Experiencing the Church in different cultures helps unite young people to Christ, Bishop says about upcoming World Youth Day as diocese prepares for pilgrimage

/in

Maura Baker

Staff Writer

World youth day is an international gathering of youth and young adults — a celebration uplifting their presence in the Church. In 2027, the next World Youth Day will take place August 3–8 in Seoul, South Korea — the first time that World Youth Day will be hosted in East Asia. The theme for this year’s event is “Take courage! I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33)

As in years past, the Diocese of Covington will be coordinating a pilgrimage — with interested parties, especially young adults ages 18–25 (although all are invited to accompany them on the journey), invited to register by March 16 to reserve a spot.

Bishop John Iffert, who attended the previous World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2023, reminisced on the experience. “I still remember the crowds with the flags from every nation being brought in,” he said, “I still remember the prayer services that were organized by young people — very kinetic, very active.”

“It’s a time of great joy and enthusiasm,” he said, “for Christ and the life of the Church.”

Bishop Iffert said that he remembers seeing World Youth Day “stir faith in young people,” he said, “You see young people who come to World Youth Day and who leave with a more directed sense of their faith and how to move out into the world. It’s something to look forward to.”

Those who attend World Youth Day can expected to “encounter the Church around the world and see the vitality of faith that young people around the world bring. I pray that when young people attend World Youth Day and they get to know the people they encounter, not simply as aliens to them, but as brothers and sisters in Christ — I pray that these kind of encounters will make the violence that we’re seeing in the world today unthinkable for us to participate in,” said Bishop Iffert.

“It’s an encounter,” Bishop Iffert then described of World Youth Day, “The Church is the Body of Christ on earth. As we come to know the Church better, we come to know all the manifestations of the Church in every culture … We can’t help but come to know Christ more intimately, more completely.”

Bishop Iffert, who has also previously attended Mass and experienced the Church in foreign countries such as Vietnam recalled witnessing Christ “embedded in that culture, in a way that helped me come to know Christ better.”

Bishop Iffert also plans on joining other bishops worldwide in Seoul next year, saying that he is most looking forward to “encountering the Church of South Korea” and “encountering the Churches from around the world through their young people.”

“Experiencing from all those different perspectives,” he said, “Helps us learn more and more of the Body of Christ and who Christ is … and that is what I hope for.”

Interested parties can register at https://forms.gle /9JW61qveAUGbdWxy6, or contact Isaak Isaak, director, Catechesis and Evangelization, at (859) 392–1529 or iisaak@covdio.org.

‘You are the divine life of God,’ Bishop tells guests at second DPAA dinner

/in

Maura Baker

Staff Writer

The second Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal kickoff dinner, March 5, joined donors, ministry leaders and supporters with Bishop John Iffert, Lisa Knochelmann, DPAA general chair and Dr. Greg Salzman, DPAA leadership gifts chair at Receptions event center, Erlanger.

Marking the end of the leadership gifts phase and the beginning of the public phase of the campaign, the event included a ministry fair where guests could meet with the people behind the ministries that the DPAA supports — including Curia offices and organizations within the diocese and its community that minister to youth, homeless people, the poor, people with disabilities, students, the Hispanic community and more.

Following dinner, Dr. Salzman offered words of thanks to individuals who had already donated to the campaign, with nearly $700,000 raised so far in the first phase alone — already well on the way to the $2.754 million goal.

Bishop John Iffert also spoke at the dinner, referencing the theme of the 2026 DPAA, “Live as Children of Light,” from St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians (5:8–9).

“Paul said once you were darkness,” Bishop Iffert quoted the passage. “Notice the strength of that language.

Recalling a talk given at a Cursillo retreat he gave, Bishop Iffert said that there was “a point (he) made over and over and over again: Grace is simply the gift of God’s divine life. It’s the gift that God gives to us,” he said.

“All of the spiritual thinkers, all of the great teachers, all of the apostolic and sub-apostolic figures talk about grace that is the very divine life of God with the metaphor of light,” Bishop Iffert said. “The grace of God enlightens the soul … Once you were in darkness, once you were capable of no good, but now the light of God, by the baptism of Jesus Christ, has taken residence in you and made you a temple of the Holy Spirit.”

“You are the divine life of God,” he said, “and the light that is God’s grace and being shined into every corner of your being.”

