Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I often find it interesting to learn the history behind certain names. I’ve heard many stories from parents at baptisms of how their child was named after a beloved family member or patron saint. In my own family, “Bernard” was such a name – as it was shared by my father. It helped that it was acceptable to both the Irish and Polish sides of the family. I grew fonder of the name when I learned that it meant “bold like a bear” (even though my mother said that the boldness referred to my table manners).
Today’s Feast of the Archangels gives us a unique opportunity to reflect upon how names can reflect our identity, as is the case with each of the archangels. You will note that all three names end in “El,” one of the Hebrew words for God. In Hebrew, Michael means "Who is like God?"--an anthem heard in St. Michael’s battle against evil. As for the Archangel Gabriel, his name in Hebrew means the “strength of God,” a perfect designation for the divine messenger who would remind Mary at the Annunciation that “nothing will be impossible for God” (Lk 1:37). Finally, the name Raphael in Hebrew speaks of God’s healing, and is related to the Archangel Raphael’s healing role in the Book of Tobit. Would that we could all have identities rooted in “El”!
Our Savior’s name reveals much about him as well. The name “Jesus” means “Yahweh (God) saves,” a perfect descriptor for the Messiah. You’ll recall that he is often called Emmanuel, another one of those “El” names, meaning “God with us.” Those names perfectly reflect how Jesus, as the Second Person in the Holy Trinity, is “God with us” by virtue of his Incarnation and his enduring presence with us in the Eucharist, while “Jesus” always reminds us of the salvific mission he accomplished through his cross and resurrection. “Christ,” by the way, is not his surname… but a Greek word that reminds us that Jesus is the “anointed” One, confirming his status as our Messiah.
For Jesus and the archangels, their names reveal how at the core of their identity—what defines them most—is who they are in relation to God. That is true for us as well. No matter what name we’ve been given or inherited, what traits we may have or any other association we may make, what defines us above all is our identity in relation to God, who created each of us in his image and likeness.
I encourage you to allow this truth to take root in your heart and to shape your image of yourself and those around you, united as beloved sons and daughters of our Lord.
Our Savior’s name reveals much about him as well. The name “Jesus” means “Yahweh (God) saves,” a perfect descriptor for the Messiah. You’ll recall that he is often called Emmanuel, another one of those “El” names, meaning “God with us.” Those names perfectly reflect how Jesus, as the Second Person in the Holy Trinity, is “God with us” by virtue of his Incarnation and his enduring presence with us in the Eucharist, while “Jesus” always reminds us of the salvific mission he accomplished through his cross and resurrection. “Christ,” by the way, is not his surname… but a Greek word that reminds us that Jesus is the “anointed” One, confirming his status as our Messiah.
For Jesus and the archangels, their names reveal how at the core of their identity—what defines them most—is who they are in relation to God. That is true for us as well. No matter what name we’ve been given or inherited, what traits we may have or any other association we may make, what defines us above all is our identity in relation to God, who created each of us in his image and likeness.
I encourage you to allow this truth to take root in your heart and to shape your image of yourself and those around you, united as beloved sons and daughters of our Lord.
Annual Candlelight Rosary Procession (Oct. 3)
Join in praying for our families, our Church and our country. Gather at the State Capitol at 6:30 p.m. to pick up candles and glowsticks for the children. At 7 p.m., Bishop Kevin Kenney will lead attendees in praying the Rosary while processing from the Capitol to the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
Solidarity Mass (Oct. 5)
Bishop Kevin Kenney will be presiding at this Mass. All are invited to share the richness of their culture by wearing the clothes of their native culture or ethnicity. The liturgy will be primarily in English with some Spanish, as well as other languages.
Finding God in the work of her hands
Jenny Keller has built a life around clay, spinning it into mugs, bowls and pitchers. Her craft doubles as prayer and practice.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
High school priest chaplains: The vanguard in archdiocesan mission territory
The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has what some might consider a surprising new mission field: its own Catholic high school students.
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Burnout to Breakthrough: Holding On and Letting Go in Faith
What does it look like to trust God when the stakes are high, such as when caring for patients or protecting kids? This episode shares real stories of spiritual surrender, sacred calling and the peace that comes from letting go of control.
Visit Practicing Catholic to listen on your favorite podcasting platform. Listen Friday at 9 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m., or Sunday at 2 p.m. on Relevant Radio 1330AM.
175th Snapshot: Leaflet Missal
When Mass was only in Latin, the faithful used a missal to follow along with the liturgy, but at times it could be challenging to navigate. In the basement of the Archdiocesan Chancery building on Dayton Avenue, Paul Bussard and Edward Jennings began printing leaflet missals with the prayers and readings of the Mass for the faithful. It was an extraordinary success, eventually selling tens of thousands of copies all around the country.
Leaflet Missal example
Watch for Archdiocesan Passport Adventure updates and snapshots from our 175-year history in each Weekly Word!
Sent forth by the Holy Spirit to make Jesus known and loved.
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Sept. 29, 2025