New life

Sometimes all we need to do is take a step down a new path By Bishop Mark Beckman Early in my priesthood, I was seeking a quiet spot to pray away from the busyness of parish life during Holy Week. I had heard about a place called “Radnor Lake,” which …

Light has dawned

Record Rite of Election shows God’s presence in the Church in East Tennessee By Bishop Mark Beckman The days of Lent had just dawned when great numbers of people gathered at our Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus from all across our diocese. Every pew was filled and …

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‘Does might make right?’

‘Might’ must be exercised ‘rightly’ if it is not to be destructive By Bishop Mark Beckman My world history teacher in high school introduced me to the fascinating story of human history and was able to convey remarkable insights at times with key phrases. One of them I remember best …

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New beginnings

Take time to reflect on Jesus’ words: You are the light of the world! By Bishop Mark Beckman As we enter 2026 in this time of a new year, my mind goes back to the humble beginnings of Jesus’ own ministry in Galilee. I will never forget the first time …

The mystery of Christmas

Holy Family’s exile points to people today fleeing from violence, poverty who also find that there is ‘no room in the inn’ By Bishop Mark Beckman Of all the feasts celebrated by Christians, it seems Christmas has most captured the imagination of Western civilization. In recent centuries our world has …

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Lessons of autumn

In this season of transition, we are thankful to God for His blessings By Bishop Mark Beckman During these days of autumn, the light has begun to shorten, the evenings and mornings are crisp and cool, and the colors of East Tennessee are on full display. This time of transition …

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Addressing an epidemic of violence

We are all invited to do an examination of conscience and a conversion from the culture of death By Bishop Mark Beckman On Thursday, Sept. 11, I celebrated Mass for the students at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The day before, …

Where are we going?

We are part of this great living chain of God’s holy ones in East Tennessee By Bishop Mark Beckman When I was a child and we would see my father heading to the door, we would often ask, “Where are you going?” And sometimes with a smile he would answer, …

The call of God

We are asked to nurture gentle servants of the Gospel By Bishop Mark Beckman The Second Vatican Council speaks of conscience as the “most secret core” and “sanctuary” of the person, where we are alone with God. There the “voice of God speaks deep within.” St. John Henry Newman, recently …

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With much gratitude

Reflecting on a year with God’s beauty and gift of faith By Bishop Beckman On a 30-day Ignatian Retreat, my director noted at one point that God gave us the gift of memory for two primary reasons: wisdom and gratitude. Wisdom gleaned from reflecting on our past mistakes and gratitude …

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Summer’s rest

Imagine when life was simpler and being together was divine By Bishop Mark Beckman Imagine a time when life was uncluttered and we rested with the Lord awhile. In our busy, fast-paced world, we all need a chance to find some genuine rest at times. Even Jesus recognized this fundamental …

‘The pope chosen for us’

Pray the Holy Father may be for us a true shepherd after the Lord’s own heart By Bishop Mark Beckman Earlier this month as I was sitting at my desk, the bells of our cathedral church began to chime joyously. Glancing at my watch, I noticed it was shortly after …