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

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

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

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 Let me begin with words of appreciation for the leadership, participation & generosity of you, the lay faithful, of this parish of St. Joseph-on-Carrollton Manor. What a day of joy as we bless and dedicate this beautiful new home for a growing family of faith! How grateful we are to the planners, architects, &...Read More

Years ago, while serving as Cardinal James A. Hickey’s priest-secretary in the Archdiocese of Washington, I had the privilege of joining a small number of priests who concelebrated an early morning Mass in Pope John Paul II’s private chapel. Afterward, the Holy Father greeted each of us as our picture was taken. Of all the...Read More