The National Shrine of Our Lady of The SnowsIn Belleville, IL

While driving through Illinois on our way back from Michigan last June, I saw a sign to The National Shrine of Our Lady of The Snows near Belleville, Ill. All I said to Mark was, "Turn here."

That's how my magical night started at the most calming place I've visited in a very long time. I needed this unexpected turn during our trip back to Dallas more than I thought.

This was definitely a gift from Mother Mary to me. It's the place I envision when I'm in doubt, pain or need to say a little prayer.

Iraqi Bishop Imad Banna In The News

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery

Bishop Imad Al Banna raises the host in preparation for Holy Communion during a Catholic Mass for service members at Contingency Operating Base Basra, Iraq on Aug. 8, 2009.


I still remember the year when Fr. Imad was ordained a priest. That was in the late 1980s. Now, he's a bishop. Time flies fast, or I'm getting old.

From looking at this picture, I can tell Bishop Imad has not changed one bit. Same compassion when you read his words. Same faith when you know he's been serving the Iraqi Catholic community in Basra for more than 20 years. He served them during the good times and the bad times. He's one of a kind.

Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed year 2009 as the year of the priests. If I worked for the Vatican PR department -- if there's such a thing -- I would have chosen Bishop Imad as an example of what it means to be a shepherd. But, that may have chased some candidates away considering what bishop Imad has been through to protect his church and community.

God bless Bishop Imad Banna.