The diocesan Year of the Parish and the Eucharist was the primary focus of the Behold, I Make All Things New conference, which took place Aug. 13–14. The conference, sponsored by the diocesan offices of Sacred Liturgy and Evangelization in conjunction with the St. Paul Center and EWTN, was held at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville.

With storms looming, the conference began Friday evening. Undeterred by the threatening weather, the faithful filled the shrine for Eucharistic Adoration, a reflection by Mother Adela Galindo, the Rosary, and Benediction by Bishop Steven Raica.

The next morning, the sky was a deep blue with only a hint of clouds as the faithful made their way to the shrine's piazza for Mass. Bishop Raica was the main celebrant of the Mass with Bishop Emeritus Baker and priests serving in the diocese as concelebrants. Throughout the Mass, the newly formed Diocesan Choir, led by Francisco Carbonell, filled the piazza with a joyful noise elevating the beauty of the already magnificent setting.

During his homily, Bishop Raica reflected on the gift of the Eucharist. "This food promises life that will never end.... It is a food offered to all, not just for those living in Palestine or Europe or in parishes in the Diocese of Birmingham — it is offered 'for the life of the world.' Because it is offered to all, it demands a preparation, a proclamation of belief, and a generous response.... It brings us into a special union — a communion — with God and each other."

At the end of Mass, Bishop Raica imparted an Apostolic Blessing with a plenary indulgence not only to those present, but also to those devoutly following the Mass by radio, television, and the internet.

Following Mass, speakers were featured in the English and Spanish tents. Speakers included Msgr. Eugene Morris, Mother Adela Galindo, Dr. John Bergsma, Father Pedro Núñez, and Dr. Scott Hahn.