Dear Monsignor Biedermann,

...look at the palms of your hands and remember back to that day when your bishop anointed them and sent you forth to love and serve us...remember the plans you had that day for these hands to gather and minister to your people...think back now to the babies these hands have baptized...think of the children these hands have held and caressed...think of the hundreds of homilies these hands have written...think of the countless times the hands have been held up in blessing and forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation...now think of each Mass, when you took plain bread and wine into these hands, and changed them into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ...think of the hands, our hands, young and nervous, which your hands have joined in the Sacrament of Matrimony...think of the sick in mind and body who have come to you seeking help and left with hope...think of the dying bodies these hands have anointed.

Today, we anoint your hands anew with our love; not just our love, but the love of your entire Sacred Heart Church Family. If ever, in the days ahead, you feel lonely or discouraged, please remember today. Please hold up your hands and look at them and remember how they fed us the Bread of Life, how they brought hope back into our loves, how they comforted us, and even welcomed us home to our church again.