By 
These Apostolic Patrons are watching over us as we continue to build a Chapel dedicated to their wholehearted discipleship in Jesus Christ.
As we move into the Lenten Season let us pray that our faith can gain strength as theirs did. It seems that Peter and Paul are especially good Lenten patrons because they both stumbled along the way but relying on the Lord's mercy they were able to get up and continue the journey and grow in faithfulness along the way.
If Peter had despaired after his threefold denial rather than being the Prince of the Apostles and the first Pope he could have been known through the ages as "The One who Denied Christ".
If Paul had failed to continue to seek the truth of His Lord he could have been forever remembered as "The Great Persecutor of Christ".
Instead both of them became great witnesses, Great Apostles and they continue to inspire us today.
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. 