Tomorrow, I will be making a journey to Jackson, Kentucky, located in Breathitt County, with a very specific purpose and with a heart full of compassion. My plan is to arrive in the community sometime around 10:00 or 10:30 in the morning. The reason for this visit is not ordinary or casual; it is deeply rooted in the desire to be present with the people who are currently enduring a period of grief, hardship, suffering, and confusion.
When a community is struck by pain—whether through loss, tragedy, or overwhelming circumstances—there is a human need to come together. Sometimes words cannot fix the situation, but the physical presence of others, especially when offered with humility and compassion, brings strength, reassurance, and a reminder that no one is alone. That is what this journey represents. It is not just a trip to another city or county, but a pilgrimage of solidarity, carrying with it the voice, prayers, and blessings of many people from the wider Catholic family.
This visit is made in representation of Pope Leo, Bishop John Stowe, and the entire Catholic Diocese of Lexington. Each of them, in their roles as spiritual leaders, understands the sacred responsibility to accompany people in times of joy and in times of sorrow. At this particular moment, the focus is on sorrow and on extending mercy, comfort, and kindness. The Diocese, through its priests, deacons, and lay members, desires to be a source of consolation and hope for the people of Breathitt County as they navigate through their pain.
The Catholic tradition teaches us that Christ Himself always walked alongside the brokenhearted, the afflicted, and the poor in spirit. Following His example means entering into the lives of those who suffer, even when we cannot take the suffering away. This is not about rushing in with answers or solutions but about showing up, listening, and being a sign of God’s love and presence. Therefore, tomorrow’s visit to Jackson is very much an act of faith. It is faith in the power of presence, faith in the strength of community, and faith in God’s ability to bring light even in the darkest of circumstances.
Arriving in the morning allows the opportunity to spend meaningful time with individuals and families who are struggling. The goal is not to intrude, but to humbly enter into their space, to offer blessings, and to carry prayers that have already been lifted up by countless others. Each blessing spoken is not just a personal sentiment; it represents the prayers of Pope Leo, Bishop Stowe, and the many faithful members of the Lexington Diocese who cannot physically be there but whose hearts are united with the people of Breathitt County.
This visit is also a reminder of the interconnectedness of the human family. What happens in one part of Kentucky touches the rest. A tragedy or hardship that strikes Jackson is not confined to that town or county; it reverberates through the hearts of everyone connected by faith, geography, and humanity. By going there in person, the Diocese is saying: “Your suffering is our suffering. Your loss is our loss. You are not forgotten, and you are not abandoned.”
Acts of kindness, however small they may appear, carry immense weight in times like these. Offering a prayer, holding someone’s hand, listening to a grieving heart, or simply being present in silence can ease the burden. It is in these quiet gestures that love becomes visible and that God’s mercy is revealed. Tomorrow, in Jackson, these small acts will hopefully add up to a greater sense of solidarity, providing a little light for those walking in darkness.
Another important aspect of this mission is the recognition of confusion. Grief often brings with it questions that seem unanswerable. People ask, “Why did this happen? Where is God in this? How do we move forward?” While no one can fully resolve such questions, being with the community offers a chance to sit with those doubts without judgment. Sometimes, the most faithful response is not to explain but to accompany, to hold space for people as they wrestle with their pain and uncertainty. This is part of the pastoral role the Church seeks to fulfill.
Bishop John Stowe, as shepherd of the Diocese of Lexington, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of compassion, justice, and accompaniment in ministry. By sending representatives, he is extending his heart and pastoral care to the people of Jackson, even if he cannot be physically present himself. Similarly, invoking the name of Pope Leo reflects the universal nature of the Catholic Church. The Holy Father represents not only the Church’s leadership but also its unity and global solidarity. Thus, tomorrow’s visit is not only local but also connected to something much larger—a worldwide community of faith praying for healing in Breathitt County.
The Diocese is often described as a family of believers, and families show up for one another in times of trouble. Just as relatives gather when one member is hurting, so too does the Church gather around those in distress. The people of Breathitt County are part of this family, and the Diocese is committed to walking with them as they endure their trials.
Looking ahead to tomorrow, the focus will remain on bringing encouragement, on praying with those who are open to it, and on offering blessings to every individual, family, and group encountered. Each prayer and each blessing is a reminder that God’s grace is alive and present, even in seasons of grief. The hope is that through these gestures, people will feel a little less burdened, a little more supported, and perhaps even a little more hopeful about the days to come.
Ultimately, this journey is about embodying Christ’s call to love one another. In times of tragedy, love looks like presence. It looks like listening, blessing, praying, and sharing in both tears and silence. By traveling to Jackson, the Church is living out its mission to be a beacon of God’s love in the world.
So, tomorrow’s arrival in Jackson, Kentucky, scheduled for around 10:00 or 10:30 in the morning, is far more than a matter of logistics. It is a spiritual act, a mission of compassion, and a heartfelt offering of solidarity. Representing Pope Leo, Bishop John Stowe, and the entire Catholic Diocese of Lexington, the journey carries with it the prayers, blessings, and kindness of many people united in faith. The hope is simple yet profound: that in the midst of grief, suffering, and confusion, the people of Breathitt County will feel embraced by love, strengthened by community, and comforted by the assurance that they are not alone.
