I. Introduction Last Wednesday, the eyes of the world were focused on the Vatican awaiting word of whom the College of Cardinals had chosen to be the 266th Successor of St. Peter and Vicar of Christ. Speculation in the media was rampant and even among informed observers had narrowed the likely candidates to a few,...Read More

I. Introduction I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this symposium on Catholic education and the New Evangelization and to join with theologians, members of learned societies, and with fellow bishops and members of the Committee on Doctrine in this effort. The topic on which I’ve been asked to speak is...Read More

I. Introduction Msgr. Farmer, dear brother priests [and deacon(s)], all dear friends in Christ: What a joy it is to be here for the first of what I hope will be many visits to St. John’s, one of the truly great parishes of the Archdiocese of Baltimore! II. Laetare Sunday It’s hard to believe we’ve...Read More

I. Introduction We have gathered for the Mid-Atlantic Congress at an extraordinary time in the life of the Church. As we gather to pray, listen to various talks, take part in break-out sessions, and become familiar with so many resources for growth in our lives of faith and in the service to the Church, –...Read More

The Holy Father’s recent announcement of his resignation from the Papacy due to reasons of advanced age and diminished strength was an act of selfless humility and great humanity. Shortly after his election in 2005, it was speculated that the new pope, Pope Benedict XVI, would be unlike his predecessor, who transformed the image of...Read More

I. Introduction Allow me to thank you for your presence this evening – members of the Cathedral parishes, those from parishes around the Archdiocese, and those representing many organizations & groups that strengthen this local church. This Cathedral Church is the spiritual home of all Catholics in our Archdiocese and nothing gives me greater joy...Read More

Years ago, I accompanied James Cardinal Hickey, then the Archbishop of Washington, to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, where then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was to give a lecture. After his lecture and after fielding questions from his audience, Cardinal Ratzinger boarded a small plane that would take him and five other passengers to Washington where...Read More

I. Introduction The Third Plenary Council of Baltimore, held in 1884, included a spirited discussion of the compatibility between the American system of limited government and the religious liberty which the Church in the United States was enjoying. The Council Fathers were not all of one mind. All were churchmen of the first order who...Read More