The Synod on the Family formally ended Oct. 24, but the discussion continues regarding what the bishops discussed and what Pope Francis may decide about the church’s future response to increasing challenges facing Catholic families in the world today. We certainly need time to digest and study the final document that formalizes the discussions held...Read More

It is my pleasure to be with you today as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cardinal Keeler’s ordination to the priesthood. In a special way I would like to thank the Little Sisters of the Poor, who so lovingly and faithfully care for our beloved Cardinal, and the members of the Cardinal’s family who...Read More

We have gathered this morning on the feast of Saints Simon and Jude. In the Gospel just proclaimed, Jesus went up the mountain to pray and there, through the night, was absorbed in prayer. Afterwards, he chose twelve of his disciples to be Apostles, among them, “Simon who was called a Zealot” and “Judas the...Read More

Introduction First, let me say what a joy it is to be with all of you this morning. As you know, I am visiting each parish in the Archdiocese for the celebration of Sunday Mass and in hopes of meeting as many parishioners as I can. The blessings of the new portico and doors here...Read More

Fresh Eyes Years ago, when I was Cardinal Hickey’s priest-secretary here in Washington, an old friend of mine came to visit me; I hadn’t seen him in years. He was curious about my service to the Cardinal and wanted to see where I worked. I tried to give him some idea about what a priest-secretary...Read More

Introduction When I was growing up in Southern Indiana, the religious sisters (who had the unenviable task of teaching me & my 50 classmates), made sure we memorized the questions and answers from The Baltimore Catechism. Little did I imagine that I would one day hail from Baltimore and live in the house where the...Read More

Introduction It is providential that we’ve gathered for our semi-annual diaconal convocation on the feast day of the martyr, St. Ignatius of Antioch. Truth to tell, we know little about St. Ignatius’ life except for the letters which he has left us. What we do know is that Ignatius was Bishop of Antioch in Syria....Read More

Introduction For the past few years, St. Martin’s Home has been under renovation. On one of my first visits to St. Martin’s, Mark Manafo, the CEO of CAM Construction together with the Sisters, gave me an extensive tour of this facility. With their expert guidance, I was able to see how a building, constructed many...Read More