“That is why we give, because God has taken the cold, dark winter night out of my heart and yours, and in its place put the warmth of divine love, the fire of the Holy Spirit and the light of his divine grace and wisdom — and so we want to be light for others,” said Bishop Iffert. “That’s it. That’s why we’re here … It is because God first graced us with the opportunity to be grateful and to respond to the world in kind. That’s who we are. Thank you for being children of the light,” he told attendees, “Thank you for being those kind of people.”

 

Associates of the Congregation of Divine Providence celebrate 50 years of joy and community spirit

/in

Staff Report

The year was 1976. The Apple Computer Company was founded; the book Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry was published; Catholics around the world celebrated the centenary of Pope Pius XXII’s birth; the Cincinnati Reds won the World Series. Alongside these historic events, the Associates of the Congregation of Divine Providence (ACDP) of Kentucky began. Now, in 2026, they celebrate their 50 year anniversary. Their beginning was small, with one young woman from Rhode Island being the first to formally commit to living the four fundamental virtues of the sisters’ founder, Blessed John Martin Moye. These virtues are simplicity, apostolic charity, spirit of poverty and abandonment to Divine Providence.

These virtues began to attract other women. Initially, the majority of them were vowed religious who had returned to the lay apostolate. With time, though, women and men from the community at large became part of the ACDPs, and the membership grew.

Candidates go through a formation program that takes them more deeply into the meanings of the four fundamental virtues, gives them a history of the founding of the Sisters of Divine Providence, and emphasizes a very important fact: ACDP members do not change their way of life — their call to the apostolate — whatever that call may be. Rather, the ACDP life takes associates more deeply into their personal spirituality, the way they live their apostolate, whether it be the president of a thriving company or a volunteer at a homeless shelter.

As the ACDPs celebrate their 50-year anniversary, they find themselves moving toward 100 members. Presently, both men (including priests) and women fill the ranks, all being connected by their dedication to Gospel values lived through the practice of the four fundamental virtues. Their inclusivity closes no doors. Each member ministers in their own unique way, including homemaking, teaching, nursing, counseling, parenting, grandparenting, pastoring, designing, caregiving, helping refugees, cooking for the homeless, ministering in parishes, etc.

“Being an associate has deepened my relationship with God in unbelievable ways,” said Anne Etzel, who has been an associate since 2007. Through friendships with Sisters and fellow Associates, she has come to experience God’s love more intimately and consistently. Living the charism has shaped her sense of self and vocation, blessing her volunteer service and returning to her “over and over again” the assurance of God’s faithful care. As she looks ahead, Ms. Etzel describes the associate call as a source of peace — an anchor as she moves closer to “seeing the face of our Providential God.”

Present members come from nine different states, Ireland and Ghana. When members were asked why they chose to become associates, responses included joy and community spirit among members; attraction to the emphasis on Gospel values; the sisters’ deep spirituality; building a deeper relationship with Divine Providence; having a sense of purpose that transcends career achievements; wanting to foster personal spirituality in communion with others.

In Ireland, associate Pauline Maher’s path into the Associate community was shaped by both relationship and need. Her initial draw, she recalls simply, was Sister Leslie Keener and God Space — a place of shared prayer, reflection and presence. That ministry became especially vital to her during the COVID-19 pandemic and at the time of her mother’s passing. “I felt held by the community,” Ms. Maher shared, describing how regular participation sustained her through grief and uncertainty.

The anniversary year opened on January 17 with a beautiful prayer service presented by the CDP sisters, followed by lunch and socializing. Several special events are planned throughout 2026 to help celebrate this milestone, among them being a Mass to be celebrated by Bishop John Iffert and pilgrimages within the tri-state area.

While the majority of the current ACDPs are considered senior citizens, the organization is attracting a younger population. The future looks optimistic for growth, not just among this group but for associate communities in general. With fifty years completed, the next fifty are anticipated with hope, joy, and trust in our provident God.

For more information about becoming an associate, contact Marilyn Schleyer, formation coordinator, at (859) 380-6155 or schleyermarilyn@gmail.com.

 

Catholic Charities celebrate humility, service and lasting Impact at annual appreciation dinner

/in

Laura Keener

Editor

Receptions in Erlanger was teeming with volunteers and supporters of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Covington, March 10, for the annual appreciation dinner. Bishop Iffert, Chris Goddard, executive director, and Deacon Barry Henry, director of Community Ministries and Outreach, welcomed and honored guests.

