I. Introduction A. Not long ago, I found myself on a plane seated next to a passenger who seemed agitated and anxious to talk. Seeing my Roman collar, she asked, “Are you a Catholic priest?” “Yes, and also a bishop,” I added parenthetically, bracing myself for turbulence. As it turned out, she was a very...Read More

I. Introduction: A Word of Thanks A. Let me begin with a word of thanks, first for the leadership of Father Jesse Bolger who had the vision, the skill, and the gumption to undertake the project of renovating the sanctuary here at St. Clare of Assisi…thank you, Fr. Jesse! Then, I would like to thank...Read More

I. Introduction: The Year of Mercy A. Pope Francis has set aside this year as a time of special grace, a Year of Mercy. It is not merely a special program meant to be implemented for twelve months and then forgotten. No, the Pope is using this Jubilee Year of Mercy to call our attention...Read More

Heavenly Father, we are created in your image and endowed by you with dignity and freedom. We praise and thank you for these gifts so fundamental to our humanity, gifts that have been redeemed and purified by your Son’s death and Resurrection. Even as we give you thanks, O Father, we also beseech your compassion...Read More

I. The Spirit Given Sacramentally A. In today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles we heard that, “when the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as...Read More

I. Introduction A. If you or I were to walk into Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, our eye would be drawn to the enormous stained glass window at the far end of the basilica. It is the window of the Holy Spirit. In it, the Holy Spirit is pictured in the form of a...Read More

I. Introduction A. Your Eminence, Cardinal Caffarra, brother priests and deacons, Worthy Supreme Knight and Mrs. Anderson, Fr. Antonio Lopez and leaders of the faculties of the St. John Paul II Institute, Catholic University of America, and the Dominican House of Studies, students of the Institute, family members and friends of our graduates, and most...Read More

I. Introduction A. I’m glad at long last to celebrate Mass here at St. Francis of Assisi. I had intended to visit long before now and in fact a Mass had been scheduled except that mother nature decided to favor us with a snowstorm that day. So thank you for your patience and please accept...Read More