Addressing the University of Dallas Ministry Conference on Oct. 25, Cardinal Oscár Rodriguez, the chairman of Pope Francis’ Cardinal Consultors, said that “There is not a possible reform in the Church without coming back to Jesus.”

The Cardinal, of course, is intimately involved in the efforts of the Holy Father to reform the Church and only recently returned from the first meeting of the Cardinal Consultors on Oct. 1-2.

Vatican II, he recalled, “wanted to renovate the Church internally, since the Church was not the Gospel, nor the perfect follower of it” and from “her limited and sinful condition many habits, laws and arrangements were established that did not correspond to the teachings and practice of the Gospel.”

The Cardinal stated that the great challenge of the Church today is “to revise the mission of the Church adjusting it to the mission of Jesus.” The Church and each of us individually must come back to Jesus. Remember, he said, “salvation comes from Jesus, not from the Church.”

Returning to Jesus was a principle theme of Cardinal Rodriguez’ message and he concluded his address by recalling that “The Pope reminds us that the mission of the Church is the same as the mission of Jesus, and to succeed and be authentic we just have to come back to Jesus.”

His was a significant address and the UD Ministry Conference was very successful. It was a great celebration of Church with more than 5,200 in attendance. The workshops were full, many overflowing. The liturgies were excellent and inspiring, and those attending found it a meaningful and joyful weekend.

The UD School of Ministry staff is to be commended for the excellent organization and planning. I am reminded once again of the great gift that the university and the school of ministry are to the Diocese of Dallas.