This weekend, our church celebrates World Day for Consecrated Life. As the name suggests, it is a time to highlight those who have consecrated themselves to God and to their countless good works “by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.” Though I am not a member of a religious institute, nor a member of an...Read More

Introduction Our culture is violent and badly divided. Think of the tragic shooting yesterday in the Columbia Mall – where three people lost their lives and others were injured and terrified or the 20 people who have been killed already this year in the city of Baltimore. All day long people are arguing on cable...Read More

More than 4,000 people provided more than 60,000 comments and responses to the nearly 40 questions contained in the document issued by the Vatican in preparation for the Extraordinary Synod on the Family, called for by Pope Francis to be held this October. The pope called for the synod, whose theme is “Pastoral Challenges to...Read More

Dear friends in Christ, Introduction What a joy it is for me to celebrate Mass here for the first time today! I was able to visit this church briefly last year, but now I’m so happy to be here with all of you for the celebration of Mass – and on such a beautiful day,...Read More

Pope Francis recently reaffirmed that religious freedom is “a fundamental human right” and warned against the impulse to “relegate [religions] to the enclosed precincts of churches, synagogues or mosques.” The freedom of religion cannot be reduced to the freedom of worship. This resonates with the rich tradition of religious liberty in our country, which has...Read More

Dear Sisters, dear brother Priests, and dear friends in Christ, Introduction What a joy it is for me to come here to the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton on this, her feast day, which is a Solemnity here in this holy place, and to celebrate here the Holy Sacrifice of...Read More

Introduction: The Post-Christmas “Blues” At the risk of getting everyone upset, I’d like to bring up an unpleasant topic. Yes, at the very pinnacle of the Christmas season, when we’re all in church, when families are together and gifts are being given, when Christmas lights shine most brightly, and yuletide joy is overflowing, I’d like...Read More

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord next week, let us pause to reflect on the blessings of the past year and to give thanks to God for His abundant love for us. For our Church, the gift of Pope Francis and his ministry, which has been marked by his pastoral care...Read More