Think of them as first responders, the people who run to danger, not away from it.

Two loud and long ovations rang through a packed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception May 23.

When Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann penned his Leaven column for this week, he likely couldn’t have imagined how true his words would turn out to be when he remarked that “Pope Francis seems to always have a few surprises up his white sleeves.”

A parish, its choir, and its 93-year-old pastor would have been forgiven if they needed a breather a week after celebrating the rich liturgies of Holy Week and Easter.

A month ago, during a Lenten Penance Service on March 13th, the second anniversary of his election, Holy Father Francis announced that he was proclaiming an extraordinary Jubilee Holy Year.

“Every life matters.”

The extra effort was noted.

Chad Steiner was on his way to a doctorate in religious studies four years ago when the unexpected happened.

For two decades, the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has gathered hundreds of fifth graders together at Archbishop O’Hara High School for a very special reason:

The world needs health care professionals dedicating their lives “in imitation of the Divine physician, Jesus Christ.”