Jan. 18-25: The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Following is a statement regarding the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, jointly prepared and published by Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches.

“THERE IS ONE BODY AND ONE SPIRIT, JUST AS YOU WERE CALLED TO THE ONE HOPE OF YOUR CALLING.” (Ephesians 4:4)

For this year, the prayers and reflections for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity have been prepared by the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church, along with their brothers and sisters of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches.

These resources were developed, written and discussed at the historic spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia, during the inspiring days of the blessing of the Muron (holy oil) and the re-consecration of the Mother Cathedral, on September 28-29, 2024, following extensive renovations over 10 years.

This commemoration provided the people of Armenia and the members of the drafting group with a unique opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the common Christian faith that remains alive and fruitful in our churches today. These resources draw upon centuries-old traditions of prayer and petitions used by the Armenian people, along with hymns that originated in the ancient monasteries and churches of Armenia, some of which date as far back as the fourth century.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 extends an invitation to draw upon this shared Christian heritage and to delve more deeply into our fellowship in Christ, which unites Christians worldwide. Unity is a divine mandate at the core of our Christian identity, more than simply an ideal. It represents the essence of the Church’s calling – a call to reflect the harmonious oneness of our life in Christ amidst our diversity.

Archbishop Daniel Blum, the Orthodox Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest talks with Franciscan Sister Helen Rolfson July 15, 2023. (Dianne Towalski / The Central Minnesota Catholic)

This divine unity is central to our mission and is sustained by the profound love of Jesus Christ, who has set before us a unified purpose. As the Apostle Paul asserts in his letter to the Ephesians, “there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (4:4). This Bible verse, chosen for this year, encapsulates the theological depth of Christian unity.

Throughout the Holy Scriptures, God’s call to unity resonates from the earliest times. Starting with the Old Testament, Abram’s plea to Lot highlights the divine desire for peace and harmony among the faithful: “Let there be no strife between you and me and between your herders and my herders; for we are kindred” (Genesis 13:8). Abram’s call for harmony and mutual respect, despite their eventual parting of ways, emphasizes the importance of living peacefully.

This divine instruction continues in Leviticus 19:18, where God commands, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” Such commandments remind us that forgiveness and love are vital for maintaining unity within the community of faith.

The Psalms celebrate the beauty of unity among God’s people, declaring, “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). This imagery underscores the significance of unity in God’s design for his people. Proverbs, on the other hand, warns against discord among the people of God, stating that God despises those who sow strife among brothers and sisters (Proverbs 6:19), and teaches that patience and forgiveness are essential in maintaining harmony (Proverbs 19:11).

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ elevates the concept of unity to a spiritual dimension, mirroring the profound relationship between Him and the Father. Unity among His followers is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep, spiritual bond reflecting the unity of the Holy Trinity. Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 calls for believers to be one as He and the Father are one, demonstrating that our unity is grounded in our relationship with Christ and our collective mission of sharing the Good News.

The foundational command of Jesus to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34-35) reinforces that this love is the essence of our unity. This sacrificial and selfless love is both the bond of our community and the primary testimony of our discipleship. Jesus’ prayer that our unity would witness to the world (John 17:23) is an enduring testament to His divine mission. The Apostles echo this theme in their teachings. Paul’s epistles stress the importance of unity within the Church, urging us to live worthy of our calling with humility, gentleness, patience, and love (Ephesians 4:1-3). Paul’s vision of unity in Romans 12:6 shows the diversity of gifts that build up the Body of Christ. His plea for harmonious relationships in 2 Corinthians 13:11 and Philippians 2:1-2 call believers to be of one mind and one spirit in their commitment to Christ, thus reinforcing the divine mandate for unity, recognizing our diversity. Ephesians 4:4 summarizes the teachings of Paul about unity, emphasizing, here too, that the followers of Christ represent “one body and one Spirit,” united in a single hope. This metaphor signifies the Church as a unified entity transcending barriers of geography, nationality, ethnicity, and tradition. Paul uses the metaphor of the Church being the Body of Christ to describe its unity with the diversity of its members. He writes to the Corinthians, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Corinthians 12:12). To the Colossians, Paul elaborates on Christ’s role as the head of the unified body of diverse members, stating, “He is the head of the body, the church.” (Colossians 1:18). Thus, the Church, although composed of many parts, functions as a cohesive whole. Each member has a unique role and contributes to the overall life and mission of the Church. Recognizing that we are part of one universal Body in Christ encourages global collaboration in spreading His gospel and serving humanity, shifting the focus from internal divisions to a collective mission. Conversely, to limit the Lord’s Great Commission to go into the world and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19) to a community defined by ethnic, geographic, or socio-economic boundaries would deprive that community of one of the Church’s essential foundations established by the Lord – the unity of His followers worldwide.

