Statement from Archbishop Lori on Holy Father declaring Mother Mary Lange venerable

June 22, 2023

I am delighted that the Holy See has officially recognized the heroic virtues of Mother Mary Lange, for her virtues and example still enliven and grace this local Church. As our beloved Mother Lange moves further along on her path to becoming one of the first six African American saints, we must share her story with everyone, especially young people. One cannot tell the history of the Catholic schools in this country without mentioning Mother Lange. She was a pioneer in every way, and through deep faith and perseverance, she stood head and shoulders above the racism of her era,

The faithful in every parish throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore – and beyond – should pray for her canonization daily. In prayer, we entrust her to the cares of our hearts and we should not hesitate to ask her for special favors, including physical cures and solutions to intractable problems. This is indeed an exciting day for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the children of this city and the Oblate Sisters of Providence who live out her legacy through their devotion and good works. The sisters have been praying and working fervently for the canonization.

Faithfully in Christ

Most Reverend William E. Lori

Archbishop of Baltimore

Archbishop William E. Lori

Archbishop William E. Lori was installed as the 16th Archbishop of Baltimore May 16, 2012.

Prior to his appointment to Baltimore, Archbishop Lori served as Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., from 2001 to 2012 and as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington from 1995 to 2001.

A native of Louisville, Ky., Archbishop Lori holds a bachelor's degree from the Seminary of St. Pius X in Erlanger, Ky., a master's degree from Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg and a doctorate in sacred theology from The Catholic University of America. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Washington in 1977.

In addition to his responsibilities in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Archbishop Lori serves as Supreme Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus and is the former chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty.

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