I. Introduction In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us he came into the world to light a fire. So let me talk a little about fire – fires that aren’t so good and the fire that was lit by Jesus and is fanned by the Holy Spirit … with our participation, of course, because we are...Read More

I. Introduction: Msgr. Rohlfs’ First Rector’s Conference Many years ago, I and another seminarian were driving from the Mount down to Washington. While we were on I-270 we began to discuss what the future would be like. We wondered what kind of parish we would be assigned to, how we would get along with our...Read More

I. Introduction: The Fire of God’s Love During the summer, forest fires often break out, especially in Western states. Because of dry and windy conditions, the fire spreads easily, and containment becomes very difficult. We think of the firefighters in Arizona who died trying to contain a wildfire; we remember the many people who have...Read More

Today marks the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of our beloved Basilica in Baltimore. I am continually surprised that the Basilica remains somewhat of a “hidden gem” in Maryland. After all, as the first Catholic cathedral erected in the United States, the Basilica is considered the “Mother Church” for...Read More

I. Introduction: the Election of Pope Francis Let me begin with words of deepest gratitude to you, my brother Knights. Like my fellow chaplains, I draw much strength from being with you in these days and find much joy in my service as Chaplain of the Order. Let me also ask you to join me...Read More

If last week’s World Youth Day is any indicator then the future of the Catholic Church looks bright, very bright indeed! In spite of security concerns that kept many nations from sending their typical delegations, an estimated 3 million people attended the World Youth Day Mass celebrated by Pope Francis on the beach at Copacabana...Read More

I. Introduction I am grateful for the opportunity to address you today and to express my warmest thanks for all the ways you bear witness to the Gospel of Life and to the role of the family in Church and society. I also appreciate all the ways you help married couples live their God-given vocation...Read More

Many people today are concerned about how much information is being gathered about good, law-abiding citizens. Huge information-technology firms such as Google continue to collect vast amounts of data from millions of people the world over. The IRS will amass even more information about individual citizens and families once it begins to fulfill its role...Read More