Fifty years ago this summer, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, marking a watershed moment in our nation’s history and in the ongoing struggle of African-Americans for fair and equal treatment.   The passage of the law, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin,...Read More

Introduction It is a joy for me to visit St. Bernadette’s and to express my thanks to Deacon Fred Passauer, the pastoral staff and lay leadership for your service to this parish community. Allow me also offer my thanks to all you, the parish family of St. Bernadette, gathered in thankful prayer, as we reflect...Read More

Introduction I am happy to join with Bishop Madden, Msgr. Woy and my brother priests in welcoming you, the leaders of our Catholic schools, to the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen on this, the Cathedral’s patronal feast, in the midst of the 225th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. How welcome you are in this...Read More

Introduction In this Holy Mass we look to the example and seek the intercession of Pope St. Pius X as we begin a new year of priestly formation here at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary. Yesterday marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Pope Pius X. but his example remains as timely as ever for...Read More

Introduction – A Few Words in Italian Buongiorno. E’ per me un privilegio ed un’onore essere qui in mezzo a voi, con tanti dei quali condivido un comune retaggio italiano. [E davvero mi piacerebbe molto poter celebrare la Messa interamente in italiano!] Sono molto grato a Padre Sal che mi ha invitato ad essere qui...Read More

Introduction A pastor can find both instruction and inspiration for his life and ministry on almost every page of Scripture. Today’s Gospel is a case in point: it’s the story of how Jesus cured a foreign woman’s daughter. This passage demonstrates how not to be a pastor. Then it demonstrates how to be a pastor...Read More

The Catholic Church, including here in the United States, has a long history of serving immigrants. Through parishes, Catholic Charities and various Catholic religious communities of men and women, the church has been a haven and a source of Christian love, providing newcomers with basic necessities for sustaining human life as well as assistance with...Read More

Growing up in New Albany, Ind., during the 1950s, I never heard the term “domestic church,” but I knew what it meant. I knew it because my parents and my friends’ parents made their homes domestic churches, even before that phrase from our Catholic tradition was retrieved during the Second Vatican Council. I guess you...Read More