.png)
Entering the Great Novena Year of Wonder: A New Chapter in the Archdiocese of Louisville's History
- John Sohl
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
This Pentecost Brings a New Season for the Movement As It Continues To Grow Throughout Kentucky
This is a reflection by John Sohl for Pentecost 2025
You Are Here. Life Is Amazing.
It really is, isn't it? To think that God thought to bring each of us into existence and give us the freedom to enjoy this life is something to really think about deeply.
We exist. Our families, our parishes, our whole Archdiocese exists and has existed for nearly as long as the United States itself. That makes this place very rich soil that is simply in need of tending, tilling, and digging into deeply!
Officially kicking off the Year of Wonder is a huge step forward in the deep and rich history of the Archdiocese of Louisville. This is a moment that signals a completely new and unprecedented experience in our 217 year history. We transition from the Year of Invitation to this moment of being made new in the Year of Wonder.
We have our first American Pope, and our Archdiocese has just entered a powerful parish planning process that will bring forth some major moments of transformation and renewal. What an opportunity for love, communion, and solidarity to begin growing in our hearts!
Last year's theme was "Like a Treasure Buried in a Field" where Christ sold everything to buy the treasure within each of us, and now He wants to remake us, our families, and our parishes. As we enter this Year of Wonder, let us begin reflecting on this endearing passage from Genesis:
"God looked at everything He had made, and he found it very good." ~ Genesis 1:31
If the Archdiocese is to be a Garden, then as we visit these pilgrim sites today for the Jubilee of Hope, we must enter into this story of Genesis deeply so as to experience anew the wondrous love of God the Father as He brings forth all of creation just by speaking—"Let there be light!"
From the days of Creation to the story of Adam and Eve and the powerful experience of Noah and the Ark comes forth the depth of conversion that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob experienced that gives us the seed of the Gospel.
It is a seed that should give us a chance to pause and marvel at the simplicity and yet complexity of its design. This world that God gave us is simple and yet complex. The beauty of nature, the peace of stargazing, the silence of listening to God's creatures should stir within us a curiosity and desire for more.
God sees everything He made as very good. Why? How? Is it possible? In a world filled with division, chaos, confusion, violence, and death—could life really be "very good"? God says it is. Can we?
You're here after all. Life is amazing. Let that sink in. Just sit with that and begin to wonder.
Comments