The
Patriarchal See of the Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church comprises
the ecclesiastical government of the Chruch. As it is not a
jurisdiction tied to a particular geographical area, it administers
pastoral care and leadership through the ministry of the various
Metropolitan Sees and their suffragan dioceses. The Patriarch is
assisted in his ministry through the various Prefectures of the
Curia, each of which are responsible for key aspects of the Church.
Other Curial Offices assist in administration.
The Patron
of the Patriarchal See is Saint Stephen, Deacon and Protomartyr, who
spoke directly to the heart of Cardinal Johnson over a period of time
while he was Bishop of the Southwest. He said that if the diocese was
dedicated and devoted to him and, following his example, to selfless
service to and sacrifice for Christ's Church, it would be protected
from harm and always persevere in the Catholic Faith. The Diocese of
the Southwest became the Archdiocese thereof and the Primatial See of
the Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church, established by Cardinal
Johnson as a Particular Chruch within the universal Church. Then, in
order to follow Saint Stephen's example of selfless service better,
the Patriarchal See was established out of the archdiocese as a
non-territorial ecclesiastical government that serves the needs of
the entire Anglican Rite Roman Catholic Church. The Archdiocese of
the Southwest was then made a purely territorial jurisdiction to
serve the local needs of the faithful in that geographical area.
Saint
Stephen remains a source of inspiration and an example of selfless
service and sacrifice in Christ's Holy Church. Through the help
provided by his constant intercession, and further relying on the
ever-effective petitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the See of Saint
Stephen ever moves forward in service to God and humanity through the
Catholic Faith.
About
Saint Stephen
Saint
Stephen was a Deacon of the early Church and the first Christian
martyr. He was mentioned in the Book of Acts when the Church chose
the first Deacons. Stephen was the first mentioned. He was noted in
Acts as a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost who had brilliant
oratorical skills and logic that no one could resist. Yet, his
enemies, swollen with anger over their damaged pride after a lost
argument bore false witness against him and accused him of blasphemy.
He was arrested and taken before the Sanhedrin who, despite the
charges against him, remarked that his face was as that of an angel.
Stephen's answer to the charges was a lengthy recitation of the
mercies God showed towards Israel and the way in which Israel re-payed
them, including their condemnation of Jesus. This so enraged the
judges and those present that he was cast out of the city to be
stoned. Yet, even while facing his martyrdom, he implored the Lord to
forgive them the sin they were about to commit. Saul, later Saint
Paul, was present and witnessed Stephen's martyrdom. Stephen bore
witness to Christ unto the end and followed the example of Christ by
praying for his persecutors. His blood was the first of a great flood
that was to cover the earth in the glory of Christ.