The concept of “one body” in Ephesians 4:4 also reflects the nature of the Church. Christianity transcends cultural and national boundaries, uniting believers worldwide in faith and hope. This fellowship, as envisioned in Revelation 7:9, where every culture, tribe, people and language is represented, provides strength and encouragement to believers, affirming their connection within the Body of Christ. Emphasizing the importance of Christian unity, Paul adds “one Spirit,” referring to the Holy Spirit who sustains this fellowship and empowers the Church to fulfil its mission. The Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual life and guidance among believers, ensuring that the diverse members of the Church are together in faith and purpose. The Spirit fosters a deep, spiritual connection between believers, transcending differences and creating a bond that reflects the unity of the Holy Trinity.

This shared spiritual bond is a basis for reconciliation, guiding believers globally and equipping them for effective witness and ministry. This global guidance helps align diverse expressions of faith with the core mission of the Church. The teaching regarding the unity of the Church is further expanded by the Apostle in Ephesians 4:4 when he states that all Christians are called to the “one hope” of salvation and eternal life. This “one hope” means that all believers strive towards the same goal – eternal life with Christ. This is the ultimate goal and motivation for Christian living, providing a common vision and purpose for all believers and uniting them in their faith journey and daily lives.

This shared vision bridges confessional and cultural divides, encouraging Christians to work together in every way they can. Making “shared hope” the objective of our calling as Christians defines our membership in the Church in terms of worldwide fellowship in the hope of salvation and eternal life. In a world with diverse and often divided traditions and expressions of Christian faith, Ephesians 4:4 reminds us that all believers are part of the “one body” of Christ. This unity is not about uniformity but a common commitment to the core truths of the Christian faith. It serves as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit when Christians of varied backgrounds come together with a shared goal and vision with authenticity and sincerity. Through its practices and teachings, the Armenian Apostolic Church offers us a profound reflection on the essence of unity within the universal Body of Christ, not merely as a concept but as a living and breathing reality. In affirming the Creed, the faithful declare their belief in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church,” thereby professing the centrality of this unity to their spiritual life. This commitment to unity finds its fullest expression in the Church’s Eucharistic gatherings, where the prayers of the community are not only for Christians around the world and their spiritual leaders, but also for the unity of the Church itself.

Every Sunday, in the Liturgy, the faithful embrace one another and sing, “The Church has become one”, a tangible manifestation of their collective faith and shared purpose. The rich, martyrdom-filled history of the Armenian Church and her leaders speaks volumes about their unwavering efforts and resilience to maintain the Christian faith in the land of Armenia and the surrounding region. Unity within the Church should transcend doctrinal affirmation; it is a lived experience that deepens their spiritual identity and strengthens their collective witness. In embracing and living out this unity, the Armenian Apostolic Church not only honors its sacred traditions but also contributes meaningfully to the broader unity of Christ’s universal Church. This reflection invites us to recognize and cherish the transformative power of unity, both within our own faith communities and in the wider Church. Spiritual maturity involves embracing our differences while pursuing unity with the same vigor as for doctrinal accuracy. Our strength lies in our ability to reflect Christ through our unity, demonstrating His love and grace to the world. By living out this divine call, we fulfil our mission and honor Christ, advancing His Kingdom on earth.

