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

Sectarian violence in Iraq has worsened dramatically in recent days, especially for Christians in the war-torn nation, prompting Pope Francis to announce this past Sunday that he is sending an envoy to meet with religious and government leaders as well as with those Christians who have been forced from their homes in fear. “The news...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

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

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

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