Tennessee bishops attend Catholic Day on the Hill at state Capitol
By Katie Peterson
Tennessee Register
Gratitude for Education Freedom Scholarships and calls for meaningful immigration reform and an end to the death penalty in Tennessee were key points of interest that members of the Catholic Church in Tennessee brought before legislators during the annual Catholic Day on the Hill on Feb. 24 at the state Capitol and the Cordell Hull State Office Building.
Among the voices heard were the three bishops of Tennessee: Bishop J. Mark Spalding of Nashville, Bishop David P. Talley of Memphis, and Bishop Mark Beckman of Knoxville.
Additionally, members of the Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville dioceses attended. Catholic Day on the Hill was sponsored by the Tennessee Catholic Conference (TNCC) and organized by Rick Musacchio, executive director of the TNCC and Julie Perrey, deputy director of the conference.
To begin the day, attendees of Catholic Day on the Hill met in the basement of St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows Church in downtown Nashville for a briefing and a few words from Mr. Musacchio and each of the bishops.
“I love this day in the sense that I think we have a lot of things going for us, as Church, especially in the education field, and our advocacy for the poor and the marginalized,” said Bishop Spalding. “I ask that we put forth our viewpoint with respect, with a consistent voice for those who are on the margins. Above all, we ask God to be with us this day.”
“I’m grateful for the good work that brought about the education vouchers,” added Bishop Beckman. “There are certainly things we need to work on with the death penalty, with immigration, and those in need of support throughout that process.”
Bishop Talley echoed the sentiments of his brother bishops after leading the group in a prayer.
“Father in heaven, as we remember the members of Your Son’s body, His beloved Church, as we remember our Lenten observance, also allow us to remember the gift You have given us to be ambassadors of Your kingdom,” Bishop Talley prayed. “Help us to remember that we are always at the service of You and Your kingdom as we speak to our legislators. Bless us, the men and women here, bless our families, our parishes, priests, and religious. Amen.”
The bishops meet with Rep. Vincent Dixie in the Davidson County representative’s Capitol Hill office on Feb. 24.
During the day, the bishops of Tennessee met with Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, as well as three Catholic legislators: Rep. Vincent Dixie of District 54 in Davidson County, a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church in North Nashville; Rep. Gino Bulso of District 61 in Williamson County, a parishioner of St. Edward Church in Nashville ; and Rep. Gabby Salinas of District 96 in Memphis’ Shelby County.
“The bishops had excellent visits with the governor and with several members of the General Assembly,” Mr. Musacchio said. “The platforms of neither political party fully align with Church teachings, but we hope that our respectful conversations shape policies that respect the dignity of life from conception until natural death and work for the common good at every stage of life.”
While the bishops were in their meetings, other Church leaders met with several state representatives and senators as well as with the director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
“I had the privilege of joining dozens of Catholics from the three dioceses of Tennessee for Catholic Day on the Hill. Led by our three bishops, we gathered at the state Capitol to advocate for legislation rooted in Catholic social teaching and to bear witness to the Church’s commitment to the common good,” said Greg Pope, chief administration officer for the Diocese of Nashville. “It was a powerful reminder that our faith is not lived only within parish walls but also in the public square—where policies and priorities shape the lives of our neighbors, especially those most in need.
“I have been privileged to attend Tennessee Catholic Day on the Hill for many years, and I continue to find the opportunity to advocate both meaningful and affirming. Time and again, I am encouraged to see that many elected leaders readily understand and resonate with our concerns for justice, the protection of life, and charity toward those in need. These shared values provide a strong foundation for constructive dialogue and collaboration,” he continued.
“Our conversations [with our legislators] centered on the dignity of the human person, care for the poor and vulnerable, the value and impact of Catholic education across our state, and the urgent need for civil dialogue in an increasingly divided culture. I was encouraged by the openness of many of our elected officials and by the shared desire to seek solutions that uphold human dignity and strengthen our communities.”
As a result, Catholic Day on the Hill is “a meaningful expression of faithful citizenship,” Mr. Pope said.
“It reflects the Church’s long-standing tradition of engaging public life thoughtfully and respectfully, always guided by the principles of human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity,” he said. “I am grateful for the leadership of our bishops and for the opportunity to represent the Diocese of Nashville in this important work. Please continue to pray for our legislators and civic leaders—that their decisions may always promote justice, protect the vulnerable, and advance the common good.”