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 | By Mary D. Dillard, editor of One Voice

Let the Journey Continue

The first issue of the One Voice newspaper rolled off the presses in January of 1971, a decade before I was even born. Growing up I would flip through the pages of my grandmother’s weekly copy. I have to confess I only looked at the pictures, but in its own way, the newspaper was serving its purpose. Quite simply, I felt connected to my faith. 

Fast-forward to my freshman year of college. I had just enrolled in an introductory photography class at the University of Montevallo. Home for the weekend, my mother, grandmother, and I were leaving Mass when I looked up at the old St. Francis Xavier Church and said, “Maybe one day I can take pictures for the One Voice.” Four years later, the Lord made that fleeting remark a reality.

I have grown up working for the One Voice newspaper, for which I am eternally grateful. The hard work of many, including founding editor Father John Igoe, Sally Crockett, Ann Lanzi, Rose Lovett, John Wright, and John May, can never be overstated. Their love for the Church and their dedication to their mission were the sinews of the One Voice newspaper. 

The emotional attachment to the newspaper is deep not only for me, personally, but also for the thousands who faithfully read every page every week. To those readers, take comfort knowing the One Voice is evolving, not changing. The newspaper’s mission of evangelization, which made such an impression on me years ago, lives on and is accentuated in the magazine. Each issue will feature stories that offer new perspectives on the reader’s own Catholic faith and their relationship with Jesus, leading them to the intense realization that God is the only way to true happiness. We are all meant for Heaven!

It is my sincere prayer that this magazine, under the leadership of Bishop Raica and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, will be able to help the people of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama on their quest for holiness. Let the journey continue!