Let us embrace this divine calling to unity, not as an abstract ideal but as a vital expression of our faith. In a world where the Body of Christ is wounded by divisions within and between traditions and confessions, the Apostle’s call to unity is addressed to each of us, not only as separated church communities, but also as individuals within our communities. By living in unity, we not only witness to the love and power of our Lord Jesus Christ but also embody the essence of His teachings. As we support one another and celebrate our diverse gifts and talents, let us reflect the heart of Christ and further His work on earth.

More than 250 papal artifacts come to Minnesota's Mall of America

BLOOMINGTON, MINN. - The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is almost 200 years old, and to celebrate, the Rev. Richard Kunst of the Diocese of Duluth has curated “Vatican Unveiled,” the largest collection of papal artifacts outside of Rome.

As the curator of the Diocese of Duluth’s collection, Kunst said the mall was a great fit, citing the “basic mall traffic” and “not being a normal venue.”

The objects on display belong to the Diocese of Duluth. The earliest object is a very small piece from a chair that St. Peter sat on.

The exhibition opens Jan. 10 at the Mall of America and includes 250-300 items from previous popes, saints and the Vatican.

A Catholic Understanding of Immigration by Bishop Andrew Cozzens of the Diocese of Crookston, MN

CROOKSTON, MN - On Nov. 21, 2025, the “Lend Us Your Heart” section on the Diocese of Crookston’s website posted a message by Bishop Andrew Cozzens concerning the issue of immigration titled “A Catholic Understanding of Immigration.”

It reads:

“Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 3:20).

Since the beginning of Christianity, it has been important to recognize that we are citizens of two realms. We live in an earthly realm — we live in the United States — but when we are baptized, we enter into an Eternal Kingdom. We become citizens of what St. Augustine called the “City of God.” The Catholic Church is a heavenly realm that spans all nations and all time, and those who are joined to Christ’s body on earth become citizens of a heavenly realm that lasts forever, regardless of their nationality. Obviously, this heavenly citizenship is more important than our earthly one and is the goal of our earthly one. We share this citizenship with millions of people throughout the world and desire that everyone would share it with us.

CLICK HERE to read the message in its entirety.

U.S. BISHOPS ISSUE A “SPECIAL MESSAGE” ON IMMIGRATION FROM PLENARY ASSEMBLY IN BALTIMORE [english and spanish]

A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP CHAD ZIELINSKI concerning the USCCB Special Pastoral Message expressing care and concern for immigrants in our nation. (Nov. 13, 2025)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

November 13, 2025, we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.  Mother Cabrini, an immigrant herself, lived an exemplary, virtuous life as a woman consecrated to Jesus Christ.  She devoted her life to serving countless immigrants, as well as the poor, sick, and homeless in need.  She was an exemplary model of living the Corporal Works of Mercy.

On November 12, at our annual Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, MD, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a Special Pastoral Message expressing deep care and concern for immigrants in our nation.

I think the message is clear and succinct, addressing the current pastoral concerns while being strongly grounded in Catholic social teaching.  The letter makes it very clear that, as a nation, we have a right and a responsibility to secure our borders.  Additionally, it makes clear that every person is imprinted with the sacred image of God, which demands that we respect the dignity and care of the human person. 

I invite you to join me in prayer through the intercession of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini that we reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are members of His Mystical Body.

THE FULL TEXT OF THE BISHOPS’ MESSAGE FOLLOWS:

BALTIMORE – As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for its Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, the bishops issued a Special Message addressing their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. It marked the first time in 12 years that the USCCB invoked this particularly urgent form of speaking as a body of bishops. The last one issued in 2013 was in response to the federal government’s contraceptive mandate.

Under the regulations pertaining to statements and publications of the Conference, a “Special Message” may only be issued at plenary assemblies, and they are statements which the President of the Conference, the Administrative Committee, or the general membership considers to be appropriate in view of the circumstances at the time. To show the consensus of the body, a Special Message must receive two-thirds of the Conference members present and voting at the plenary in order to pass. In a vote of 216 votes in favor, 5 votes against, and 3 abstentions, the bishops overwhelmingly approved the Special Message, with sustained applause of the body following the vote.

