VERITATEM IN CARITATE: Letters to God

Episcopal Motto: Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades - formerly of the Diocese of Harrisburg

The personal motto of a prelate has always been intended to represent his personal spirituality and theologically-based philosophy of life. Bishop Rhoades' episcopal motto, VERITATEM IN CARITATE, translates into English as "Truth in Charity." As rector of Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, he steadfastly encouraged future priests to always be faithful in proclaiming and living the truth of the Gospel in charity.
The words of this motto are found in Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, “let us proclaim the truth in charity and grow to the full maturity of Christ the head” (4:15).
The Second Vatican Council stated, “Christ continually provides in his body, that is, in the Church, for gifts of ministries through which, by his power, we serve each other unto salvation so that, carrying out the truth in charity, we may through all things grow unto him who is our head” (Lumen Gentium 7).
The Second Vatican Council also stated, “All Christians are earnestly to speak the truth in charity and join with all peace-loving people in pleading for peace and trying to bring it about” (Gaudium et Spes 78).