Introduction This evening, we gather in thanksgiving and joy as we celebrate the feast day of St. John Paul II. Our joy is compounded as we see all about us how this Shrine, named in his honor, is progressing. It has already become a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and devotion, where many come to seek...Read More
Introduction Many of you present in the Basilica may have thought you were just attending the Sunday evening Mass and now you find that a Confirmation is going on. You might be wondering how long this will go on; I have to be honest – it will take a bit longer than usual, but I...Read More
Introduction Allow me once again to welcome all of you to the annual White Mass sponsored by the Baltimore Guild of the Catholic Medical Association. In this Holy Mass we honor those who care for the sick and ask God’s blessings on their daily service to their brothers and sisters. And let me remind you...Read More
Introduction I am delighted to return to St. Joseph Parish to offer this anticipated Sunday Mass and to bless the beautiful new altar on which the banquet of Christ’s sacrifice will be offered to God the Father. On this beautiful autumn afternoon, I want to join with you in expressing our deepest gratitude to your...Read More
Introduction I am very happy to return to St. Margaret Parish to bless the beautiful new Cross and other renovations which you, as a parish family, have undertaken and successfully completed. If you have ever added on to your home or renovated it, you know it requires vision, attention to detail, and careful budgeting. Those...Read More
The extraordinary Synod of Bishops to discuss the “Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization” began in Rome Oct. 6. The synod represents a key moment in the papacy of Pope Francis and in the life of the Roman Catholic Church, which is looking for more effective ways of communicating what it...Read More
Watch the Wilmington Red Mass » Our Need for the Holy Spirit’s Guidance I stand before you as the U.S. bishops’ point person on religious liberty. In that capacity, I am involved in efforts to help U.S. Catholics and others to understand more deeply what the Church teaches about religious freedom in the context of...Read More
Introduction First, allow me to say what a joy it is to offer Mass once again here at St. Louis Parish, and to join you in giving thanks for the completion of the beautiful new Parish Center and Gymnasium. Yesterday I was here to take part in a program for the deacons of the Archdiocese;...Read More
A word of thanks to Msgr. Hannon the team of deacons who worked so hard to organize this day of enrichment for their brother deacons and their wives. Our warmest thanks as well to Msgr. Luca and his staff here at St. Louis Parish who have welcomed us all so warmly. And it’s good that...Read More
Introduction: Choosing the Name ‘Francis’ When it was learned in 2013 that the new Pope was a Jesuit and that he would be called Francis, some speculated that he wanted to honor the Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier. The Pope himself quickly made it clear that he chose the name Francis after St. Francis of...Read More
Introduction What a pleasure to be with all of you this afternoon as we conclude the celebration of the 100th anniversary of St. Michael Parish. I am delighted to have the opportunity offer Mass so near to the Patronal Feast of the Parish, St. Michael the Archangel, to remember the history of this parish and...Read More
Introduction This morning we have gathered to invoke the Lord’s blessing on Mary Beth Lennon as President of Mercy High School. And in asking God to bless her, we are also asking the Lord to bless all who are part of this school community: the Sisters of Mercy who founded Mt. St. Agnes in 1867...Read More