An archbishop’s anniversary: Catholics share personal stories of Baltimore’s leader

Archbishop William E. Lori was installed as the 16th archbishop of Baltimore on May 16, 2012 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Homeland. The archbishop, who hails from Louisville, Ky., is the former head of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn. He is familiar with the Archdiocese of Baltimore, having earned a master’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg in 1977. Archbishop Lori has gained renown as the grand chaplain of the Knights of Columbus and as the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty. 

I work at a BWI area hotel. Whenever I worked Saturday evenings I would attend 5 p.m. Mass at St. Philip Neri before reporting to work.

About a week or two after he was named Archbishop, he started to visit parishes and St. Philip was the first on his list. I got to Mass about 10 minutes before it started and just as the archbishop was pulling up. I knew he would be busy being that near to the start of Mass but wanted to greet him. I was going to let a simple hello suffice but he stopped and had a conversation with me. 

Here I was worried about his schedule but he took the time to talk with me.

 

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On Sunday, March 16 I was privileged to attend mass at the Basilica in Baltimore prior to the St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock 5k Charm City run. Privileged, as a Baltimore Catholic to not only have my former pastor Monsignor Art Valenzano, of St. John, Westminster, but also the Most Rev. Archbishop Lori.

After Mass, the archbishop not only remained to greet everyone leaving the Basilica, but also took the time to have a photo taken with those who requested one. I felt so fortunate to have his blessing, have a picture taken with the Most Rev. Archbishop Lori of Baltimore, but then while waiting for the run to begin, saw both Monsignor Art and Archbishop Lori in the crowd. They then stood on the steps of the Basilica, participated in the playing of the Star Spangled Banner and watched the runners take off for the race… how wonderful! How awesome they both took the time for us runners! Speaks volumes for both the archbishop and monsignor as priests of the people and to me, as a Catholic.

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No need for a big story. I like him. Met him at St. Rita’s Parish. He is personable, nice and, a real, in touch person.

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Have you ever met an archbishop beyond your confirmation celebration? Privilege and luck would escape many of us. From my youth, I had always been in awe of the amaranth red robes and crosier—imposing is the word I would offer. My encounter with the Most Reverend William E. Lori changed all that. 

I met a priest at the Rome airport recently on my way to the Vatican to attend the canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. From our casual conversation, I learned he was from Baltimore. I knew Baltimore only from having attended finance industry conferences at the Marriott and Oriole games being acquainted with Eddie Murray. So the exchange was informal—small talk. On the canonization, I remember saying that he would have front row seats while I have to grapple for a good view; he laughed. I felt a sense of quietude as we spoke (which should have been a clue—silly me!!!) A few minutes later, a nun approached, kissed his ring and addressed him as bishop. Internalizing the moment, I thought ‘could this be him’?  I have read about Archbishop Lori and his work with my archbishop, Cardinal Dolan, on the issue of religious liberty and the HHS mandate. I shrunk as I felt like I did not afford him due respect.  I was humbled and inspired by his humility. I was honored to cross his path yet saddened at having faltered at matching the face with the name.  He waved as we went in different directions.  From that outstretched hand I took the blessing of this remarkable man of God.