Archbishop Vigneron joins hosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson for the final episode of Eyes on Jesus. As he prepares to become Archbishop Emeritus, taking senior status and retiring from ministry as the chief shepherd of Detroit, Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the ups and downs of episcopal ministry, expresses his gratitude to all those who have served by his side in ministry, and looks ahead with great hope at the future of the Archdiocese of Detroit under Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger’s pastoral leadership.

(0:22) Hosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson greet Archbishop Vigneron, who is set to retire from ministry as Archbishop of Detroit upon the March 18 installation of his successor, Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger. Before digging into this transition in the life of the archdiocese, our hosts take some time to talk about other important topics from the last month, including a new Lenten message to the faithful and our prayers for Pope Francis’ recovery from illness.

(6:14) Mary introduces the topic for today’s episode: reflecting on the episcopal ministry of Archbishop Vigneron as he enters life as “Archbishop Emeritus,” the honorific given to former archbishops who have retired from their leadership roles. Archbishop Vigneron shares about attending a recent “farewell Vespers” with many of his brother priests.

(8:35) Mary summarizes the “big news” of the past month: Pope Francis’ appointment of Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger as the next Archbishop of Detroit. The announcement came around 16 months after Archbishop Vigneron submitted his resignation at age 75, as required by Church law. Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron what it was like to stay focused on ministry during this interim period, knowing he could be called into retirement at any time. He also recalls the moment he received word of Archbishop Weisenburger’s appointment.

(12:25) Archbishop Vigneron shares his impressions of Archbishop Weisenburger, including his congenial spirit and readiness to respond to whatever God asks of him. He then shares the focus of his prayers during this time of transition.

(17:01) Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the high points of his ministry, including Synod 16. He connects the success of Synod 16 with the foundation laid by Synod 69, led by Cardinal Dearden, during which the Archdiocese of Detroit “made a radical first effort” to implement the Second Vatican Council and establish a culture of lay involvement in the Church. He also reflects on some of the challenges of his ministry, including tackling the administrative tasks and navigating the reality of having “limited resources for an infinite mission.”

(24:04) Archbishop Vigneron shares his gratitude and words of encouragement for his brother priests and the laity who have served alongside him over the years. Our hosts then turn to Unleash the Gospel, the pastoral letter by Archbishop Vigneron that has become the roadmap for the Archdiocese of Detroit to become a Church on mission. Archbishop Vigneron invokes Blessed Solanus Casey in thanking God ahead of time for what the Holy Spirit will do in our midst under the leadership of Archbishop Weisenburger.

(30:40) Mike asks “what’s next” for Archbishop Vigneron, who is retiring as Archbishop of Detroit but will still be a priest and archbishop—now with senior status—serving the local Church in new ways. He is committed to assisting Archbishop Weisenburger in whatever ways he is needed, and also hopes to continue celebrating the sacraments, visiting parishes, and possibly teaching some classes at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. His new title, Emeritus Archbishop, signals that he is “still an integral part of the local Church.”

(35:40) Archbishop Vigneron offers his advice to Archbishop Weisenburger and reflects on the fulfillment of his motto: Aspicientes in Jesum, or “keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.” He answers listener...

Archbishop Vigneron joins host Mike Chamberland to discuss the Sacrament of Marriage, one of the Sacraments at the Service of Communion. Their conversation takes us through the sacrament itself, covers how marriage is reflected in Scripture, and touches on the differences between the secular and Catholic understanding of marriage.

(0:21) Host Mike Chamberland, flying solo without cohost Mary Wilkerson this month, welcomes Archbishop Vigneron to another episode of Eyes on Jesus. The Archbishop shares some highlights of the last month, including the solemn opening of the Jubilee Year of Hope, meeting with Knights of Columbus leadership, and the Christmas holiday.

