Early on Easter Monday in the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis went home to the Lord. His legacy is sure to be one of compassion and humanity, always focusing on and lifting up the voices of the poor and disenfranchised, in the spirit of the Jesuit charism of drawing in the people of God rather than hiding behind a veil of clericalism. The first Pope from the Americas, as well as the first Pope from the Jesuit order, Francis brought a unique perspective to the Vatican, which was clearly manifest in his addresses and encyclicals. We at VOX remember him fondly, and with the help of Fr Cochran and Fr Conroy, we remember his impact as we proceed into the Novemdiales.

Easter is more than just a single day. True, one Sunday a year we dedicate our joy to our risen Lord, but the Easter Season continues for the next 40 (+10) days. During this time, we are invited to reflect on what Jesus was trying to teach his disciples after his resurrection, to transform them from followers into true missionaries. In contemplating this within the context of our own lives, we can better live out the Gospel message for the benefit of ourselves and the world around us. Fr. Cochran joins us to delve more deeply into the Easter mysteries and the ways in which we can allow them to inspire us to greater faith.

The third day of the Eucharistic Congress for the Diocese of Helena culminates with a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Helena, a Eucharistic Procession to Carroll College, and a Benediction at All Saints Chapel. Our Eucharistic Congress commentary is capped off by an interview with Dr. Hannah Hemphill, Assistant Professor of Catholic Studies at Carroll, where we explore the origins and evolution of Eucharistic theology.