“Become like children!” Bishop Ricken celebrates All Schools Mass on the Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Bishop David Ricken celebrated an All Schools Mass for more than 700 students from 51 diocesan schools on October 1 at The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. During the liturgy, students represented their schools by presenting spiritual prayer bouquets to the bishop. Participants also served as lectors, ushers, and choir members.

In his homily, Bishop Ricken used the Gospel reading to encourage students to be childlike rather than childish. He explained that being childlike involves being humble and obedient to parents, teachers, and the Lord. He noted that the date coincided with the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a diocesan patron saint who serves as an example of spiritual childhood and humility.

The event concluded with students praying the rosary to ask for the intercession of Our Lady of Champion. Bishop Ricken concelebrated the Mass with 10 other priests.