(4:09) Mike introduces today’s topic: the Sacrament of Matrimony. Archbishop Vigneron begins by talking about the difference between the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist), Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Matrimony, Holy Orders), and Sacraments of Healing (Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick). Mike then asks Archbishop Vigneron to provide an overview of what happens during the Sacrament of Matrimony.

(10:07) Archbishop Vigneron suggests there are “two archetypes” of marriage through salvation history: First, the marriage of God in the world, which is inscribed in the nature of the human person, and then the marriage of Christ with humanity in the Church. He clarifies that while the Sacrament of Matrimony can take place outside the celebration of the Eucharist, it is most appropriately celebrated within the context of the Mass. He and Mike then discuss who actually “confers” the Sacrament of Matrimony: the husband and wife.

(14:47) Archbishop Vigneron shares how the Sacrament of Matrimony is reflected in Scripture, beginning with the creation of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis. Mike asks about the purpose of marriage, which Archbishop Vigneron summarizes as a way for God’s sons and daughters to fulfill their own purpose and participate in the mystery of communion. Archbishop Vigneron then explains what we mean when we say marriage is “unitive and procreative.”

(26:53) Mike asks the Archbishop to explain why the Catholic Church rejects divorce. Archbishop Vigneron points to Scripture, where Jesus Christ teaches that divorce had previously been permitted due to a human hardness of heart. But now, “we have hearts of flesh, not stone, by the power and grace of Christ.” Archbishop Vigneron then explains how the secular concept of divorce differs from a declaration of nullity from the Church.

(35:04) Archbishop Vigneron shares about the annual Together in Holiness Conference, an opportunity for spouses to grow together in holiness and, for those who are parents, to learn how to form their children in the Catholic faith. He also looks back on a marriage ceremony he celebrated early in his priestly ministry and shares what he most enjoys about celebrating this sacrament. Then, he talks about the witness of his parents living out their vocation as a married couple.

(42:15) Mike shares his own experience of being married for 21 years, learning from the witness of his own parents and other couples in his life. He and the Archbishop then discuss the Feast of St. Valentine, or St. Valentine’s Day. Archbishop Vigneron suggests that while the secular celebration is often focused on romance itself, the Christian focus for relationships should be on love, which remains even in times when romance fades. He and Mike then offer their advice to couples preparing for marriage and those struggling in their marriages.

(48:20) Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about his favorite memory as a bishop, how to address others’ doubts of God, and the one thing he’d ask God for if given the chance. He then closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Archbishop Vigneron joins cohosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson to discuss the upcoming Jubilee Year of Hope, including the history and purpose of jubilee years, the meaning of the “Pilgrims of Hope” theme, Archbishop Vigneron’s new message to the faithful about the jubilee, and opportunities for pilgrimages within the Archdiocese of Detroit.

(0:23) Hosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson welcome Archbishop Vigneron to another episode of Eyes on Jesus. It has been a couple months since our last episode, so Archbishop Vigneron shares some of the highlights of his fall.

(5:43) Mary introduces today’s topic: the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025. Archbishop Vigneron begins by summarizing the history of jubilees, with roots in the Old Testament when the Law of Moses called for every 50 years to be dedicated to the renewal of the life of the children of Israel. The Church’s first official jubilee year was held in 1300, when Pope Boniface VIII declared a special year of grace and pilgrimage to Rome. Over time, the practice was regularized to include Ordinary Jubilees every 25 years and Extraordinary Jubilees proclaimed at the discretion of the Holy Father.

(8:08) Mary recalls attending World Youth Day in Rome during the Great Jubilee of 2000, noting that she was particularly moved by St. Pope John Paul II’s expression of trust in young adults to carry the truth of the Gospel into the world. Archbishop Vigneron highlights the fact that each jubilee year carries with it a special grace for every person, and specifies that while a person’s participation in the jubilee may be very personal, it is not private. It is a communal celebration of pilgrims united in prayer.

(15:09) Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to share about the theme of this jubilee year, “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Archbishop begins by explaining the nature of hope and touching on what the Holy Father has said about his chosen theme. The group then discusses the power of authentic hope found solely in the person of Christ through the gift of the Church and the Eucharist.

