I. Introduction: Getting into the Issue A. I’m delighted to be here to take part in this Rally for Religious Freedom. First and foremost I want to thank Bishop Murphy – thank you for your kind invitation to speak at this important gathering and most of all thank you for your leadership as a brother...Read More

I. Introduction: Fortnight for Freedom A. First, let me say once again how happy I am to pay a visit, even if long deferred. It is an opportunity for me to express my gratitude to you for your love of the Lord Jesus and to the Church’s mission of spreading the Gospel. I am especially...Read More

I. Introduction: The Faithful Witness A. Tonight we celebrate the opening Mass of the 2016 Fortnight for Freedom, returning to this, the first Cathedral in the United States, a Cathedral that was under construction even as “a new nation conceived in liberty” began to take shape. But we are not here tonight to argue a...Read More

I. Introduction: “Who Do You Say That I Am?” A. Years ago, as a seminarian at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, I took a final examination in a course called “Christology”, a course that dealt with the identity and saving mission of Jesus. Among other things, we were questioned about the precise meaning of...Read More

I. Introduction: Who Do You Say That I Am? A. Dear sisters and dear friends: Years ago, as a seminarian on the Mount that corresponds to this Valley, I was taking a final examination in the Christology course, a course that dealt with the identity and saving mission of Jesus. Among the many things that...Read More

I. Introduction: Barnabas and the Knights Today the Church remembers the Apostle Barnabas. Though not one of the original Twelve Apostles, Barnabas, as we shall later see, came to be called an Apostle. Happily, today’s Scripture reading from the Acts of the Apostles paints a portrait of Barnabas whose name means “son of consolation”. All...Read More

I. Introduction A. I am always grateful for the opportunity to address this gathering of State Deputies, those of you who continue in your role of leadership and service to the Order and those of you who are beginning your service as State Deputies. Thank you for all that you do to advance the mission...Read More

I. Introduction A. It is a joy and a privilege for me as the Metropolitan Archbishop to ordain to the diaconate, Stephen Vaccaro and Jordan Willard. I greet you both, Stephen and Jordan, as well as brother priests and deacons, your family members, your classmates, parishioners, and friends… on this day of joy and grace...Read More