from why he has to retire “You are blessed. Your parents make sacrifices to send you to Catholic school.” ---Bishop Guillory
to when he will stop by to visit their school again.
12 E AST T EXASCATHOLIC.COM • SEPTEMBER 1, 2018

One Steward’s Response: A hole in my heart

By Richard Rosario
My first encounter with Bish-
op Guillory was over 10 years
ago when I made my confir-
mation. I was 15 years old and
a freshman in high school. (I
know. I’m fairly young.) I didn’t
know much about Bishop other
than that he was really impor-
tant in the Church and he was
going to ask us questions we
had to answer correctly or we
would not be confirmed.
I remember his homily at our
confirmation Mass. The thing
that resonated the most was
when he said that God placed
a hole in our heart when He
created us that only He can fill.
That felt like a special homily
that Bishop wrote just for me as
a Hispanic teenager going into
the next chapter of my Catholic
life.
Fast-forward seven years and
Bishop is my boss.
I never thought I would be
working for the Church, yet
here I am. I also didn’t think I
was a writer, yet here you are.
How did all of this come to
be? I gave God His place in my
heart like Bishop said.
As I let God in my heart and
gave Him His place, I was able
to walk by faith and not by
sight, or the crazy plan I had
for myself and my future. I was
able to learn what Stewardship
meant, and how I was gifted by
God. I was also able to iden-
tify, develop and use those gifts
which have helped me in my
ministry.
All of this led me to my cur-
rent position.
I thought working for Bishop
would be amazing, so I wanted
to make a good impression.
Unfortunately, I ended up hav-
ing to go to his office to explain
some questionable actions not
even a month after my start
date. I decided to attend a pro-
test against an elected official
who described the unaccom-
panied minors at the border as
“diseased” and “criminals.”
Now, the Church was in sup-
port of helping the refugee un-
accompanied minors. Bishop
even released a statement sup-
porting this. So what did I do
wrong? I was on TV calling out
the elected official by name at a
rally in front of the courthouse.
Not the most strategic move for
a new employee who is now a
representative for the Bishop in
the Communications office, es-
pecially since I never told Bish-
op or my immediate supervisor
that I was going.
Later on, I had to go to his of-
fice for things like helping him
pronounce statements in Span-
ish. He even called me into his
office to ask how my mom was
doing after her surgery. I made
sure not to do anything that
would warrant another uncom-
fortable office visit. Bishop Guillory with my parents and me at the 2014 BFA Leadership Dinner
I love working under Bishop a couple of months after I started working for the diocese. / Monseñor Guil-
Guillory. Working at the dio- lory con mis papas en la Cena de Liderazgo 2014, unos meses duespués que
cese allowed me to discover gifts empecé a trabajar en la diócesis.
I never thought I had. It also
gave me a better understanding
of my place in the Church, and Every once in a while, I still he will still be around after he
what it meant to be part of the hear Bishop tell confirmation retires, it’ll be different to not
diocese. This probably would students about the hole in their have him as a boss. I guess in a
not have happened if we didn’t heart. I remember back when way, he made a hole in my heart
have such a supportive and pas- I heard that and how much it too.
toral bishop. influenced me. Even though

