In early April, it was announced that Pope Francis appointed Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R., to be the next bishop of Providence, R.I. The Holy Father could not have chosen a better bishop to guide that important diocese in the years ahead.

This year’s Rite of Election in the Archdiocese of Baltimore was beautiful. The Cathedral of Mary Our Queen was filled to overflowing. Nearly 800 catechumens and candidates for reception into the church were joined by their godparents, sponsors, families and friends.

Those truly filled with Christ’s self-giving love cannot remain self-enclosed but instead are impelled to become a diffuser of his truth and love by how they live, what they say and by their love of others, especially those in need.

If we neglect our “heart of hearts,” our inmost self, our soul – where flashes the spark of divine love, that point of encounter between ourselves and God, then our efforts to improve how we look and how we function will largely be in vain.

In opening the Holy Door, Pope Francis opens the door of hope for the Church and for the whole human family.

During Advent, let us allow the Lord to break through barriers that prevent us from receiving and giving love. This can happen when we make an unburdening confession of our sins.

Participating in prayerful discussions with people from all over the world, I experienced many different perspectives and cultural expressions coupled with a common love for Christ, for the faith and for the Church.

And just as the divers who found the San Jose did not work alone, so too those who are retrieving the faith do not work alone.

Faith formation cannot be achieved solely in the classroom. Even the best teacher, catechist or youth minister cannot fully substitute for the role of loving parents.

It’s no secret that in recent years many Catholics have absented themselves from the Eucharist and there are many reasons for this. But none of these reasons outweighs the depth, the beauty and the reality of Christ’s Presence and his power to change our lives by his transformative love.