FULL TEXT:

As pastors, we, the bishops of the United States, are bound to our people by ties of communion and compassion in Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care. We lament that some immigrants in the United States have arbitrarily lost their legal status. We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools. We are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school, and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones. 

Despite obstacles and prejudices, generations of immigrants have made enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation. We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity. For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.

Catholic teaching exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants. We bishops advocate for a meaningful reform of our nation’s immigration laws and procedures. Human dignity and national security are not in conflict. Both are possible if people of goodwill work together.

We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good. Without such processes, immigrants face the risk of trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Safe and legal pathways serve as an antidote to such risks.

The Church’s teaching rests on the foundational concern for the human person, as created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). As pastors, we look to Sacred Scripture and the example of the Lord Himself, where we find the wisdom of God’s compassion. The priority of the Lord, as the Prophets remind us, is for those who are most vulnerable: the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the stranger (Zechariah 7:10). In the Lord Jesus, we see the One who became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9), we see the Good Samaritan who lifts us from the dust (Luke 10:30–37), and we see the One who is found in the least of these (Matthew 25). The Church’s concern for neighbor and our concern here for immigrants is a response to the Lord’s command to love as He has loved us (John 13:34).

To our immigrant brothers and sisters, we stand with you in your suffering, since when one member suffers, all suffer (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:26). You are not alone!

We note with gratitude that so many of our clergy, consecrated religious, and lay faithful already accompany and assist immigrants in meeting their basic human needs. We urge all people of goodwill to continue and expand such efforts. 

We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement. We pray that the Lord may guide the leaders of our nation, and we are grateful for past and present opportunities to dialogue with public and elected officials. In this dialogue, we will continue to advocate for meaningful immigration reform. 

As disciples of the Lord, we remain men and women of hope, 
and hope does not disappoint! (cf. Romans 5:5)

May the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe enfold us all in her maternal and loving care and draw us ever closer to the heart of Christ.

__________________________________________________________________________

Obispos de EE. UU. emiten un «mensaje especial» sobre inmigración durante su asamblea plenaria en Baltimore

UN MESAJ DE LA EPISCOPUL CHAD ZIELINSKI privind Mesajul Pastoral Special al USCCB care exprimă grija și preocuparea pentru imigranții din națiunea noastră. (13 noiembrie 2025)

Dragi frați și surori în Hristos, Pe 13 noiembrie 2025, sărbătorim Ziua Sfântei Francisca Xavier Cabrini. Maica Cabrini, ea însăși imigrantă, a trăit o viață exemplară și virtuoasă ca femeie consacrată lui Isus Hristos. Și-a dedicat viața slujirii nenumăraților imigranți, precum și a celor săraci, bolnavi și fără adăpost aflați în nevoie. A fost un model exemplar de trăire a Lucrărilor Corporale ale Milostivirii. Pe 12 noiembrie, la Adunarea Plenară anuală din Baltimore, Maryland, Conferința Episcopilor Catolici a Statelor Unite a emis un Mesaj Pastoral Special, exprimând o profundă grijă și preocupare pentru imigranții din națiunea noastră. Cred că mesajul este clar și succint, abordând preocupările pastorale actuale, fiind în același timp puternic ancorat în doctrina socială catolică. Scrisoarea arată foarte clar că, ca națiune, avem dreptul și responsabilitatea de a ne securiza granițele. În plus, clarifică faptul că fiecare persoană este imprimată cu imaginea sacră a lui Dumnezeu, ceea ce ne cere să respectăm demnitatea și grija față de persoana umană. Vă invit să vă alăturați rugăciunii mele, prin mijlocirea Sfintei Francisca Xavier Cabrini, ca să ajungem la frații și surorile noastre în Hristos, care sunt membri ai Trupului Său Mistic.

