Scroll down for Spanish Today’s readings, especially in the context of the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, invite us to reflect on three important points: to encounter, to recognize God’s presence, and to be missionaries. Luke’s gospel tells us of the encounter of the Virgin Mary with Elizabeth. In this encounter...Read More

Introduction On this patronal feast of Mt. St. Mary’s University, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we have gathered for a momentous announcement. No, it’s not the name of the new president, the 25th in the history of this University. That announcement will be made at the end of Mass...Read More

Introduction It is moving beyond words to be here at the Martyrs’ Altar, above which stands the replica of Tyburn Tree, and to celebrate here the Holy Mass, which was at the center of the lives of the martyrs who gave their lives at Tyburn, just some 200 yards from where we are right now....Read More

The Scriptures for the First Sunday of Advent contained two messages that could well serve as a guide for us as we embark on our Advent journey toward Christmas: “Don’t be drowsy” and “Be vigilant – in the right way.” How much we are like the Apostles who could not stay awake even an hour...Read More

Dear friends, Introduction The Latin word “recuso,” or “I refuse,” is the origin of the word “recusant,” which is used to describe those Catholic families in England who steadfastly resisted, at the cost of property, liberty, and even life, the incursions of a government which sought forcibly to separate them from communion with the Vicar...Read More

Introduction – Three Messages The Scriptures for the First Sunday of Advent, this season of expectation for the Lord’s coming, at Christmas and at the end of time, contain three messages: First, don’t be drowsy; Second, don’t be vigilant in the wrong way; Third, be vigilant in the right way…and with your kind permission, I’ll...Read More

Not Many Kings, A Lot of Despots When we speak about Christ as our King, it might not mean much. In the United States, we don’t have a King. Our rulers don’t wear gold crowns or wear fancy robes. But we get the idea not all kings were nice people. More than a few of...Read More

Introduction When a homilist begins by quoting an advertising slogan for a life-insurance company, he is probably watching too much television and should quickly repent. Nonetheless, I begin with the slogan of Mass Mutual: “Who matters most to you says the most about you.” When I first heard that catchphrase, it stayed with me. It...Read More