Archbishop Beltran Delivers Region 10 Remarks to Pope

On May 18, Archbishop Beltran enjoyed a one-on-one meeting with
Pope John Paul II. It was the pontiff's birthday.

Region X
Ad Limina Visit
May 2004

Most Holy Father:

Peace be with you!  We, the Bishops of Region X of the United States of America, are gathered here today with deep respect and affection.  On behalf of these bishops,  I express our profound gratitude to Almighty God and to you.

Region X encompasses two Provinces with a total of 17 dioceses in the states of Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma.  I am privileged to present to you all the diocesan bishops of our region except Bishop Joseph Delaney of the Diocese of Fort Worth who is ill.  He is in our prayers and we ask you to pray for him, too.

We thank Almighty God that in His Providence, He has called you to shepherd the Church for these past 25 years.  This has been a very difficult time, requiring skillful and faithful leadership and an abundance of His Grace.  We thank God for the good work He has begun in and with you as His Vicar here on earth.

Holy Father, we thank you for your pastoral guidance and care.  When you began your Pontificate, some of us were just young bishops or even younger priests.  Immediately you gave us assurance and direction:  “Be not afraid,” you told us.  Then you gave us the reason, saying:  “Because Jesus has redeemed us and is always with us.”  This has been your constant message to us and indeed to the whole world.

It is this redemptive Presence of Jesus that gives credence to the intrinsic dignity of the human person.  This teaching translates and generates successful efforts for peace and justice; for upholding human rights and true freedom.

Your teaching, your example and your enthusiasm have inspired the whole Church and brought us into the new millennium with hope and confidence.  Thus, despite the reality of sin and suffering, of violence and terrorism, we are not afraid because Jesus has redeemed us and He is with us.  Therefore, in His Presence, we thank you again.  We renew our respect and obedience to you.  With great joy, we will listen attentively as you now continue to teach us in the Name of Jesus, the Lord!

                                Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran
 Metropolitan Archbishop of Oklahoma City