I. Introduction Less than two weeks ago, the College of Cardinals, with the help of the Holy Spirit, elected a new Holy Father to lead the Church, Pope Francis. And since then he’s taken the world by storm. He isn’t doing this by spending millions of dollars on a pubic relations campaign. He isn’t shaping...Read More

I. Introduction – Feeling Uncomfortable We have just listened to and shared in a reading from St. Luke’s Gospel about the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. As you just saw, three people read various parts of that that Gospel reading: one served as the narrator – to keep the story moving; another served as...Read More

I. Introduction I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this symposium on Catholic education and the New Evangelization and to join with theologians, members of learned societies, and with fellow bishops and members of the Committee on Doctrine in this effort. The topic on which I’ve been asked to speak is...Read More

Msgr. Jarboe, my brother priests [and deacons] and dear friends in Christ, I. Introduction: Laetare Sunday – Reasons for Rejoicing and Prayer I’d like to welcome all of you here to the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, particularly those of you who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in just a few moments. You are...Read More

I. Introduction We have gathered for the Mid-Atlantic Congress at an extraordinary time in the life of the Church. As we gather to pray, listen to various talks, take part in break-out sessions, and become familiar with so many resources for growth in our lives of faith and in the service to the Church, –...Read More

You may have seen, as I did, the footage of the departure from the Vatican of Benedict XVI, now Pope Emeritus. There was coverage of his farewell audiences, his farewells to the Cardinals, his helicopter lifting off from the Vatican heliport and then landing at Castel Gandolfo, his brief address on the balcony of the...Read More

I. Introduction Allow me to thank you for your presence this evening – members of the Cathedral parishes, those from parishes around the Archdiocese, and those representing many organizations & groups that strengthen this local church. This Cathedral Church is the spiritual home of all Catholics in our Archdiocese and nothing gives me greater joy...Read More

The full import of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI due to the frailty that comes with advancing years will emerge only with the passage of time. Even now, however, two observations might be in order. The first is that Pope Benedict’s decision reveals that he has a pastor’s heart. He put the Church and...Read More