Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we approach the mid-point of the Jubilee Year, I want to encourage you to be part of a Pilgrimage of Hope. As you know, Pope Francis, of blessed memory, established Hope as the theme of this Jubilee: hope which “does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Rom 5: 5). Please continue your prayers and devotions in your households of faith. I encourage you also to consider pilgrimages and pious visits as ways to expand you experience of the graces of God available in this Jubilee Year.
Classically, pilgrimages to Rome are a significant part of the observance of a Jubilee Year. Since many people cannot participate in such a great experience, I have designated the following places within our diocese as sites for pilgrimage and pious visits. I encourage individuals, families, and small groups to undertake a special journey to one or more of these destinations. The Church offers an indulgence in connection with such a journey.
The following are the pilgrimage sites for the Diocese of Tyler:
- The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Tyler – This historic church dedicated to Mary, patroness of our diocese and our country, is a visible sign of our unity as a diocese. In addition, Rose Hill Cemetery has the grave of Bishop Charles E. Herzig, the first Bishop of the Tyler, and several of our diocesan priests.
- The Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Tyler – This shrine, which is also dedicated to our Blessed Mother, is a place of much popular religiosity.
- Sacred Heart Church, Nacogdoches – In Nacogdoches, the history of Venerable Antonio Margil and the early Franciscan missionaries connect us with the faith cultivated in our diocese since 1716.
- William of Vercelli, Carthage – This church has a wonderful collection of relics, including a relic of St. Marie Leonie Paradis, canonized on October 20, 2024 by Pope Francis.
Whether such a pilgrimage is done in a formal fashion with community prayer before leaving on the journey, or more simply with personal prayer, a pilgrimage provides an opportunity to spend some time and energy to journey in prayer and hope.
I have also designated three places for pious prayer. These are additional places that provide an opportunity for special prayer time in pondering the 2025th anniversary of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ:
- Francis of the Tejas, Crockett – The first missions of East Texas was established near Mission Tejas State Park in 1690. The church provides a simple place to spend some time in prayer.
- Sacred Heart Church, Palestine – The historically significant church dates to 1890 and was designed by Nicholas Clayton, a famous architect of churches in Texas.
- Immaculate Conception, Jefferson – This lovely church is built on the site of one of the oldest parishes in our diocese. The current church is known for its classical beauty.
A pious visit requires only that a person take time to intentionally pray and be in the presence of our Lord in the church.
Please keep the Jubilee in your daily and weekly prayers personally and in your households. I pray that the Jubilee of Hope may be a time of great blessings for you, your families, and our diocese.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory Kelly
Bishop of Tyler
