I. Introduction A. It may seem a bit unusual to begin a new year of seminary formation with a reflection on a wedding feast. In fact, whether you are a new or returning seminarian, I doubt that you feel as though – you’ve been summoned to a wedding feast. And while I’m sure your evening...Read More

I. Introduction A. It is a joy to return to St. Isaac Jogues officially to install Father Roth as your Pastor. He has served ably, effectively, and joyfully as Administrator of your parish and now it is my pleasure to express both my confidence in Father Roth and your support for his leadership, by publicly...Read More

I. Introduction A. I am delighted to welcome all of you, Bishop Foley and my brother priests to the Archdiocese of Baltimore for this importance conference on being and becoming a better preacher. It is a perilous thing to be a homilist at a conference on better preaching but I trust you will profit from...Read More

I. Priestly Love, Self-Giving Love A. Perhaps you’ve heard about a seminarian who lost his life earlier this summer. His name was Brian Bergkamp, a second year theologian from the Diocese of Wichita studying at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Together with a group of young people, he was kayaking on the Arkansas...Read More

O Father of infinite glory, dwelling “in unapproachable light” (1 Tim. 6:16), we give you thanks and praise for in your goodness you have given us your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who is “the light of the world” (Jn. 8:12) and “the true light that enlightens everyone” (Jn. 1:9-10). In your goodness, pour out...Read More

I. Introduction A. As we gather for this holy Mass, we stand in closest spiritual solidarity with our Holy Father Pope Francis, and with more than a million young people who joined with him in the celebration of Holy Mass at the Campus Misericordiae. During these past days, it has been our privilege to host...Read More

I. Introduction: Witnesses to Freedom A. First, let me thank you for being here tonight. With all the World Youth Day events going on all around Krakow, there are many other places you could have been tonight, but instead, you chose to come to a bar for adult beverages! Oh, and by the way, to...Read More

As Chairman of the Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee on Religious Liberty let me take the briefest of moments to express my gratitude and that of the Committee for your participation in the Fortnight for Freedom. I am grateful to Cardinal Wuerl for hosting this concluding Fortnight Mass here at the Basilica of the National Shrine...Read More