I. Introduction On the back wall of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is a very large relief which depicts in marble the universal call to holiness. At the top center is the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, the sanctifier, and slightly off center with her hands extended...Read More

I. Introduction As we have gathered on September 11th, let us pause to remember those who died some eleven years ago in New York, at the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Let us pray for their eternal repose, for family and friends who grieve to this day, and for an end to terrorism and violence on...Read More

Pope Benedict tells us that the Church’s charitable activity manifests God’s love. He quotes St. Augustine: “If you see charity, you see the Trinity.” The Holy Spirit harmonizes our hearts with the heart of Christ who, in loving us, showed us the Father’s love. Christ became the servant of all, bending down to wash the...Read More

It is widely known that Pope Benedict has called the Church to observe a “Year of Faith” beginning October 7 of this year. This coincides with the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This Year of Faith...Read More

I. Introduction Bishop Farrell, brother priests and deacons, Ellen Dorn and the members of the St. Thomas More Society, members of the judiciary and members of the bar, professors of law, seminarians, Knights of Columbus, parishioners, honored guests, all dear friends in Christ: I sincerely thank you for inviting me to offer the homily at...Read More

I. Introduction – Greetings and Appreciation Let me begin by saying how happy I am to be with all of you this morning. It is my first opportunity to join you as the new school year begins and it is also my first opportunity to thank you for all that you do for our young...Read More

Earlier in the summer, I visited Camp GLOW (God Loves our World) for the first time. Camp Glow is a very special summer camp for the young and the young at heart who face developmental disabilities. This camp provides an opportunity for them to be together in a friendly place, to pray together, and to...Read More

I. Introduction Let me offer you a few words to help bring to a conclusion this earth-shaking convention in which we’ve all taken part these past days. But I have to tell you something. You might remember that at the States Dinner, Cardinal Dolan commented that he had been given “the honeymoon suite” here at...Read More