Introduction I extend a very warm welcome to all those pilgrims who have taken part in the Faith Walk as part of the 225th Anniversary of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. I am especially happy to welcome you to this Basilica of the Assumption, “America’s First Cathedral”, on this the 208th anniversary of the laying of...Read More
It was some months ago that I began this series on Pope Francis’ exhortation, “The Joy of the Gospel.” It’s been my attempt to offer a summary of this document which reflects the Holy Father’s prayer, thought and style. These columns are no substitute for reading the pope’s own words. I hope, rather, that they...Read More
Introduction What a joy it is to be with all of you this evening as we gather in prayer to celebrate a patronal feast of the Order of Malta, the Nativity, the Birth of St. John the Baptist. This affords me a moment to express my gratitude to all of you for your responsiveness to...Read More
Deacons James Boric, Ross Conklin, Andrew DeFusco, Joseph Langan, Canisius Tah My brother Bishops, priests, and deacons, dear Religious, family members and friends of our candidates for ordination, and especially you: James, Ned, Andrew, Joseph, and Canisius, so soon to be ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ: Introduction: The Vinegrower Is God Himself “It...Read More
Introduction: Charles Carroll of Carrollton Still standing and beautifully restored is the home of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence. On his estate, Doughoregan Manor, (located about 30 minutes from Baltimore) there is a lovely chapel made necessary by the fact that in colonial Maryland it was illegal...Read More
As almost everyone knows, Pope Francis lives at a Vatican guest residence known as “The House of St. Martha.” Early in the morning he can be found in the chapel of that residence praying. He then celebrates holy Mass in the residence chapel for those who are staying there, at which he delivers a brief...Read More
Introduction Today, dear friends, we celebrate the mystery of the Lord’s Ascension into heaven. The Ascension is an article of faith that we proclaim every Sunday in the Nicene Creed when we say, “He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.” When we profess this article of the Faith...Read More
Introduction: At Commencement Father Tizio and Brother Priests, Dr. Morgan, Mr. Reinhart, members of the faculty, honored guests, dear parents and grandparents, and today, especially, dear graduates: It is a joy for me to celebrate this Baccalaureate Mass with and for you in this special place which has become for you a second home, and...Read More
Not long ago, I visited with a fellow bishop who oversees a very large diocese. By all appearances it is bustling. It has many parishes, schools, social service agencies and hospitals. Vocations to the priesthood are on the uptick. Fundraising is at record levels. But that bishop is not content. “This is mission territory,” he...Read More
Introduction I am delighted to be with you this afternoon. For one thing, I’ve served in three dioceses but only the Archdiocese of Baltimore has a parish named for my patron saint, St. William of York! I had hoped to take part in the 100th anniversary on Pentecost Sunday; unfortunately a sudden change of schedule...Read More
Introduction Brother Bishops, Priests and Deacons, dear Religious, Seminarians of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and beyond, families and friends of our candidates for Ordination, and especially you who are so soon to be ordained: Christopher, William, Joshua, and Francis: The Lord Jesus, in the Gospel, says to us, and to you, today: “The Son of...Read More
In our daily work, we all face temptations. Sometimes it’s the temptation to get ahead at any cost. At other times, there are temptations to take short cuts. Then there is the temptation to give in to discouragement when things don’t go as they should. In the second part of his exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium” (The...Read More