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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Bishop fields queries on vocations, jail time in Google Hangout

Bishop Andrew Cozzens answered youth and young adults’ questions via Google Hangout On Air Nov. 24.

For 50 minutes, the auxiliary bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis addressed topics ranging from whether one should date while discerning priesthood or consecrated life (he said usually no) to the role Mary plays in his spiritual life (he said a large one — he’s prayed the rosary almost daily since Jan. 1, 1992).

Participants in the 7 p.m. online forum could see Bishop Cozzens on video and submit written questions in real time. He shared memories of meeting Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, reflected on the importance of prayer and daily Mass for Catholics discerning their vocations, and explained the nature of the relationship between the three Persons in the Trinity.

About 19 individuals and groups were part of “grill the bishop,” including youth groups from Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville, the Cathedral of St. Paul and St. Stephen in Anoka. Seminarians from St. John Vianney Seminary also participated. One mom noted she was watching with her teenage son, who is preparing for confirmation. Dozens of others watched on YouTube.

A representative from Mary, Mother of the Church asked Bishop Cozzens to describe being jailed multiple times as a college student for blocking access to an abortion clinic. He relayed the story and shared an exchange with another inmate as he began a 10-day jail stay after a conviction. “What’d you do that for?” he was asked. “We said, ‘They were killing babies inside — what were we supposed to do?’ and the guy said, ‘He’s got a point,’” the bishop recalled.

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The Hangout was sponsored by Twin Cities Young Adults. Watch the entire Hangout on YouTube.

 


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