In the forward to “What We Have Seen and Heard: Essays and Stories from Black Catholics in Baltimore,” Cardinal William Keeler opened with a quote from the Acts of the Apostles 4:20, which read, “Peter and John said, ‘It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.’ ”Read More

In 1889 Daniel Rudd and delegates of the very first Black Catholic Congress raised concern regarding the need for Catholic education of black youths. Delegates made a motion on the floor to facilitate action to achieve this goal. Today, the sons and daughters of the National Black Catholic Congress movement active in the Archdiocese of...Read More

The April 14 Catholic Review included an article on Catholic chaplains in the Civil War. It quoted General Benjamin Butler as saying, “I have never seen a Catholic chaplain who has not done his duty.” Several were mentioned. Another priest who served in the Civil War was Redemptorist Father Aegidius Smulders, who ministered right here...Read More

Several times each year, patients suffering from rheumatic fever come to a Baltimore-area hospital for open heart surgery to repair their damaged hearts. They receive world-class medical care at no cost to them and they and their traveling companions are given complimentary hospitality until the patient is able to return home. St. Joseph Medical Center...Read More

Several years ago, I was celebrating Christmas Eve Mass in a far-off land, one which I can’t remember. As usual, for Christmas, the chapel was full. I welcomed those in attendance for the celebration, and made a point to especially acknowledge the presence of our non-Catholic friends who were joining us, as well as our...Read More

In 1970, a newly-minted Army chaplain, with airborne wings fresh out of “jump school,” I looked forward to my first leave on the Fourth of July weekend. I was to join a friend at the Boston Commons for the chance to hear the Boston Pops, under the direction of famed conductor Arthur Fiedler, play the...Read More

One of the things I appreciate and admire most about the generous people of this Archdiocese is their instinctive desire to help others, especially in times of crisis.Read More

“What’s old is new again.” This well-known expression sums up the vast majority of the comments I’ve heard since our Church began using the new translation of the Roman Missal, the prayers we say each week at Mass, Nov. 26-27.Read More