The untimely death of Freddie Gray Jr., a 25-year-old African-American man who died seven days after he reportedly suffered a severe spinal injury while being arrested by Baltimore City police officers, has caused a great deal of pain, sadness and anger among many in our city and surrounding communities. The circumstances of his death, while...Read More

Introduction I am delighted to be with all of you this morning at Saint Clement for my first visit to this parish community. I am grateful to Deacon Paul Gifford for his warm welcome and gracious hospitality. I am also grateful that the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities have come together to celebrate the Eucharist and...Read More

Introduction Let me begin with warmest thanks for your very kind welcome. It is a privilege to be a part of this lecture series celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of Dignitatis Humanae, the Declaration on Religious Liberty promulgated by the Second Vatican Council on December 7th, 1965. My special thanks to you, Father Billy and to...Read More

Introduction Yesterday Pope Francis formally announced an extraordinary Holy Year dedicated to God’s Mercy. He timed his announcement for this Second Sunday of Easter, Mercy Sunday, as it has been known since the days of St. John Paul II. And in the very first words of his announcement, Pope Francis invites us to look upon...Read More