You see it in my blog.

Resurget.

You see it in the archdiocese’s logo.

Resurget.

You’ll even see it in the City of Detroit motto.

Resurget.

Unless you speak Latin…you’re probably like Resurge? Are they bringing back Surge for the synod?

No. Resurget means Rise. It’s taken from the City of Detroit’s motto:

“Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus”

“We hope for better things; it will arise from the ashes”

The motto itself comes from one of our own, Fr. Gabriel Richard. Born in France in 1767, he eventually found his way to Detroit and became assistant pastor of St. Anne‘s. The city burned to the ground in 1805, leading Fr. Richard to pen the phrase while reviving the fledgling city

Fr. Richard also helped found the University of Michigan and served in U.S. Congress (before the church said clergy in political office is a no-no). His position in Congress got the first Congressionally-funded road in Michigan too, Michigan Avenue.

Resurget, or Rise, is a logical command for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

Rise to the challenge.

Rise from our pews.

Rise with Christ’s Resurrection.

One of my verses for reflection this year of preparation for the Synod is John 3:3. Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

In the waters of baptism we are reborn. In the descending of the Holy Spirit at confirmation, we are renewed. But, the journey of faith cannot stop there. We must continually find news ways to grow and renew our spirit.

The New Evangelization is going to require the faithful to dig deep and find a new type of faith. A faith that will revitalize the church. A faith that will renew the earth. A faith that will result in the RESURGENCE of Catholicism (See what I did there?).

So as I prepare for the Synod, I am asking the Holy Spirit to show me ways I can be reborn. What parts of my life are in ashes? How can my faith lead me to rise up again? How can I use my life for the Glory of God? Join me in these questions as we are all called as baptized Christians to join in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, king.

Pray that the synod members can prepare successfully and continuously invite the Holy Spirit into their lives so the 2016 Synod produces much fruit.