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Bishop Braxton Writes Note of Thanks

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I would like to express my deep personal gratitude to all of the Christian Faithful, Religious Sisters, Deacons, and Priests of the Diocese of Belleville who have extended their good wishes, congratulations, and prayers to me during the past two months. I wish to thank each and every one of you for your letters, notes, cards, generous gifts, and prayers on the occasions of the 40th anniversary of my ordination to the Priesthood on May 13, the
15th anniversary of my Consecration as Bishop on May 17, and the 5th anniversary of my
Installation as Eighth Bishop of Belleville on June 22. All of these expressions of support
mean a great deal to me.

Your gifts have included baskets of fruit, boxes of candy, fresh baked goods, entire meals, and many arrangements of beautiful flowers. There have also been contributions in my name to a variety of organizations that provide assistance to others, including the Holy Father’s Charities, Catholic Charities, Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Urban Programs, the American Cancer Society, The St. Vincent De Paul Society, and the Alzheimer’s Association of Illinois. The students, faculties and staff members of Althoff Catholic High School, Gibault Catholic High School, and Mater Dei Catholic High School honored me by raising and contributing $2,900 to assist the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

I have appreciated your outpouring of prayers most of all. This has been a great grace for me during this Year for Priests. I am very pleased that so many have arranged for Masses to be offered for my intentions. Others have written that they prayed all fifteen decades of the Rosary for me. The many colorful, hand-drawn Spiritual Bouquets and prayer cards from our elementary school children are a source of inspiration and consolation. The special gifts and kind words of many Pastors and Parish Trustees at Confirmation have been very moving.

I assure you not only of my gratitude but also of my prayers. I will pray for you in a special way during my Annual Canonical Retreat with the Trappist Monks at the Abbey of Gethsemani from June 28 to July 8. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you and those who are dear to you. May we, like St. Thomas More, “say none harm, do none harm, and think none harm,” as faithful witnesses of Christ.

Prayerfully and appreciatively yours in Christ,
The Most Rev. Edward K. Braxton
Bishop of Belleville