Five Things To Remember On March 12

1. This morning, it was announced Pope Francis has named Bishop Thomas A. Daly, 54, as bishop of Spokane, Washington, and Conventual Franciscan Father John Stowe, 48, as bishop of Lexington, Kentucky. Bishop Daly has served as auxiliary bishop of San Jose, California, since 2011. Bishop-elect Stowe is vicar provincial of the Conventual Franciscan Province of Our Lady of Consolation, Mount St. Francis, Indiana, and rector of the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, Ohio. Read more about both bishops.

2. Bishop Oscar Cantú testified before Congress yesterday on religious persecution, saying, "Near the conclusion of my visit to Iraq, Bishop Warduni thanked us for coming and demonstrating solidarity with the people and Church of Iraq at this time of persecution and conflict. He promised that they would not forget us. With the images of destitute refugees and displaced families seared into my memory, I cannot forget those suffering religious persecution in the Middle East. Neither should our nation."

3. Hearing Confession is a source of grace for priests as Catholic News Service shows.

4. Do you know a faithful Catholic between the ages 18-40 who is actively engaged in work on the local or national level to break the cycle of poverty in the United States? Help us to honor young social justice leaders by submitting a nomination for the 2015 Cardinal Bernardin New Leadership Award. This annual award is given by the USCCB/Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Consider Catholic young adults leading efforts to address problems in their local communities, working with social justice organizations, or leading social concerns efforts on college campuses. The award recipient will be given a cash award at a reception held in conjunction with the June meeting of the U.S. Catholic Bishops in St. Louis, Mo. Nomination forms can be downloaded here. If you have questions please email Genevieve Mougey at gmougey@usccb.org . Deadline is March 30.

5. God loves you.