(20:57) Archbishop Vigneron details how the opening of the Jubilee Year will unfold, beginning with Pope Francis opening the first Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on Dec. 24. Over the Christmas season, he will open four more Holy Doors, including one in a Roman prison. Locally, the Archbishop will celebrate a Mass with the Rite for the Solemn Opening of the Jubilee Year on Sunday, Dec. 29, the Feast of the Holy Family.

(22:56) Unique to this jubilee year, there will be no Holy Doors outside of Rome. Instead, the Archdiocese of Detroit has designated 12 local pilgrimage sites where the faithful will be able to pray the official prayer for jubilee and unite themselves spiritually with all who will journey as pilgrims to Rome. Archbishop Vigneron lists and discusses some of those sites.

(27:49) Archbishop Vigneron introduces the concept of indulgences, the remission of the temporal punishment (the effects of sin that linger in us) caused by sin. Pilgrims can obtain an indulgence by visiting one of the designated pilgrim sites within the Archdiocese of Detroit, as long as they also strive for a complete detachment from sin, offer prayers for the Holy Father, go to Reconciliation, and receive Holy Eucharist within a reasonable amount of time. Archbishop Vigneron then talks about his recent message to the faithful, “Pilgrims of Hope,” and shares his intention to release additional messages to the faithful as the jubilee year unfolds.

(37:45) Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about celebrating Mass at his childhood parish and his favorite Advent and Christmas hymns. He then closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

With the Nov. 5 election fast approaching, Archbishop Vigneron gives advice to Catholics trying to navigate election season in an increasingly polarized society. He and our hosts draw from the wisdom of the Church and guidance from the U.S. bishops in their discussion about forming consciences, responding to divisiveness, and trusting that “whatever direction the history of the United States takes, ultimately, the Lord is in charge.”

(0:24) Hosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson welcome Archbishop Vigneron to another episode of Eyes on Jesus. As they discuss the summer coming to an end, Archbishop Vigneron shares about the joys of leading the annual summer seminar for Detroit seminarians and celebrating a Jubilee Mass for men and women in religious life who are celebrating milestone years in their life of service to the Church.

(5:43) Mary introduces today’s topic of faithful citizenship, an important topic for Catholics to consider ahead of the Nov. 5 general election. Archbishop Vigneron defines a faithful citizen as someone who participates in the political order in light of the teachings of Christ and the Church. The group then discusses Pope Francis’ call for a better kind of politics, one truly at the service of the common good.

(12:07) Mike asks how Catholics should respond to the polarization in our society, especially surrounding a contentious election. Archbishop Vigneron mentions the “Civilize It” initiative by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, an effort promoting charity, clarity, and creativity in political discourse. He also explains why the Church supports certain ballot initiatives while refraining from endorsing any political candidates.

(20:48) Archbishop Vigneron lists some of the issues Catholics can think about when discerning which candidates to support and explains why abortion is considered the “preeminent” issue for consideration.

(26:30) Archbishop Vigneron is asked how parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit can approach this election season. He points out the irony of St. Peter and St. Paul telling the faithful to pray for the emperor “at a time when the emperor was no particular friend for Christians.” Following this example, he encourages Catholics to recognize that our leaders are God’s stewards, whether or not they realize it, and it’s our responsibility to pray for God’s plan to work through their lives. He also gives advice to people struggling with polarization in their communities and even families, reminding listeners that “whatever direction the history of the United States takes, ultimately, the Lord is in charge.”

(34:48) Mike invites listeners to visit aod.org/election to access resources on faithful citizenship, including the materials discussed during the episode. Archbishop Vigneron offers the “rule of thumb” of considering every initiative and candidate in light of what most advances the family and affirms participation in politics as part of the priesthood of the faithful.

