The first issue of The Catholic Echo Magazine hit homes in May 2023, and I know it is cliché to say, “It feels like yesterday”—but seriously, though. It really does.
If The Catholic Echo were a human, this birthday might be marked with a bouncy house, a visit from a princess or superhero, and loads of cake, ice cream and other sweet treats. I actually have no doubt that my staff would enjoy such a party, but perhaps reflecting on how far we’ve come would be a better use of our resources.
The Catholic Echo has now published 31 issues, including three special “Celebrations” issues, a special issue dedicated to Bishop John Keehner and the jubilee re-release of The March of the Eucharist. Since the Echo’s inception, we’ve attended two Catholic Media Association (CMA) Conferences and earned 12 CMA awards—not counting the ones our friends in the diocesan Communications Department earned. We’ve also published more than 100 online-exclusive stories at www.CatholicEcho.org, we’ve helped produce the annual diocesan directory, and we’ve provided graphic design and photography support to many diocesan departments and entities.
Of course, I’d be remiss if I did not acknowledge the fact that The Catholic Echo has a history that is much deeper—The Catholic Exponent newspaper was nearing its 80th anniversary when it became a magazine, and I truly believe it is the faithful staff of that newspaper that I inherited in 2023 that have made The Catholic Echo magazine what it is today. The Echo staff is faithful, they are eager to try new things, and most importantly, they’re an absolute joy to be around. I have quite a commute into the office, but even so, I almost always come home with a big smile on my face—having spent time with some of my favorite people.
And as always, nothing that I say will truly do justice to the contributions of Bishop Bonnar, who had the vision for the magazine and the communications department and has built something that a diocese quadruple our size might be proud of. His commitment to transparency and communication with his diocesan faithful is something that does not get acknowledged nearly enough.
Inside this issue of The Catholic Echo, you will find a large feature story on praying to the Blessed Mother—in her various apparitions and forms—on page 14. You’ll also find Saint Francis Jubilee resources (page 26), a story on charismatic gifts (30), profiles on this year’s Voice of Hope honorees (page 32) and much more!
We hope you enjoy this issue, and—above all—we thank you for reading! A magazine without readers is hardly a magazine at all.
Until next time,
Katie Wagner
