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Nancy's avatar

Thank you, Edgar, for this wonderful interview! Prayers for Bishop Philippe and his intentions.

We can learn a lot from him about how to be apostles, as the cultures in many of the countries in which we live become increasingly secular.

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Brian OP's avatar

Hear, hear!

May the Diocese of Tallinn continue to be blessed under his leadership!

I chuckled out loud when I read, “ People told me that it was interesting that Catholic preaching was very construction-oriented, but it just was because I didn't know how to say anything else. Then little by little I learned more.”

That’s a good quality in a Bishop — and in anyone, for that matter — the ability to laugh at oneself.

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Tracy Brophy's avatar

I laughed out loud when I read that part, too. What a great article, a blessing on my day!

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Edgar Beltrán's avatar

We had a good laugh in the interview, I can tell you that.

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Joseph's avatar

I don't think I'll ever tire of the Pillar's 'Interviews With Priests and Bishops From Tiny Catholic Populations'. At this point it ought to be an official series. Anyways, Bishop Philippe seems to be doing the Lord's work, and I hope continues to find success in his mission. It's especially encouraging to see, in Estonia as in Finland, greater unity between Catholics, Lutherans, and Orthodox. It's a sign of hope for future unity, if nothing else.

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Brian Crane's avatar

Awesome!

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Deacon Scott Dodge's avatar

This is the kind of thing that gives me hope, genuine hope, which is not optimism. So much could be learned from this model. I second Joseph's call for a series of these. Truly inspiring.

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Joe's avatar

What a great interview--thanks so much.

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LinaMGM's avatar

Oh I love these pieces 💚 the hope and light of the Church in these far away missionary lands really encourages so many! Thank you for this reporting!

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Paloma's avatar

Thought Estonia went from having 6 bishops to having 6000

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Thomas's avatar

Bishop Jourdan is an example how God, not the Church hierarchy, picks at least some bishops, if men don't stand in the way and give us lousy man-made bishops instead A priest chosen mostly for knowing Russian and English becomes an excellent bishop entrusted to lead the Catholics of Estonia for almost 30 years. The conversation reveals great faith and great humility in a great bishop. I always was fascinated about this bishop, but only now anything about him. Thank you Pillar.

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Fr. Ben Hasse's avatar

just wanted to echo everyone's comments. These pieces from small churches are amazing, and very inspirational. I would love to read some more interviews with African bishops, too... so much happening there, such an incredible diversity of experiences, challenges, opportunities, and so much life!

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