Archbishop Alexander Sample of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, chairman of the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty, discusses the U.S. bishops’ decision to consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June, and how Knights and their families can participate in the consecration. He also speaks on religious liberty and the correspondence between devotion to Christ’s Sacred Heart and acts of charity for people in need.
Learn more: https://t.co/p2swP9g2za
@ArchbishpSample@archdpdx
Join us as we walk with Our Lord Jesus Christ through the streets of Portland on the great Feast of Corpus Christi.
Last year, more than 3,000 faithful joined the procession and we hope to welcome even more this year.
Sunday, June 7 • St. Mary’s Cathedral, Portland
https://t.co/FMFfkgPquW
It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of one of our seminarians, Tom Kloucek, who passed away unexpectedly following medical complications.
We are grateful that Tom spent five days on retreat with his brother seminarians just prior to his passing, and thankful for the time of prayer and fraternity they shared together.
Tom was a man of great faith who loved Jesus Christ and the Church. Reflecting on his vocation, he once wrote:
“Praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament was where I finally understood Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself at the crucifixion… He died on the cross for you and for me. Jesus loves me.”
Those who knew Tom encountered in him a sincere love for the Lord, a thoughtful and searching faith, and a genuine desire to give his life in service to the Church as a priest.
Please join us in praying for the repose of Tom’s soul, for his family and loved ones, his brother seminarians, and all who mourn his passing.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
Today, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample released a new pastoral letter outlining the spiritual foundation of Mission Renewal in the Archdiocese of Portland.
In this letter, the Archbishop invites the faithful of western Oregon to join together in prayer, sacrifice, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and works of mercy as we entrust the renewal of our local Church to the Lord.
The letter includes:
• A Sacred Heart Novena (May 30–June 7)
• The Consecration of the Archdiocese to the Sacred Heart on Corpus Christi Sunday (June 7)
• A renewed call to prayer, Eucharistic devotion, the Rosary, fasting, and service to the poor in support of Mission Renewal
• The continued praying of the St. Michael the Archangel Prayer after every Mass throughout the Archdiocese, as Archbishop Sample reminds the faithful that “the Enemy, Satan, seeks to divide, disrupt and interfere in our cooperation with God.”
“When we pray and sacrifice together as one Church, we open the door for the Lord to act in powerful ways.” — Archbishop Sample
Read more: https://t.co/xiRNNnN6sG
This year, the US bishops will consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary. On the great Feast of Corpus Christi, I will also solemnly consecrate western Oregon to the Sacred Heart following Holy Mass and before the public Eucharistic procession.
Join me as I discuss these events and more, including devotion to the Sacred Heart, the rise in conversions to the Catholic faith, the conflict with Iran, just war theory, and the importance of bringing Christ into public life.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being received in private audience by the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. In an upcoming episode of my new podcast, starting next month, I share some details of that meeting and reflect on the encouragement I carried with me after encountering the man we are blessed to have as the successor of Saint Peter.
Today marks the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV's election to the Chair of St. Peter. Please join me in praying for his holy intentions and that the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen and guide him in his Petrine ministry as Shepherd of the Universal Church.
On the day I was entrusted with the ministry of the Successor of Peter, exactly one year ago, the Church celebrated the Supplication to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary of #Pompeii. I therefore had to come here, to place my service under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. #PastoralVisit https://t.co/uui9x3qPhh
Brothers and sisters in Christ, save the date for a joyful day in the life of our local Church. On Saturday, June 20, I will have the privilege of ordaining four men to the Holy Priesthood at St. Mary's Cathedral. After years of prayer, formation, and study, they are preparing to dedicate their lives to the service of God and His people throughout western Oregon. Please join me in praying for them as they approach ordination.
Saturday, June 20 · 11:00 AM · St. Mary’s Cathedral
Ordinands: Deacons Shawn Daniel, Nicholas Martell, Zachary Muñoz, and Tristan Schubert
https://t.co/zgSwMvmnPo
El 11 de junio de 2026, los obispos de Estados Unidos consagrarán nuestra nación al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, celebrando el 250 aniversario de la Declaración de Independencia.
Encuentra recursos para tu parroquia en: https://t.co/oTcbkR1Hza
Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample, Archbishop of Portland, explains why the bishops of the United States are consecrating this nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Rooted in centuries of devotion and the apparitions of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, the consecration will take place in June 2026 to mark America's 250th anniversary. It is an opportunity for the faithful to offer their lives in service to God and country.
Twelve years ago today, Bishop Peter L. Smith was ordained to the episcopacy by Archbishop Alexander Sample. The co-consecrators were Archbishop Emeritus John Vlazny and Bishop Liam Cary of Baker. Bishop Smith was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Portland in 2001.
We give thanks for his faithful ministry and witness to the Gospel. Ad multos annos!
Ten years ago today, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample conferred the solemn abbatial blessing upon Abbot Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, who was elected the 12th Abbot of Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon.
Photos: Mount Angel Abbey
Tomorrow, I’ll be speaking with Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York on the vital topic of religious freedom.
Join us on All Good Things Tuesday, April 21 at 11:10 AM PT | 2:10 PM ET.
Tune in: https://t.co/KiNRf4ORXe
Save the Date: June 7, 2026
Join us at the Cathedral for the Corpus Christi procession. After Mass, Archbishop Sample will consecrate the entire archdiocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and impart a Papal Blessing in honor of the Cathedral’s 100th anniversary.
The procession will continue escorted through the streets of the Pearl District. Parishes and schools are asked to attend as groups in this single, metro-wide Portland procession.
Participants may receive a plenary indulgence granted by the Vatican for the Cathedral’s centennial. We invite you to take part in this annual tradition with Catholics from across the region.
RSVP: https://t.co/GUa49fawY9
In recent weeks, during the holiest season of the Christian calendar, I have been deeply concerned by the rhetoric of President Trump. His remarks during Holy Week and Easter fall short of the standard one would expect from both his office and his professed Christian faith.
His threat to eradicate an entire civilization goes beyond what can be considered just or morally acceptable in war.
Likewise, his criticism of Pope Leo, whom he has disparaged as “weak” and “very liberal,” is misguided. The Holy Father’s call for peace, dialogue, and conversion of heart in the face of war arises not from partisanship or political bias, but from his Christian identity and mission as Supreme Pastor of Christ’s Church on earth.
The Church’s mission is to preach the Good News of her divine founder, Jesus Christ, proclaiming peace, truth, and the dignity of every human person.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
St. Michael the Archangel in downtown Portland welcomed 25 new members into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil last Saturday.
Photos: Monika Gonzalez