“The Gospel tells us in Christ’s own words, whatever you did for one of these least of mine, you did for me,” said Deacon Henry as he expressed gratitude to all the volunteers that make the many ministries at Catholic Charities thrive. “Look around tonight, you’ll see the face of Christ. You are the face of Christ to the poor, the marginalized when we serve with those around us.”

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of two awards, the Marcella Strategier Angel of Hope Award and the Community Partner Award.

This year’s Angel of Hope Award was awarded to Rose Schlosser. Jill Walch, director of Donor and Volunteer Engagement, introduced Mrs. Schlosser, highlighting her humility and dedication.

“When we approached Rose about receiving this award, she did something very characteristic. She cried and said, ‘Why me?’” said Ms. Walch. “The answer is simple. That humility is exactly why Rose is the perfect recipient of this award.”

Mrs. Schlosser is a “behind-the-scenes angel, quiet, steady, faithful and deeply compassionate woman,” said Ms. Walch. Mrs. Schlosser serves and prepares meals at Parish Kitchen and does whatever needs to be done. She and her husband also are prolific gardeners, sharing their produce with the Parish Kitchen so that guests have fresh fruits and vegetables.

“Rose is also deeply attentive to the people she serves,” said Ms. Walch. “She notices when guests are not present and she worries about them. Her concern is genuine, tender and rooted in love.”

As a member of the cooking team, Mrs. Schlosser also cooks for staff and board meetings. “Her meals nourish not only our bodies but also the sense of community and connection we share in our work,” said Ms. Walch.

CommonSpirit Health was the recipient of the Community Partner Award. For a decade, CommonSpirit Health has been a pillar of generosity and compassion for the families of St. Joseph Apartments, a supportive housing program serving formerly homeless families with disabilities. Brandy Medaugh, client care specialist and St. Joseph Apartment case manager, praised the partnership as one rooted in genuine service from the very first day. “They didn’t come seeking recognition,” she recalled. “They came with a genuine desire to give back and to strengthen our community.”

Over the years, CommonSpirit has provided everything from school supplies to holiday support, even maintaining their commitment through the pandemic. “Every time they returned with more than was expected — more items, more support, more blessings,” Ms. Medaugh said.

One of the most transformative moments was the redesign of the Christmas program, which empowered children to “earn” gifts through goal‑setting. “It wasn’t about giving less — it was about giving differently,” she explained. “It was about the blessing of giving, the dignity of working hard, and the joy of earning something meaningful.”

In the summer of 2025, Ms. Medaugh launched a literacy program at St. Joseph Apartments, and CommonSpirit immediately jumped in, providing tutors who worked weekly with children. They created homework stations and built a literacy library.

“When I met with the schools before the holidays, they shared that reading scores for several of the children in the program had improved,” said Ms. Medaugh. “That was huge, a direct result of the dedication, consistency and unwavering support of this partnership.”

Ms. Medaugh concluded with gratitude: “Because of you, families are stronger, children are learning, and communities are brighter.”

In his remarks, Mr. Goddard reflected on the importance of service, gratitude, and spiritual encounter. Calling the evening’s event his “favorite day as part of Catholic Charities,” Mr. Goddard said the gathering allows staff and volunteers to pause from daily responsibilities to “stop, reflect, rejoice and acknowledge all the great work.”

He emphasized that their mission extends beyond operations to meaningful human connection, noting that Catholic Charities strives to “encounter them in a deeper way” through intentional practices like prayer groups and Bible studies.  Inspired by the Gospel story of the woman at the well — his “absolute favorite Bible story” — Mr. Goddard highlighted encounter as the heart of transformation for both volunteers and those they serve.

“And as Bishop Iffert reminds us so beautifully, it’s through that encounter that we’re often we’re the ones that are transformed. It’s in growing in that relationship with Christ as a volunteer that we grow ourselves,” Mr. Goddard said.

Bishop Iffert ended the evening saying to those present, “You are like God. You remind me of God,” as an awesome silence fell over the room. “I think we forget that we are supposed to desire to be like God.” Not in an all-powerful, cosmic superhero kind of way, but “we are called to aspire to be like the essential character of God … to be merciful in the way God is merciful … in his capacity for compassion, for mercy, for love.”

