There is no doubt that music helps gather my thoughts and centers me in my work and relaxation. Much of this stems from the fact that music has always been a big part of my life.

I still remember the many days that I would go with my grandfather and we would sing together. For my grandfather and my entire family, music was and remains a major part of our lives, faith and spirituality.

I believe that the Holy Spirit speaks to me through music. Thus, I am often in awe of the power found in a new song.

A couple of years ago during the Easter Triduum, the choir at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe sang a song that I had never heard before. It was "Glory In The Cross," written by Dan Schutte.

I am sure that it was a combination of the tempo of the song and the quality the choir brings to all of its music, but this song spoke to me in many powerful ways. I would invite you, if you are not familiar with it, to look at the words of this song.

The song was written for the Triduum, but the words of each verse speak volumes. In fact, just the words of the refrain do so: "Let us ever glory in the cross of Christ and the triumph of God’s great love."

In the Sept.17 issue of the Dodge City Globe, I was drawn to an article entitled, "Icon of Hope: Girl seen clutching cross during school siege is recovering in Moscow hospital."

The article from the Associated Press spoke about a 14-year-old girl who, even with a piece of shrapnel embedded in her brain, continued to clutch this cross she was given by her parents. As I read the article, my first thought was how, many years ago, living in this part of the world this young girl would not have even been able to own a cross. But now, it was her icon of hope.

For all of us the crucifix is such a major part of our lives and our faith. When we walk into homes, is not one of the first things we see a crucifix?

As Catholic Christians we, like the young girl in Moscow look to the cross for continued hope. I hope and pray that the young people of our diocese are also learning to look to the Cross.

My love for music led me to a new song that I cherish. My love for the young people of our diocese leads me to a continued commitment, to deepen their faith and personal relationship with our risen Lord.

Let us ever "Glory In The Cross," and together with our young people continue building God’s kingdom here on earth.