Bishop Barber
Special appeal for Vietnam and the Philippines
With deep concern for the suffering in the home dioceses in Vietnam and the Philippines of many of our clergy, Bishop Michael C. Barber asks all parishes to consider a voluntary second collection before Feb. 1, 2026 to aid typhoon disaster relief in Vietnam and the Philippines. Checks may be sent…
MoreBishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, and Tom Greerty discuss the life and impact of St. John Henry Newman, who was declared a doctor of the church by Pope Leo XIV on Nov. 1, 2025.
MoreOn Oct. 18, 2025, eight Jesuits from the United States, along with four other Jesuits, were ordained deacons at the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland by Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ. In his homily, Bishop Barber reflected on the universality of our faith and how Catholics are committed…
MoreBishop Barber: the appeal of the relics of Saint Thérèse
On Oct. 22, 2025, the relics of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face came to the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. In his homily that day, Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, reflected on the powerful witness of St. Thérèse. His words have been edited for…
MoreImplementation of new model for pre-marriage preparation and catechumenal pathways for married life
Dear brother priests, As you may know, this year our Diocese has been discerning and preparing for the implementation of the Catechumenal Pathways for Married Life—the pastoral guidelines from the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life that invite us to renew the way we accompany couples and families. This beautiful document…
MoreChrist is the reason we’re all here
In July, I had one of the most moving spiritual experiences of my life. Together with 200 pilgrims from Oakland, and more than 50,000 Catholics from around the United States, I participated in the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. It was the capstone of our country’s three year Eucharistic Revival, which…
MoreUnited in Prayer with Our Immigrant Community
Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, delivered the following remarks at prayer services on Aug. 5 and 6, 2025. His comments have been edited for clarity. We Catholics believe the Church is the Body of Christ. As St. Paul teaches us, “ If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it;…
MoreBishop Barber in Solidarity with Abp. Gomez Regarding Immigration Raids
“Along with my brother bishops, we stand in solidarity with Archbishop Gomez and our sisters and brothers who are sadly impacted by the current situation. Let us recognize we are all God’s children, called to be compassionate toward one another.” Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ ————– Statement from Archbishop Gomez…
MoreThe “before and after” difference of Christianity
Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, preached this homily in May 2025 at the concluding Mass for 400 pilgrims attending the Order of Malta Pilgrimage, many of whom were suffering from terminal illnesses, at the historic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Lourdes, France. “I went to Lourdes – to prepare…
MoreBishop Barber’s statement on the election of Pope Leo XIV
“I welcome the newly elected successor to St. Peter. Pope Leo XIV. While many are surprised the cardinals chose an American, with his experience in both South and North America as a member of a worldwide religious order, this new pope will have a world vision. I am really encouraged…
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