This week marks the start of a new school year. While many children may find the prospect of returning to class less than thrilling, many moms and dads think this is, as the song goes, “The most wonderful time of the year!” Of course, moms and dads understand the value of an education and we...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 We’ve gathered as servants of God’s Word, as evangelizers and catechists, on the feast of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Doctor of the Church. This great preacher, evangelizer, and teacher of the faith spread the Word of God far and wide and opened the hearts of many individuals and communities to the truth...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

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

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

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