A bishop praying in a dimly lit ornate church altar.

Official Statement from the Southeast Texas Central South Archdiocese

If Christ be not risen, then we are all men most miserable. But the ancient text proclaims that he is risen, and in this truth, we partake in the resurrection of the dead. Death cannot and will not triumph over eternal life.

Physical death does not conquer the real person (child of God) who lived in the earthly tabernacle (body). The soul and spirit never die; they only transition to a new eternal dimension. The soul and spirit existed before time, prior to embodying human flesh. Jeremiah speaks plainly, ''Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a Prophet to the Nations.''

These souls and spirits remain as alive now as they were within this earthly tabernacle. In physical death, the child of God transitions to a realm beyond our comprehension of time and existence—a spiritual world that the carnal mind cannot perceive. True communication exists only in the elevation of the spirit mind, for God himself is a spirit, and they who worship him must do so in spirit and in truth.

Today, in the celebration of the resurrection, we are reminded of the continued being of the triumphant souls celebrated around the altar. This gathering is a reflection of the apostolic journey we undertake together as the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, under the guidance of our Metropolitan Archbishop and, ultimately, Pope Francis. Both the militant and triumphant saints are with us, existing in the other realm.

He who lives and reigns with us in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Priest performing Easter Vigil Mass in church altar.

Two clergy members in ceremonial robes inside a church.

A religious leader in ceremonial robes smiles gently.

Official Statement: ''Habemus Papam'' Pope Leo XIV - Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost

Southeast Texas Central South Archdiocese shares an official statement from Metropolitan Archbishop Cardinal Bobby Land regarding the new apostolic journey of Pope Leo XIV.

In the spirit of ecumenism, we offer our sustaining prayers to the Bishop of Rome as he continues to shepherd the faithful and people of God everywhere. May Christ guide him in a world in deep need of healing. We ask that he bless the flock in succession of St. Peter and his predecessor, Pope Francis. As the first Pope from the United States, we offer our supplications as he seeks to bring salvation, unity, equality, and social justice for all humanity. Peter has returned. On the 8th Day of the month of Mariam, we celebrate that eight is the number of new beginnings. The energy of the hour, the energy of the day, has been released to the faithful and all mankind for new beginnings. May Pope Leo XIV heal humanity by the power of Christ and his Saints.

We offer our prayers for the Church at Rome, for all Christians and people everywhere who love and admire the Catholic faith and the universal Church. We pray for all those in religious vocations—priests, clerics, bishops, archbishops, cardinals, sisters, brothers, and Mothers in Zion. The Bishop of Rome, our spiritual leader to billions of Catholics as well as non-Catholics, walks with our Savior. The Chair of Peter in Rome has a new Pope who lives and reigns with us in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Coat of arms with a red galero and the motto Deus meus et jus meum.

Altar decorated with candles, religious icons, and a portrait of Pope Francis.

Official Statement: St. Francis Memorial

Southeast Texas Central South Archdiocese official statement from Metropolitan Archbishop, Cardinal Bobby Land regarding the reposed soul of our beloved holy father, Pope Francis.

As the faithful around the world and the people of God everywhere mourn the transition of ‘the people's Pope Francis,’ we offer our prayers for the Church at Rome, for all Christians, and for everyone who loved this servant of God. We are mindful of those in religious vocations, including priests, clerics, bishops, archbishops, cardinals, sisters, brothers, and the Mothers in Zion, who cherished Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and spiritual leader to billions, both Catholic and non-Catholic. The chair of Peter in Rome is now vacant. May Jesus and his blessed Mother Mary console all of God's children. Without a doubt, the voice of Pope Francis and his global influence have left a lasting impact on domestic and global politics, diplomacy, and ethics in both private and public relations. As a reformer, he broke down walls and engaged in an apostolic journey for humanity, demonstrating moral leadership that has positively affected the world's conscience. He represented Christians everywhere, both Protestant and Catholic, dedicating his life to aiding the poor and advocating for global peace. Pope Francis fervently promoted interfaith dialogue, enhancing understanding and mutual respect among diverse communities. Throughout his earthly life, he was a champion for human rights and social justice—a voice for the forgotten, an advocate for the marginalized, and a lover of all humanity. May his memory and legacy inspire a renewed sense of peace, kindness, unity, and hope for all mankind. We pray for the reposed soul of our brother. May God grant him eternal glory, tranquility, peace, and rest among all the saints.

'O Lord, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of your faithful departed the remission of their sins. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and may your perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.' Amen