(39:54) Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about agreeing with the Pope, saints he’s close to, and why Catholic weddings take place inside churches. He then closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Archbishop Vigneron joins cohost Mike Chamberland and special guest Kim Kerwin, theology teacher at St. Fabian Catholic School in Farmington Hills, to discuss the recent National Eucharistic Congress and ongoing National Eucharistic Revival.

(0:21) Host Mike Chamberland greets Archbishop Vigneron and introduces our special guest for this episode, Kim Kerwin. Kim introduces herself and then Archbishop Vigneron shares a bit about his summer thus far.

(3:04) Mike introduces the topic of the episode, the National Eucharistic Congress that took place July 17-21 in Indianapolis. Both Archbishop Vigneron and Kim attended. Archbishop Vigneron spends some time reviewing the purpose of the Congress and corresponding National Eucharistic Revival.

(7:21) Kim shares about a powerful experience during the Congress of being at Eucharistic adoration with 50,000 people in reverent silence. Archbishop Vigneron notes that one grace of the Congress has been the “profound sense…that the church is alive in the United States.” They then share their personal highlights of attending the Congress, including a special Mass for pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Detroit and the conversations over meals with pilgrims from all over the country.

(21:23) Archbishop Vigneron and Kim share how the Congress has inspired them in their ministry. This sparks a discussion on the nature of our relationship with the Eucharist: We not only receive this gift, but we also make a reciprocal offering of ourselves. Kim talks about the impact of sharing powerful witnesses of the Eucharist with her students.

(32:07) Kim talks about the pleasant surprise of being quite disconnected from the world outside the Congress, even though the event took place in the middle of a major city. Archbishop Vigneron admits he did not expect to see such an emphasis on—and joy surrounding—the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the Congress.

(35:57) The group discusses what happens next, now that the Congress has concluded. There is already talk about future Congresses, but Archbishop Vigneron highlights the more immediate commission to take the fruits of the Congress home to our parishes, families, and next-door neighbors. They offer some final thoughts about the blessings of technology, which had made the Congress available to all via videos and other resources online, and communion with thousands of attendees, which Archbishop Vigneron calls a “foretaste” of being at the eternal banquet one day in heaven.

(39:14) Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about whether he ever imagined he’d become a bishop, where he likes to go on vacation, and his family’s support of his life of faith and priestly vocation. He concludes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Adolescents and young adults—our young Church—have a particular call to holiness: "What's next?" In this month's episode, our hosts join Archbishop Vigneron to reflect and offer guidance to young disciples as they discern God's will for their lives.

0:10 – Our hosts greet each other and catch up on the past month.

1:36 – Archbishop Vigneron shares some thoughts on his recent pilgrimage to Lourdes in France and the recently-dedicated Lourdes Grotto at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.

4:17 – Mike Chamberland asks Archbishop Vigneron about Bishop Gerard Battersby’s recent departure from Detroit and installation as Bishop of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

5:23 – Mary Wilkerson asks Archbishop Vigneron about the upcoming National Eucharistic Congress and the four local Eucharistic Congresses recently held across the Archdiocese of Detroit.

8:16 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron about Eucharistic processions and the tradition of carrying the Eucharist through the streets on Corpus Christi.

10:49 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic by asking Archbishop what age range the Church means when speaking of “the young Church.”

13:28 – Archbishop Vigneron shares some pastoral guidance for how young people can respond to the universal call to holiness.

16:45 – Mary, Mike, and Archbishop Vigneron discuss how young people, especially adolescents, can work to overcome the pressures by secular society to turn away from God and a life of faith.

22:19 – Mary brings up the growth of young adult and campus ministries in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

24:49 – Mary, Mike, and Archbishop Vigneron share some of their favorite young saints, including Pier Giorgio Frassati, Bernadette of Lourdes, Maria Goretti, and soon-to-be-canonized Carlo Acutis.

30:59 – Mary, Mike, and Archbishop Vigneron share stories of young people they’ve known who have lived out the universal call to holiness in extraordinary and inspiring ways.