Textul integral al mesajului episcopal urmează

BALTIMORE – Al reunirse la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB) durante su Asamblea Plenaria de Otoño en Baltimore, los obispos emitieron un mensaje especial en el que expresaron su preocupación por la situación cambiante que afecta a los inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos.  Fue la primera vez en doce años que la USCCB recurrió a esta forma particularmente urgente de expresarse como cuerpo episcopal. La última vez que lo hizo fue en 2013, en respuesta al mandato federal sobre anticonceptivos.

De conformidad con las normas relativas a las declaraciones y publicaciones de la Conferencia, solo se pueden emitir «mensajes especiales» en las asambleas plenarias y se trata de declaraciones que el presidente de la Conferencia, el Comité Administrativo o el conjunto de los miembros considera apropiadas en vista de las circunstancias del momento. Para demostrar el consenso del organismo, un «mensaje especial» debe recibir dos tercios de los votos de los miembros de la Conferencia presentes y votantes en la sesión plenaria para ser aprobado. Con 216 votos a favor, 5 en contra y 3 abstenciones, los obispos aprobaron por abrumadora mayoría el mensaje especial, lo que fue seguido de un prolongado aplauso del organismo tras la votación.

El texto completo del mensaje especial de los obispos a continuación:

Como pastores, los obispos de los Estados Unidos, estamos unidos a nuestro pueblo en nuestro Señor Jesucristo, por lazos de comunión y compasión. Nos inquieta ver en nuestras comunidades un clima de temor y ansiedad ante las prácticas de perfilamiento y la aplicación de las leyes migratorias. Nos entristece profundamente el tono que ha adoptado el debate contemporáneo y la creciente denigración de los inmigrantes. Nos preocupan las condiciones en los centros de detención y la falta de acceso a una atención pastoral adecuada. Lamentamos que algunos inmigrantes que viven en los Estados Unidos han perdido su estatus migratorio de manera arbitraria. Nos preocupan las amenazas contra la santidad de los lugares de culto, y el carácter especial de los hospitales y las escuelas. Nos entristece profundamente cuando nos encontramos con padres que temen ser detenidos al llevar a sus hijos a la escuela o cuando intentamos consolar a familiares que ya han sido separados de sus seres queridos. 

A pesar de los obstáculos y prejuicios, por generaciones, los inmigrantes han contribuido inmensamente al bienestar de nuestra nación. Como obispos católicos, profesamos nuestro amor por nuestro país y oramos por su paz y prosperidad.  Por este preciso motivo nos sentimos obligados en este entorno a elevar nuestras voces en defensa de la dignidad humana otorgada por Dios. 

La enseñanza católica exhorta a las naciones a reconocer la dignidad fundamental de todas las personas, incluidos los inmigrantes.  Como obispos, abogamos por una reforma significativa de las leyes y los procedimientos migratorios de nuestra nación. La dignidad humana y la seguridad nacional no son valores en conflicto. Ambas pueden alcanzarse con buena voluntad y uniendo esfuerzos. 

Reconocemos que las naciones tienen la responsabilidad de controlar sus fronteras y establecer un sistema de inmigración justo y ordenado por el bien común. Sin dichos procedimientos, los inmigrantes corren el riesgo de caer en la trata de personas y en otras formas de explotación. Las vías legales y seguras sirven como antídoto frente a esos riesgos.

La enseñanza de la Iglesia se basa en la preocupación fundamental por la persona humana, creada a imagen y semejanza de Dios. (Génesis 1:27). Como pastores, recurrimos a las Sagradas Escrituras y al ejemplo de Dios mismo, donde encontramos la sabiduría de la compasión de Dios. La prioridad del Señor, como nos recuerdan los profetas, es para los más vulnerables: las viudas, los huérfanos, los pobres y los migrantes (Zacarías 7:10). En el Señor Jesús, vemos a Aquel que se hizo pobre por nosotros (2 Corintios 8:9), vemos al buen samaritano que nos levanta del polvo (Lucas 10:30-37) y vemos a Aquel que se encuentra en los más pequeños (Mateo 25). La preocupación de la Iglesia por el prójimo y nuestra preocupación aquí por los inmigrantes son una respuesta al mandato del Señor de amar como Él nos ha amado (Juan 13:34).

