I. Introduction I welcome all of you here to the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. As you know, this Mass was originally scheduled especially for our homeschooling families, but last Sunday, at his noon-day Angelus, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, appealed to the Church and to the world that today be designated a Day of...Read More

I went back to school this past Monday. Well, sort of. I visited three of our Catholic schools on Opening Day to greet students and their parents, to visit classrooms, to meet and greet teachers, principals, and parents (especially those new to our school system) and to experience all over again the thrill and energy...Read More

Monday marks the beginning of a new school year. Though it feels like it comes earlier every year, the start of school seems to usher in fall, a new season, and the return to the normalcy of routine, albeit an all-too-busy one for most. Unfortunately, that first day of school also brings with it “butterflies” for...Read More

I. Introduction In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us he came into the world to light a fire. So let me talk a little about fire – fires that aren’t so good and the fire that was lit by Jesus and is fanned by the Holy Spirit … with our participation, of course, because we are...Read More

Earlier this week, Bishop Denis Madden, whose vicariate includes Baltimore City, and Spiritan Father Evod Shao, Pastor of St. Edward’s Church in West Baltimore, led a prayer walk through the violent streets surrounding the parish. They were joined by a number of parishioners and others from the neighborhood who have recently watched the violence on...Read More

I. Introduction: The Fire of God’s Love During the summer, forest fires often break out, especially in Western states. Because of dry and windy conditions, the fire spreads easily, and containment becomes very difficult. We think of the firefighters in Arizona who died trying to contain a wildfire; we remember the many people who have...Read More

By any measure the Pope’s recent visit to Brazil for World Youth Day was a resounding success. The visit also offered a few surprises, something we are becoming accustomed to expecting from our new Holy Father. Now, with World Youth Day in the rearview mirror, our challenge is to not overlook all that the Pope...Read More

I. Introduction: the Election of Pope Francis Let me begin with words of deepest gratitude to you, my brother Knights. Like my fellow chaplains, I draw much strength from being with you in these days and find much joy in my service as Chaplain of the Order. Let me also ask you to join me...Read More