Bishop Solis thanks dinner’s supporters

Intermountain Catholic

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Greetings of Christ’s peace and love!

I extend my deepest gratitude to all who supported, prayed for and celebrated with us the 20th anniversary of the annual Bishop’s Dinner on Sept. 4 at the Grand America Hotel. We were honored by the presence of His Eminence Robert Cardinal McElroy, Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego, as this year’s guest speaker, and the almost 600 people who attended.

The Bishop’s Dinner was instituted in 2004 to support the ministry outreach of the Cathedral of the Madeleine, the Mother Church of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, which offers a place for spiritual refuge and, through the Good Samaritan Program, is a center of mercy for those in need.

For the past 20 years, our annual dinner has offered a venue for everyone in Utah to work together for a common and noble cause. Amid the rising tide of polarization, we gather not only to share a meal in fellowship and social friendship; it also helps us transcend boundaries and build bridges that strengthen the bonds of unity and solidarity in our society – thus, it is a beacon of light and hope of a global family that recognizes the equal dignity of every person created in the image and likeness of God.

The overwhelming support of the People of God of our diocese who come from the various sectors of our community – different religious groups, personal and private entities, foundations, organizations and financial corporations – have made it possible for the Madeleine to carry out her mission as the cathedral for everyone.

I am grateful for the continued generosity and support of all our donors and benefactors, and thank them and our pastors and their parish communities and most of all the great work of the Bishop’s Dinner team – Father Martin Diaz, the cathedral rector; Patricia Wesson, the cathedral’s director of development; Monsignor Joseph M. Mayo, a retired priest of the diocese and former rector of the cathedral who helped found the Bishop’s Dinner; the cathedral staff; and the student ambassadors from Judge Memorial, Juan Diego and Saint Joseph Catholic high schools for putting on a grace-filled evening.

God loves a cheerful giver, and he can never be outdone in his generosity. May his blessings dwell in you and your loved ones, in our community and in the world.

Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis, D.D.

Bishop of Salt Lake City