Describing the Church’s new leader as a man of peace and prayer, Bishop Richard F. Stika spoke March 13 to the Knoxville media soon after Pope Francis was introduced to the world. Just as Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation was surprising, so was the relatively quick election of Cardinal Jorge Mario …
Faith communities join for immigration vigil
Diocese of Knoxville takes active role in prayer service for Hispanic families By Blanca Primm and Viridiana Marin On Dec. 1, people of faith gathered at St. Andrews Center in Chattanooga to bear witness to a truth at the heart of the Gospel: families are sacred, and no person is beyond the reach of God’s love. This ecumenical vigil—“United in Faith and Solidarity: A Prayer Vigil for Separated Families”—brought together faith leaders and community members across traditions to pray, accompany, and stand in hope with immigrant families facing separation, fear, and uncertainty. The vigil was organized by Comité Caminos, a committee of the Tennessee Immigrants and Refugees’ Rights Coalition (TIRRC) in collaboration with local faith leaders. Rooted in faith, family, and community, the gathering reflected the richness of God’s people: different languages, cultures, and religious traditions standing side by side. In a world often marked by division, the vigil became... Read more →