By You may have read about the initiative called Veritatis Splendor and I wanted to share some information about what it is.
Veritatis Splendor is an inspiration of several Catholic families who are moving to East Texas. They desire to establish a community of Catholics & anyone who is committed to Jesus Christ. It is an ambitious effort that will face a lot of challenges but the families involved are deeply committed to Jesus Christ and their faith is their strength. It is not part of or financially connected to the Diocese of Tyler but is located in the territory of the diocese near Winona, Texas. Understandably there are many details yet to be worked out but the families are consulting attorneys and canonists in order to ensure that they are beginning on a sound foundation.
This initiative is in its beginning stages and I have supported it as an inspiration of lay Catholics seeking a community where their families can flourish in Jesus Christ. They are homeschool families who want to support each other in community as they nurture and educate their children. They welcome all who desire to live their faith in Jesus Christ in a deeper way. I’m impressed by their commitment to Jesus Christ and their willingness to make great sacrifices for their faith and family.
You can go to https://www.ncregister.com/news/massive-catholic-center-planned-for-east-texas for more information about the vision of these families and my spiritual support of their efforts.
I know that a bold new initiative like this is exciting but also raises many questions and concerns. I support this effort by lay Catholics but as bishop I want to emphasize that is a lay initiative. These families desire to address our challenging times by living their faith in Jesus Christ more deeply. They are taking on the financial burdens and organizational challenges that an effort like this entails. I want to support them as they seek to establish this community in East Texas while maintaining their independence from the diocese financially and organizationally.
I know that the generous people of East Texas will welcome these faithful families and some may wish to join them. Let us pray for the success of their efforts.
Joseph Strickland
Bishop Joseph E. Strickland was named the fourth bishop of Tyler in September of 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. Prior to being named bishop, he served a number of roles in the diocese, including vicar general, judicial vicar, and pastor of the Cathedral parish. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1985. 