Introduction Let me begin by saying how happy I am to see all of you here this afternoon, those of you who are prepared to be baptized at the Easter Vigil, those of you who are already baptized but now embracing the fullness of the faith, as well as those of you who are finding...Read More

Editor’s note: This column was adapted from Archbishop Lori’s Feb. 13 homily at the Mid-Atlantic Congress in Baltimore. Last week, the Mid-Atlantic Congress took place in Baltimore. It provided an opportunity for clergy and laity serving in leadership positions in dioceses, primarily from the East Coast, to participate in various educational sessions aimed at helping...Read More

God of truth and love, send your blessing upon the Maryland Senate, upon all its members and those they represent. Through your kindly spirit, guide its deliberations, now and in the days ahead. May its work be rooted in your law, written on all human hearts and animated by that charity which flows from your...Read More

Introduction Good afternoon! I hope you are enjoying the Mid-Atlantic Congress so far! And I am delighted to be with all of you as evening draws near to celebrate this Votive Mass for Evangelization. You may have seen that the Vatican recently issued a new directory or guide for preaching. The headline that went along...Read More

Introduction The story is told of a priest who, years ago, ran afoul of his bishop. It seems that this particular priest preferred a quiet and pleasant life; sadly, he had a reputation for not breaking a ministerial sweat. Nevertheless he imagined himself to be diligent and hard-working. Indeed, his definition of work was expansive....Read More

Introduction In these violent days when people are being killed by beheading, burning, and even crucifixion, many because of their Christian faith, today’s Scripture readings and our feast, St. Paul Miki and his companions, should have special resonance in our lives. What light does today’s liturgy shed on our violent world and the role which...Read More

Last week, in honor of Catholic Schools Week, I had the pleasure of visiting several of our Catholic schools. Three of the schools I visited happened to be sponsored by women religious. The schools – Mount de Sales Academy in Catonsville, Notre Dame Preparatory School in Towson, and The Catholic High School of Baltimore in East Baltimore...Read More

Introduction This afternoon we gather to celebrate in the Archdiocese of Baltimore the World Day of Consecrated Life, a celebration that is part of an entire year which our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has dedicated to consecrated life. Perhaps a word of explanation might be helpful for those of you in the Basilica this afternoon...Read More