Holy Joy - The Branches, September 29, 2026

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and 
on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 
to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11) 

September 29, 2026

Hello Everyone— 

Last Thursday, September 24, 2026, I had the privilege of joining over 50,000 of the faithful in The Dome in St. Louis for the beatification of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. To say that the energy and holy joy that filled the space was electrifying would be an understatement. God was tangibly present to His people gathered there to give thanks for the holy life of Archbishop Sheen.

I invite you to join me in praying the Prayer for Canonization of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen so that he may soon be declared a saint.

Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed your Church through the life and ministry of your faithful servant, Blessed Fulton J. Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people. If it be according to Your will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Saint Francis of Assisi

Next Saturday, October 3, marks the 800th anniversary of the “transitus” or death of St. Francis of Assisi. So, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that we are in the midst of a Franciscan Jubilee Year which began on January 10, 2026, and will run through January 10, 2027. This yearlong celebration honors that holy man and mirror of the Lord Jesus who gave to the Church the Franciscan order.

Pope Leo XIV proclaimed the special jubilee year, inviting the faithful to reflect on the life and enduring legacy of St. Francis whose profound commitment to the Gospel, love for the poor and reverence for all of creation continues to inspire and challenge believers eight centuries later.

I invite you to join me in embracing the spirit and vision of St. Francis by reflecting on his song,“Canticle of the Sun.”

Most high, all-powerful, all good, Lord! 
All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. 
To you alone, Most High, do they belong. 
No mortal lips are worthyto pronounce your name.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through all that you have made, 
and first my lord Brother Sun, 
who brings the day; and light you give to us through him. 
How beautiful is he, how radiant in all his splendor! 
Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Moon and Stars; 
in the heavens you have made them, bright and precious and fair.

All praise be yours, My Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, 
and fair and stormy, all the  weather’s moods, 
by which you cherish all that you have made.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Water, 
so useful, lowly, precious and pure.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Brother Fire, 
through whom you brighten up the night. 
How beautiful is he, how gay! Full of power and strength.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Earth, our mother, 
who feeds us in her sovereignty and produces 
various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through those who grant pardon 
for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. 
Happy those who endure in peace, 
by you, Most High, they will be crowned.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Death, 
from whose embrace no mortal can escape. 
Woe to those who die in mortal sin! 
Happy those She finds doing your will! 
The second death can do no harm to them. 
Praise and bless my Lord, and give him thanks, 
and serve him with great humility.

As I do for you, please pray for me,

Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob
Archbishop of Milwaukee