“What you’re doing is you’re sharing in the divine work of God to be merciful to those who need him and then to participate in his divine creativity, to spread that goodness around the world,” Bishop Iffert said. “That’s what you do. That’s why we’re so grateful. That’s why this room is such a joy to be part of.”

From classroom to conversion, the Brownfield family’s conversion story

/in

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

The Brownfield family was welcomed as Elect at the Rite of Election, February 22, as parents, Cailey and Ryan, prepare to join the Catholic church with their four children. The family’s story of conversion began when Mr. and Mrs. Brownfield decided to send their second oldest child to Sts. Peter and Paul School, California, where she blossomed in love of the faith.

“She’s a very spiritual child,” said Mrs. Brownfield, whose personal conversion was sparked by a moment of faith with her daughter. “She and all of her friends ran to the Stations of the cross. I walked up there and she was explaining what each one of them was, what the meaning behind each one of them was. For me, that sparked my interest, just watching her light up about all of it.”

Mr. Brownfield explained that his daughter’s curiosity spurred the family to consider OCIA classes. “She’d always come home and talk about God and Jesus, and she’d ask us questions, and we didn’t know how to answer them. We want her to be able to come to us and ask those questions, now that we have the knowledge. We wanted to feel in place with her.”

The Brownfield family had been attending Mass at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish while their daughter was enrolled in the school and were familiar with director of religious education, Congregation of Divine Providence Sister Lynn Stenken. Who proved to be instrumental in the personal conversion of Mr. and Mrs. Browning to the faith.

At her second OCIA class, Mrs. Browning arrived with, “a list of questions for Sister Lynn, because I was curious. I wanted to know why everybody had a Mary in their front yard … there were just so many things that didn’t make sense,” she said. “Just that one class, Sister Lynn connected all of the dots for me that I had that were scattered all over the place.”

Since attending OCIA classes, Mr. and Mrs. Brownfield both feel a sense of peace amongst their family. “You could just tell the difference in our family,” said Mr. Brownfield, “even with having young kids running around and screaming we kind of take a deep breath, take a minute to relax…I would say the morale in the family has been a lot higher since before we went to Church.”

Both Mr. and Mrs. Brownfield are excited to continue learning their newfound faith, even after their initiation at Easter Vigil. “I feel like learning is what brings me closer to God, I don’t want it to end, I want to keep growing with it,” said Mrs. Brownfield. For Mr. Brownfield, he looks forward to, “being more involved with the community of the Catholic Church,” which he will do through his new membership as a member of the Knights of Columbus. “It just feels like, with the Catholic religion and the community, it’s just everybody’s so loving that if you’re an outside coming in, they’ll still open their arms to bring you in, no matter what.”

As the family prepares to enter the church at Easter Vigil, Mr. Brownfield said, “It makes me feel like my grandma’s up in Heaven right now, jumping up and down that someone in the family decided to become Catholic and get into the church.”

The dangers of Artificial Intelligence among students, presented by Dr. Mandy Sanchez

/in

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

Mandy Sanchez, director of programming at Culture Reframed, will return to the Diocese of Covington for a public presentation, “AI: The Dangers of an Increasingly Digital World.” Dr. Sanchez has been educating the public on pornography and violence for over 20 years, specializing in sexual violence, the intersectionality of gender, sexualities, place and trauma. Twice previously, Dr. Sanchez has presented in the Diocese on the dangers of social media, pornography and the relationship between the two.

These past presentations were well received by attendees. “What we found was that there were a lot of people who were not in the know about how social media was affecting kids,” said Julie Feinauer, director for the Safe Environment Office in the Diocese of Covington. “This time she’s going to focus more on AI (Artificial Intelligence). I think that parents are really nervous about how AI is not only affecting their kids, how their kids are using it, but also how it’s being used against their kids in certain aspects,” she said.

The dangers of AI are plentiful with deepfake images, false information and impersonation of one’s identity on the rise. The question remains, “how do we allow students to use this wonderful tool, but also stay safe,” asks Mrs. Feinauer.

Dr. Sanchez will host a public presentation at Bishop Howard Memorial Auditorium, on March 25, beginning at 7 p.m. She will also host a private presentation for teachers, principals and school staff.

