As a synod meeting with the Hispanic community drew to a close, Bishop Michael G. Duca bowed his head and simply said, “I need you to bless me.” 

I was raised as a cradle Catholic, the oldest of eight children born to my parents, Joseph Vallery Will and Jeanne Elizabeth Stadeker Will. I attended St. Augustine Elementary School in New Roads through the fourth grade, taught by the Holy Spirit Sisters and Mary Immaculate of San Antonio, Texas, whose charism was to serve the social and educational needs of the African American community.