35:41 – Mary asks about the impact of World Youth Day.

39:23 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron for his advice to young people.

45:55 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about dealing with those who deny our beliefs, how far back to confess sins, and our belief in Mary as an everlasting virgin.

52:19 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a blessing.

As a grape’s flavor is influenced by the soil in which it is grown, the early Church also grew to reflect the beauty of the communities in which it spread. In this month’s episode, our cohosts discuss this “exchange of gifts” between diverse expressions of faith in the Archdiocese of Detroit – including expressions related to ethnicity and culture as well as different liturgical rites.

0:25 – Archbishop Vigneron and Mike Chamberland greet each other and welcome this month’s guest host, Vickie Figueroa, Director of Cultural Ministries and Coordinator of Black Catholic Ministries for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

0:45 – Vickie introduces herself to our hosts and listeners.

5:16 – Mike introduces this month’s topic: the “exchange of gifts” between diverse expressions of faith in the Archdiocese of Detroit – including expressions related to ethnicity/culture as well as different liturgical rites. He asks Archbishop Vigneron to share a little about the history of different liturgical expressions, particularly Eastern and Roman rites.

9:29 – Archbishop Vigneron speaks about the Eastern parishes in southeast Michigan and their relationship to the Archdiocese of Detroit.

13:58 – Archbishop Vigneron clarifies that Roman Catholics are permitted to attend Eastern Catholic liturgies—even to fulfill the Sunday obligation—and to confess to Eastern Catholic priests.

14:46 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to speak about the extraordinary form of the Roman Catholic Mass.

18:32 – Vickie shares about the importance of cultural diversity within the Church and its influence on liturgical expression.

22:09 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron and Vickie to share some of the efforts underway to strengthen the Church’s missionary presence in the Central Region of the Archdiocese, which includes Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park.

29:47 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to speak about the Mass of the Sacred Heart, a gospel music-based Mass setting that he commissioned a few years ago.

32:25 – Vickie highlights some additional liturgical gifts that have been shared by the African American community.

36:11 – Archbishop Vigneron and Vickie share concrete examples of when different cultures in the Archdiocese have influenced their own faith expressions.

42:20 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions about his home life growing up, etiquette for receiving the Holy Eucharist, and whether he would have believed and followed Jesus if he had met him on earth two thousand years ago.

46:29 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

We all know the joy of sharing good news with others. This month’s Eyes on Jesus is about the greatest joy of sharing the best news: the Good News of Christ our savior. There are truly no bystanders in this evangelizing mission, as Jesus tells all of us to "make disciples of all nations."

0:10 – Archbishop Vigneron and Mike Chamberland greet each other and welcome this month’s guest host, Father Mario Amore. All three catch up on the past month.

1:22 – Mike asks Father Amore to introduce himself to listeners.

2:59 –Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the recently-celebrated Easter Triduum and expresses his gratitude for the number of people entering the Church.

5:28 – Mike introduces this month’s main topic: Evangelization. He asks Archbishop Vigneron and Father Amore to explain what evangelization is and why it's important to the Church.

8:54 – Archbishop Vigneron explains the roots of evangelization found in both Scripture and the traditions of the Church.

10:45 – Mike asks both Archbishop Vigneron and Father Amore if they’ve seen a change in evangelization during their years of ministry, including how it functions and how they’ve approached this important work.

15:11 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to explain the term, “New Evangelization.”

19:43 – Mike asks about the role and responsibility the laity have in the Church’s evangelization mission.

28:52 – Archbishop Vigneron and Father Amore share some of the moments when others evangelized them.

32:20 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to share some of the Archdiocese of Detroit’s evangelization “wins” in the years since Synod 16.

37:32 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron and Father Mario to speak about the National Eucharistic Revival and its evangelization role.

42:34 – Archbishop answers listener questions, including why Catholics go to confession, meeting past and current popes, and where he sees God in every day life.

47:41 – Archbishop shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a blessing.