Although Saint Paul Street Evangelization is a primarily lay-run apostolate, the support of our bishops and priests is a huge blessing and vital to our work. That’s why we are always so blessed when our shepherds “hit the streets” with us in solidarity as we reach out to the flock with the Good News. As it says in Scripture, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28). In following the model of our Lord, our spiritual fathers live their vocation as “servant leaders” and shepherds.

The following report comes from SPSE evangelist Deb in Winona, Minnesota:

“We have been so blessed that Bishop Quinn has been able to go out multiple times with our teams to evangelize at the corner of Winona State University. Yesterday, the rain was threatening, but held off while we were out sharing the Good News and ministering in prayer to the students going to and from classes. The students seemed to be especially in a hurry yesterday, but many stopped to receive a blessing, be prayed over, or take a medal or rosary. Just by chance (more likely Providence) most of the rosaries we had with were purple and white, which were the Winona State school colors, so many students wanted one of those.

One young married man asked for prayers from the Bishop for his wife’s grandfather, who lives in another country, who had pneumonia – after we prayed, he said that we had made his day. We even had several cars stop at the corner to find out what was going on and thank us for being out evangelizing. Right as we were packing up a woman in her car stopped, thinking she recognized one of our evangelists, but it wasn’t the person she thought it was. I explained what we were doing, and she pointed at Bishop Quinn and asked who he was, and I told her he was the Bishop. She said, “I used to be Catholic” and I said “Hmmm, I am thinking you drove by today because God wants to send you a message to come home”.

After we finished the Bishop lifted up the needs of all those we talked to and all the students on campus who needed prayer. He asked us what we thought the greatest graces of the day were and we shared our thoughts about the interaction with those needing prayer, the presence of the Holy Spirit, open conversations about faith, the lack of any hostility, the joy we were all filled with, and the witness we gave to others by being in public sharing our love of the Lord.

We’ve been so appreciative of the Bishop’s support and his taking the time to be out with our teams that our National Office even developed a sign for our outings called “Ask the Bishop” with his picture and name. It was great for those stopping to know who he was. Bishop Quinn truly enjoyed receiving the sign and plans to take it with him as he travels throughout the diocese.”

Praised be Jesus Christ! The support of our Bishops goes a long way in buoying the resolve and work of our evangelists. Their participation is a visible witness as well to the world of the Christ who goes out to seek the lost and gather them in (Mt 23:37). We must always pray for our Holy Father, and all bishops and priests. Lord, remember your Church!