“I hope for our principals and school staff that what they’re able to find is that AI can be something that can be used safely when there are specific guidelines set in place. Or, if they’re choosing not to allow students to use it, how can they keep it out if that’s something they’re choosing to do,” said Mrs. Feinauer. “I think that it’s important that they understand that it’s out there and it’s not going away. So, how do they incorporate it in a way that is safe?”

Much of what Dr. Sanchez will discuss is sensitive in nature and may be “hard to hear,” said Mrs. Feinauer. “Especially for people who have been taken advantage of online or if they’re a survivor in any way.” The March 25 presentation is free and open to the public, however only those 18 years of age or older are permitted to attend.

“There are these new exciting tools that are out there, but all of it comes at a price,” said Mrs. Feinauer. “We have to understand that if we’re going to use these tools, we have to know all they can offer. But also, we have to know the safety precautions to take in order to use them effectively and safely.”

The source and summit

/in

Bella Bailey

Multimedia Correspondent

The Office of Youth Ministry hosted the annual SUMMIT retreat, at Thomas More University, Crestview Hills, Feb. 27–March 1. Twenty-two schools and thirty-four parishes were represented at the retreat making it one of the most diverse and robust in retreat history.

The weekend retreat focuses on the Eucharist and how to connect with Christ through the Blessed Sacrament. Hannah Ubelor, core team member and associate director of youth ministry at the Jesuit Spiritual Center, Milford, Ohio, said, “the goal is for the teens to really encounter Christ, specifically in the Eucharist. Our main goal is the Eucharist, it’s adoration, it’s Mass and really having an encounter with Christ and personal relationship with him.”

Between guest speakers and breakout sessions, students had the opportunity for spiritual renewal through confessions, adoration and Mass. On the second day of the retreat, following guest speaker Mercedarian Sister Eucharist, Father AJ Gedney, parochial vicar at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Cold Spring, led the students in Eucharistic Adoration. Joined by seminarians Will Fuller, Joseph O’Bryan, Aaron Batson and Evan Ihrig, Father Gedney processed throughout the Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel holding the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.

Many students, moved by the reverence of adoration, chose to lay prostrate as the Eucharist passed.

“They all have a heart for Jesus in the Eucharist,” said Ms. Ubelor. “They were all very reverent. For most of them their favorite part is adoration and just being with Jesus, nothing can beat that.”

Catechumen’s relationships helped him to grow closer to God

/in

Maura Baker

Staff Writer

One of over 400 catechumens and candidates to enter into the Church in the Diocese of Covington this year, catechumen Chris Santiago of Mother of God Parish, Covington, will be baptized and receive the sacrament of First Communion at this year’s Easter Vigil.

A teacher working for the Cincinnati nonprofit Healthy Visions, Mr. Santiago’s conversion story began with his friend and former girlfriend and her grandfather, and their influence in his life.

Although her grandfather passed away last March, Mr. Santiago describes these interactions as “integral” to his story.

“We went to Church with him all the time,” Mr. Santiago said. “He had stage four cancer.”

Previously having no ties to religion, Mr. Santiago’s time with his previous girlfriend and her grandfather developed his relationship with God.

When they first started going to Mass together, “It was for her,” said Mr. Santiago, “and her family.”

Although Mr. Santiago describes going to Mass with her family as “nice and peaceful,” a turning point occurred during a day of prayer in Cincinnati — where he and his girlfriend were climbing steps, praying the rosary together in a crowd of other faithful.

“All of it was kind of breathtaking,” he said, “And it was, ‘wow!’ … It was something that took me back.”

Her grandfather, who had continued to get sicker, passed away sometime afterwards — and from there, Mr. Santiago’s relationship to God continued to grow.

“I’m building this relationship with God, and it’s just kind of snowballing into this thing,” Mr. Santiagio said. “I started feeling close to God.”

Although Mr. Santiago and his former girlfriend have since separated, the two are still friends — with her still showing up to support him on his faith journey.

“I always appreciate her for bringing me close to God,” he said, “because I feel like this connection that I have … I needed it more than anything. I was getting to a point in my life where I’m 28 years old, I have a good job, I have a good house — I’m doing all the things I’m supposed to do, but I still felt like I needed something … and I didn’t know what I needed. And, come to find out, it was this thing that every Sunday — that I was kind of like ‘Oh, here we go again!’ — but actually putting down my head, paying attention and worshipping … these past couple months have been amazing.”

