Epiphany 2017

I. Introduction A. A few years ago, when I served as Bishop of Bridgeport, Connecticut, I celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany in a large multi-cultural parish. St. Peter’s on Colorado Avenue was predominately Spanish-speaking, with parishioners from Mexico as well as Central and South America. There were also parishioners from various countries in Africa...
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Saturday before Epiphany; Discernment Retreat

I. Introduction A. Dear brother priests, dear sisters, dear friends and discerners: I’m glad to join all of you who are making this discernment retreat and to offer Holy Mass with and for you during these days when, in a very special way, you seek the will of God in your lives. In particular, I...
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Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God

I. Introduction A. Every Christmas night, long after gifts were exchanged and the dishes were washed, mom and dad would gather us together to look at old family photographs – some neatly stowed in albums, others waiting patiently to be put in an album. Those photos always brought back memories, along with laughter and tears....
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Christmas Party for Seminarians and Their Families; 5th Day, Octave of the Lord’s Nativity

I. Introduction – The Soul of Brevity Dear family members and friends of our seminarians, All day long the seminarians have been insisting that my homily tonight should be no less than 45 minutes and that it should delve into the most obscure aspects of the Incarnation. But I urged our seminarians, please to restrain...
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Oppose doctor-assisted suicide

Rooting ourselves in church teaching and resolved to live each day with an authentic sense of our God-given dignity, let us be bold, courageous, and loving in pointing out how uncompassionate doctor-assisted suicide really is.
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Christmas 2016

I. Accessibility: Is God Accessible? Sometimes I think accessibility is the name of the game. You can’t construct a new building without making it accessible to one and all. When we need a ride, we expect an Uber car to pick us up in a matter of minutes. When we go on the internet or...
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4th Sunday of Advent; Installation of Fr. Collin Postin; Pastor of St. Anthony Shrine and Our Lady of Mount Carmel

I. Introduction A. It is a joy to be with all of you so near to the feast of Christmas and on this joyful occasion of the installation of Fr. Collin Postin as your pastor. Thank you for warmly welcoming him as he began his pastoral service here at St. Anthony’s and at Our Lady...
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Orlando: A Christian Response

Whether the assailant hated gay people, hated Americans, or was driven by some other motivation, is unclear at the time of this writing. What is clear is his disregard for human life and the evident evil behind his decision to commit such an unthinkable crime.
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4th Sunday of Advent; St. Mark Parish, Fallston

I. Introduction A. Many years ago, when I was a newly ordained and inexperienced priest, I visited a parishioner in the hospital. She was suffering terribly, and to tell you the truth, I was lost for words. I think I stammered something about trying to find God in the midst of her suffering as I...
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3rd Sunday of Advent, “Gaudete” Sunday

I. “Are You the One Who Is To Come?” A. From time to time, we may find ourselves alone, even isolated, perhaps cooped up at home or hospitalized. When we are alone and isolated for long periods, so many thoughts and emotions crowd in upon our minds and hearts. Questions come into our minds, questions...
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Father Casimir Melvin Peterson; Funeral Remarks

I. A Sketch of His Life A. This morning, we commend to the Lord of life and love a good and faithful priest, Father Casimir Melvin Peterson. We also give thanks to our Heavenly Father for the many gifts of nature and grace which Father Peterson was endowed and for his dedicated priestly ministry in...
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Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

I. Introduction A. On May 10th, 1846, Archbishop Samuel Eccleston, the 5th Archbishop of Baltimore, gathered with twenty-two bishops of the United States here at this Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady. Together they celebrated the opening Mass of the 6th Provincial Council of Baltimore, one in a series of 19th century councils that...
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