Father Sam Martin hosts Bishop Gerard Battersby on “Connecting the Diocese” to mark the bishop’s second anniversary as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse. Bishop Battersby recalls being surprised by the nuncio’s call, accepting the appointment with trust in Jesus, and the joy of his installation Mass, early confirmations, and major diocesan events like The Answer and the Eucharistic Procession, which he says deepened Eucharistic awareness and hope in the Diocese of La Crosse. He reflects on leaving Detroit, discovering the rural character and beauty of the region, and the diocese’s interdependence, including Rural Life Days and Project Milk benefiting Casa Hogar in Peru. He emphasizes reliance on Jesus, devotion to the Sacred Heart, prayer, the sacraments, and Marian devotion. The episode concludes with an Ascension-focused scripture discussion on Acts 1 and Matthew 28, highlighting mission despite doubt and Christ’s affirmation of humanity.

01:43 Called to La Crosse

03:13 Installation Day Memories

05:09 Telling Family Goodbye

08:34 New Bishop New Gifts

12:36 Early Events Surge

13:48 Eucharistic Renewal Hope

18:33 Sacred Heart Trust

23:42 Beauty of the Diocese

30:19 Forming Holy Priests

32:13 Jesus Is Enough

33:14 Carmelite Retreat Lessons

33:38 What Makes A Priest

34:13 Trust The Process

35:29 Practicing Gods Presence

37:19 Sacraments And Daily Habits

40:51 Acts And Universal Church

42:51 Great Commission Legend

45:00 Fly Interruption And Collect

46:03 Sticky Hand

48:55 The Eleven And Doubt

50:16 Do It Anyway Depend On God

52:28 Ascension Affirms Humanity

54:10 God Loves Me

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