Mr. Santiagio expressed his excitement as the Easter Vigil approaches, especially towards receiving his first Communion.

“All these conversations we’ve had about the power of God and Jesus, and we’re actually taking him in … it’s kind of overwhelming a bit to me. The idea of doing that as one of the sacraments and being able to do that for the rest of my life — it’s kind of amazing,” he said. “And I can’t wait.”

Diocese invites youths, community, to World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea

/in

Maura Baker

Staff Writer

The Diocese of Covington is coordinating a pilgrimage to World Youth Day (WYD) 2027 in Seoul, South Korea. With the last WYD in Lisbon, Portugal in 2023, this pilgrimage provides an excellent opportunity for young adults ages 18–25 to “Experience the universality of the Catholic Church in the presence of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, alongside millions of young adult Catholics from around the world,” according to Isaak Isaak, director of the Office of Catechesis and Evangelization and part of the team organizing the trip.

Having attended nine WYDs himself, Mr. Isaak said that he is “very excited about World Youth Day Seoul, taking place in the Capital of South Korea. This will be the first World Youth Day to take place in continental Asia. I have seen firsthand what World Youth Day can do; how much it positively impacts a pilgrim’s life. It is a celebration of both the unity of being members of the Body of Christ and the diversity of the gifts contained within.”

The diocese’s pilgrimage includes a trip to a sacred landscape of South Korea marked by the sacrifices of early Catholic martyrs. Sites like Danggogae, Saenamteo, Seosomun, and Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine are on the itinerary.

Korea’s martyrs “sowed the seeds for what has become a blossoming and vibrant Church” in South Korea, the Pope Francis wrote in a telegram to Bishop Matthias Ri Iong-Hoon of Suwon, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, before his passing.

“The youth of today are the heirs of this great testimony of faith, and I pray that they will carry on this precious witness to Christ as they prepare for the World Youth Day 2027,” the pope wrote.

Total costs for the trip are estimated to be around $5,500 per person — with the initial deposit of $800 due March 16 to reserve a spot — with plans for fundraising being considered.

Interested parties can register at https://forms.gle/9JW61qveAUGbdWxy6, or contact Isaak Isaak at (859) 392–1529 or iisaak@covdio.org.

Evening of prayer, reflection and conversation tackles papal documents, Catholic social teaching

/in

Maura Baker

Staff Writer

A crowd gathered in the Curia’s Bishop Howard Memorial Hall, Covington, for a presentation titled “An Evening of Prayer, Reflection and Conversation”, March 2. The presentation, organized by the Intercommunity Sisters Peace and Justice Committee, welcomed Thomas More University’s Hannah Keegan, director of the Center for Faith, Mission and Catholic Education, as the speaker. The presentation discussed Catholic social teaching and its key principals through the lens of two Papal documents: Pope Francis’s “Dilexit Nos” (“He loved us”) and Pope Leo XIV’s “Dilexi Te” (“I have loved you”).

The documents — which speak mutually on Christ’s human and divine love — are continuations of each other. “Dilexi Te” was originally conceived by Pope Francis before his passing and later completed and published by Pope Leo XIV last October.

The presentation tackled themes such as humility, love and the dignity of the poor — with Hannah Keegan defining key principles within Catholic social teaching. (These principles being human dignity, common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, universal destination of goods and option for the poor and vulnerable.)

“Everything that Pope Leo is saying is built on the non-negotiable reality that all human beings share an intrinsic dignity due to being made in God’s image and likeness,” Mrs. Keegan said. “And this dignity is not dependent on wealth status, economic status, mental or physical functioning.”

She described this with the words “Dignitas Infinita,” or infinite dignity — as outlined in “Dilexi Te.”

“There’s a kind of material dignity that you can’t lose,” said Mrs. Keegan. “Someone who’s living in homelessness is not living in a dignified place, and we have to recognize that, but they can never lose their intrinsic dignity.”

“We, who have enough, have the responsibility — we’re obligated — that we should have a particular preference for the poor and the vulnerable, for those who can not care for themselves adequately,” she said.

Mrs. Keegan also encouraged those at the presentation to read the documents for themselves — citing them as a “great thing to read for Lent.”

“It’s so helpful to put your heart in the place of receiving what the Holy Spirit is asking right now,” she said.