Apostolic exhortation on the role of men as spiritual leaders has gained in popularity around the globe

Last September, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix published “Into the Breach: An Apostolic Exhortation to Catholic Men,” which calls men to return to an active practice of their faith and re-assume their roles as fathers in society.

Since its release, the exhortation has garnered widespread acclaim, said Mike Phelan, director of the Diocese of Phoenix’s Marriage and Respect Life office, who noted that “Into the Breach” is not only being widely read in Phoenix but throughout the United States and the world. Readers in Europe, for example, have volunteered to translate the statement into German, Portuguese and French for dissemination overseas; an American living in Australia made a 90-minute YouTube recording for friends who didn’t like to read. The exhortation also has inspired two upcoming conferences in Phoenix. It was also announced Jan. 5 that the diocese has released a short film on the subject (see sidebar).

“The bishop has planted a deep seed to inspire men and drive us to be what we can be,” Phelan said. “We’re called to be servants, leaders and disciples for Christ.”

Read: Film, document from Phoenix challenges men to go ‘Into the Breach’