La Respuesta de un Corresponsable: Un agujero en mi corazón

Por Richard Rosario
Mi primer encuentro con el
Monseñor Guillory fue hace
más de 10 años cuando hice mi
confirmación. Tenía 15 años y
empezaba high school. (Ya sé, es-
toy joven.) No sabía mucho del
obispo, solo que era una figura
importante en la iglesia y nos iba
hacer unas preguntas que iban a
decidir si nos confirmábamos.
Me acuerdo de su homilía du-
rante la misa de confirmación.
Lo que más me afecto fue cuan-
do dijo que Dios nos ha puesto
un agujero en nuestros corazones
que solo Él puede llenar. Sentí
que la homilía era especialmente
para mí como un adolecente his-
pano que estaba entrando a su
próxima etapa de vida católica.
Adelantémonos siete años y el
obispo es mi jefe.
Nunca pensé que iba a estar
trabajando para la iglesia, pero
aquí estoy. Nunca pensé que
tenía el don de escritor, pero
aquí están. ¿Cómo llegó a pasar
todo esto? Le di a Dios su lugar
en mi corazón, así como me
había dicho el obispo.
Cuando le di a Dios su es-
pacio en mi corazón, aprendí a
caminar por fe, y no por vista
o el plan complicado que tenía
para mi futuro. Aprendí lo que
significaba la Corresponsabili-
dad, y como Dios nos da a todos
nuestros dones. Pude identificar,
desarrollar y usar mis dones para
ayudar a los demás a través de mi
ministerio.
Todo esto me llevo a mi
posición actual.
Pensé que trabajar para el
obispo sería lo mejor, así que
quería impresionarlo. Desafor-
tunadamente, tuve que ir a su
oficina a explicar unas acciones
cuestionables que tome, y to-
davía no pasaba ni un mes desde
que empecé. Decidí asistir a una
manifestación de un funcionario
del condado que describió a los
menores sin acompañamiento
en la frontera como “enfermos”
y “pandilleros.”
Ahora, la iglesia apoya a los
refugiados, especialmente los
menores que llegaron sin sus
padres. El obispo también pu-
blico una declaración apoyando
a los refugiados. ¿Pero que hice
mal? Estaba en las noticias pro-
testando al funcionario, llamán-
dolo por su nombre durante la
manifestación al frente de la
corte. No fue lo más estratégico
para un empleado nuevo quien
ahora representa al obispo en la
oficina de comunicaciones, es-
pecialmente cuando no le dije ni
al obispo ni a mi supervisora que
iba a salir en las noticias.
Ya después, me llamaba a su
oficina para cosas como ayudarle
con su español. También me
llamo a su oficina para pregun-
tarme sobre mi mama después
de su cirugía. Me asegure de no
ometer otra locura donde iba
tener otra junta incómoda con el
obispo.
Me encanta trabajar con el
obispo. Trabajando en la diócesis
me ayudo a descubrir mis dones
que no sabía que tenía. También
me ayudo a entender mejor mi
lugar en la iglesia y lo que sig-
nificaba ser parte de la diócesis.
Quizás no hubiera pasado si no
tuviéramos un obispo tan apoya-
dor y pastoral.
De vez en cuando, oigo al
obispo decirles a los nuevos es-
tudiantes de confirmación so-
bre el agujero que tienen en
su corazón. Me acuerdo de la
primera vez que lo oí y como me
afecto. Aunque seguirá estando
cerca después que se retire, será
diferente tener otro jefe. Creo
que de alguna manera, el obispo
también dejo un agujero dentro
de mi corazón.
 SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 • E AST T EXASCATHOLIC.COM 13
Sharing the Good News in SETX It’s our honor to be chosen.

Thank you for your vote of confidence in recognizing CHRISTUS Southeast

Texas St. Elizabeth & St. Mary as the most Preferred Hospital in Beaumont/
Port Arthur. We are proud and grateful to be recognized by you, our
patients, for having the best doctors, best nurses and best overall quality
and reputation. Your enduring confidence inspires us to consistently deliver
compassionate and innovative care that is unrivaled in Southeast Texas.

Bishop Curtis J. Guillory, SVD, records a weekday reflection that airs on KFDM in the mornings,
reaching approximately 25,000 households.
It is our mission to extend the
healing ministry of Jesus Christ.

CHRISTUS
SOUTHEAST TEXAS

Interfaith alliance for peace Health System

Live Well
1.866.683.DOCS (3627) | christussetx.org

17-SET-0806 East Texas Catholic Newspaper.indd 1 7/13/17 5:15 PM

On Jan. 22, 2007, Bishop Guillory, joined by Rabbi Barbara Metzinger of Temple
Emanuel and Imam Fahmi AL-Uqdah of the Islamic Society of the Triplex, released a
joint statement promoting peace and bringing together the Jewish, Muslim and Catholic
religious leaders in Southeast Texas.
14 E AST T EXASCATHOLIC.COM • SEPTEMBER 1, 2018

Bishop Curtis Guillory: Remembering his service

Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, and the staff of the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Beaumont relish a moment together for a Christmas photograph.

Parishioners from the Diocese of Beaumont joined Bishop Guillory for Catholic Faith in Action Bishop Guilory celebrates a Solemn Pontifical Mass at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica and
Advocacy Day 2017 in Austin. the closing of the Holy Door of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. -- November 2016
 SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 • E AST T EXASCATHOLIC.COM 15
Bishop Guillory’s presence, pastoral care remembered

Parishioners, clergy and diocesan staff enjoyed fellowship during the dinner reception in the Cathedral Center following
the Mass.

Bishop Guillory prays with Father Kevin Badeaux, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Port Arthur, and parishioners during clean up efforts following the floodwater damage from Hurricane Harvey.

Bishop Guillory reminds the faithful during the Bishop’s Faith Appeal 2018 Intentions Mass BFA Honorary Chairs Don and Loyce Pumphrey catch up with Bishop Guillory during the din-
Aug. 23 about prayer and finding strength in Jesus to do what is right and important. ner reception following the 2018 Intentions Mass.
16 E ASTT EXASCATHOLIC.COM • SEPTEMBER 1, 2018

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P.O. Box 3948
Beaumont, TX 77704-3948