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June 23, 2006 My Dear Friends,
A Cathedral has a very special place in the life of any diocese. It is the Bishop’s Church, the place of his Chair (the "cathedra"), the symbol of his teaching authority and pastoral responsibility. More than that, it is the "Mother Church" of any diocese, the "home Church" of every Catholic within a diocese. In welcoming all of you today, I can say in all truth – "Welcome Home!" Our celebration throughout the past year has embraced the whole Diocese of Gallup, and every parish and mission within it. I am thankful for the extraordinary generosity of the people of the Cathedral parish in ensuring this through their generous "Jubilee Donations," week by week, to each and every parish within the Diocese. This Closing Eucharist also embraces the whole diocese. The priests, deacons and ministers of this Liturgy are being led in procession not only by the cross and candles, but by the banners representing our individual parishes. The fact that all of our parishes – even those far from the city of Gallup - have sent representatives to this Closing Liturgy underscores the reality of a marvelous diocesan-wide celebration. May our Gracious God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit - continue bless this Cathedral, and each parish of our Diocese in the days ahead and in the years to come. Amen! Fraternally in Christ, 
Most Rev. Donald E. Pelotte, SSS Bishop of Gallup
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Today,
on this beautiful feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we mark the
culmination of the celebration of our Cathedral’s golden jubilee.
Thank you for being with us for this joyous event. I am especially
grateful for the presence of my brother bishops from New Mexico and
Arizona, as well as for the presence of the representatives from the
Franciscan Provinces of Albuquerque and Cincinnati!