At the beginning of the school year, Bishop Manuel calls parents, educators, administrators and students to remain vigilant in recognizing, reporting and preventing bullying. Rooted in the Catholic belief in the dignity of every person, he reminds us of our shared responsibility to ensure that every child feels loved, protected and never alone.

A great deal of attention is rightly paid to the need for justice as part of our lives and as a part of our world. In regard to the many wars we are facing around the world today, the situation of many immigrants, proper medical care, employment and of the death penalty, among so many others, justice is rightly cited as a need. However, there is a great deal of misunderstanding in regard to justice, especially as it directly relates to the other virtues.

Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez has appointed Anthuanette Hidalgo as the new victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Palm Beach. She replaces Lisa Linnell, who served six years in the position and 21 years total for the diocese before her retirement.

Marking the 75th anniversary of St. Philip Benizi Parish Aug. 23, Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez urged the faithful to imitate the life of their patron, a 13th-century man of humility, tenderness and service.

There are places where the presence of the Church acquires a particular significance simply because of where they are and whom they serve. St. Edward Parish is certainly one of those places. As the only Catholic church on the island of Palm Beach, St. Edward stands as a visible and enduring presence of our Catholic faith in the midst of one of the most distinctive communities within the Diocese of Palm Beach.

Pope Leo XIV addresses participants in the Formation Course for New Bishops, attended by Bishop Manuel.