Celebrating Mass with archbishops from 25 countries, Pope Benedict XVI reflected on his 60 years as a priest, calling it a demanding and "awe-inspiring" ministry that brought him closer to God. During the three-hour-long Mass, he gave 41 archbishops the woolen pallium as a sign of their communion with the pope and their pastoral responsibility as shepherds. Among them were four prelates from the United States, including Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles and Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio.
Fort Worth Bishop Kevin Vann encouraged 458 Catholic middle school graduates to “reflect Christ’s light in the world” during a Mass on May 18 in their honor.