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.

The second day of the Eucharistic Congress was by far the most busy. From sun up to sun down there were both general presentations and more in-depth explorations concerning all manner of topics around the Eucharist. The first of our interviews features Brooke, a high-schooler from Helena who shares with us a touching and inspirational story of conversion. The second interview is with Dr. Charles Camosy, a professor and bio-ethicist of national renown. He waxes into the controversial, not because what he says violates Catholic teaching, but because what he says violates the current lines drawn in the American political landscape. Lastly, we hear from Sisters Anne Catherine and Mariana about how hope, humor, and God can help guide us during this year of Jubilee.

In our first episode covering the Eucharistic Congress for the Diocese of Helena, we set the stage for the upcoming days. Alex Kautzky, the Diocese of Helena's Director of Pro Life, Faith, and Evangelization and one of the main organizers for this event, brings us through the preparations for an event of this scale and the Diocese's faith formation mission. Dr. John Ries, Professor of Theology at Carroll College and one of the breakout session presenters, shares his insights into Pope Francis' 2015 encyclical Laudato Sí, its Eucharistic theology, and its message of responsible stewardship for all Catholics. Finally, we hear from a returning participant about her experiences at past Congresses and her hopes for this session.

It is time once again for the Novena of Grace here at St. Francis Xavier Parish. This year's presenter is Dr. Katherine Greiner, an Associate Professor of Theology at Carroll College in Helena, MT. Her topic is the Poverty of Spirit spoken of in Matthew 25, specifically the need for God's presence and support in our lives. Nicholas sits down with Dr. Greiner to discuss this commonly misunderstood teaching of Jesus.

In this episode we cultivate a deeper understanding of gratitude, patience, temperance, and diligence. Fr Cochran joins Nicholas for the second half of our discussion regarding the Seven Heavenly Virtues.

When deciding how to engage with others, we take as inspiration the virtues laid out for us by our faith. Virtue is integral to the practice of the Christian faith, and it is our responsibility to cultivate it through moral discernment. We do so not only to practice good deeds, but to avoid falling into sin. Father Cochran joins us to explore the first of our Heavenly Virtues, and the roots of the mortal sins they help us overcome.