“The time is ripe for renewal,” states Bishop James Checchio in his pastoral letter, Lighting a fire in the heart of our world. After making a personal visit to all ninety parishes during his first year as shepherd of the Diocese of Metuchen, the bishop noted the numerous graces and blessings bestowed upon his flock, as well as symptoms of illness within the fold – many of the baptized are far from God and are not living vibrant faith lives with true apostolic zeal. (Only 15% of the baptized in the Diocese are practicing the Faith.)
The bishop’s intention for this consecration is to ask for the graces needed for a New Evangelization and he is placing it under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He wants it to stir up an increased holiness of life, a renewed commitment to living the Gospel message to the full, and the enthusiastic willingness to share that message with others among the faithful.