A nuestros hermanos y hermanas inmigrantes, estamos con ustedes en su sufrimiento, pues si un miembro sufre, todos sufren (1 Corintios 12:26). ¡No están solos!

Observamos con gratitud que tantos de nuestros sacerdotes, religiosos consagrados, y fieles laicos ya están acompañando y asistiendo a inmigrantes en sus necesidades humanas básicas. Exhortamos a todas las personas de buena voluntad a continuar y ampliar esos esfuerzos. 

Nos oponemos a las deportaciones masivas e indiscriminadas. Oramos por el fin de la retórica inhumana y de la violencia, ya sea dirigida contra inmigrantes o contra los organismos de seguridad. Oramos para que el Señor guíe a los líderes de nuestra nación y estamos agradecidos por las oportunidades pasadas y presentes de dialogar con funcionarios públicos y electos. En este diálogo, continuaremos abogando por una reforma migratoria significativa.

Como discípulos del Señor, seguimos siendo hombres y mujeres de esperanza, ¡y la esperanza no defrauda! (Romanos 5,5).

Que el manto de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe nos envuelva a todos en su maternal y amoroso cuidado y nos acerque cada vez más al corazón de Cristo.

David Rabaey one of seventeen seminarians from The Saint Paul Seminary instituted as acolytes

SAINT PAUL - The Saint Paul Seminary celebrated the institution of 17 seminarians as acolytes on October 27, 2025. This event marks an important step in their journey toward priesthood, as it allows them to assist at the altar during Mass and care for the Eucharist outside of the liturgy. The role of acolyte prepares these men for deeper service in the Church. The seminarians include those from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, as well as from the Dioceses of Boise, Sioux Falls, Helena, New Ulm, La Crosse, and Saint Cloud, with one seminarian from Fargo. Among the newly installed acolytes is David Rabaey (Theo II), (center), a Diocese of New Ulm seminarian from the Church of St. Eloi in Ghent.. He stands alongside fellow New Ulm seminarians Brent Sundve (Theo III), Matthew Collins (Pre-Theo I), Aaron Gnerer (College Sophomore), and Fr. Shawn Polman, the Deanery II Dean of Vocations for the Diocese of New Ulm.

Minnesota archdiocese to host ‘Vatican Unveiled’ exhibit at Mall of America

ST. PAUL, Minn. (OSV News) — From Jan. 10 to Feb. 1, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis will host “Vatican Unveiled,” an exhibit of the largest collection of papal artifacts outside of Rome, in celebration of the archdiocese’s 175th anniversary.

The 19,000-square-foot exhibit — curated by Father Richard Kunst, a priest of the Diocese of Duluth — will be hosted at the Mall of America in Bloomington. Items will include a document with the second-oldest papal signature outside the Vatican and a Swiss Guard uniform, the archdiocese announced in a news release Oct. 6.

In a video announcing the exhibit, Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda extended the invitation “to a very special celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. It’s called ‘Vatican Unveiled,’ and it is a special exhibit of the largest collection of papal and other artifacts outside of Vatican City, the home of the Catholic Church.”

Father Kunst, ordained in 1998, has said he grew up collecting items. Before his ordination, he was a staff member for the late U.S. Sen. Rod Grams, a Republican from Minnesota.

The priest has developed a deep knowledge of the items in the “Vatican Unveiled” collection and a “passion for telling their stories,” the archdiocese stated in the news release.

Father Kunst is the vocations director for the Duluth Diocese and a former columnist for The Northern Cross, a monthly diocesan newspaper in Duluth that ceased operations last November. The diocese recently announced in a Facebook post that it plans to publish The Northern Cross in a magazine format starting in December.  

Josh McGovern is a reporter at The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. This story was originally published by The Catholic Spirit and is distributed through a partnership with OSV News.