OBrien Homilies

Mass for Parents of Deceased Infants

The life of World War II hero and French president, Charles de Gaulle, is known to many of us. He was a giant in every respect and a man of strong Catholic Faith. What is less known to many is that he and his wife Evonnne were the parents of a Down’s syndrome child who...
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50th Anniversary Mass

“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” Jesus proclaimed, – upon you, Peter, upon the rock of your faith – I will build my Church How privileged some have been to hear this singular gospel proclaimed at the very entrance to Peter’s tomb in his Basilica in Rome, the main...
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All Saints Day Mass Honoring St. Jeanne Jugan

At this somewhat melancholic time of year as darkness increasingly replaces sunlight and chill gives way to frost and cold, the Church—now for nearly 1,300 years—has chosen to remind us of what one day awaits us all: death and judgment. But she does so in a very hope-filled and positive way.  Tomorrow All Souls Day...
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Statement on Council Bill 09-0406, “Limited-Service Pregnancy Centers Disclaimers’

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee: I offer this statement in opposition to Council Bill 09-0406, which would fine pregnancy resource centers in Baltimore City $500 a day for failing to post a list of services they do not provide. Let’s be clear first about what these centers do provide, namely, needed and welcome...
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Mass with Retired Priests

We are in the midst of the Year for Priests and with reference to today’s second reading, we embrace the Word of God this afternoon to honor the priesthood of Jesus Christ, to give thanks for the priesthood of Jesus Christ, to pray for the priesthood of Jesus Christ. The letter to the Hebrews paints...
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White Mass Homily

My thanks to the Baltimore chapter of the Catholic Medical Association for choosing our beautiful Basilica of the Assumption to celebrate their annual White Mass. My special thanks to the Chapter and Dr. Marie Boursiquot, your President, for inviting me to lead you in the Eucharist and I welcome and greet all of you, especially...
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Homily to Deacon Convocation

A special and gifted opportunity is mine this morning to offer this Mass with the deacons of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and their spouses in the context of today’s Gospel. And on several levels. Most of you are married and we welcome the wives who are present. We thank them for their invaluable partnership that...
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Mass of Reception into Full Communion of the Catholic Church

This is a day filled with emotion and meaning for all of us, and not least for the  All Saints Sisters of the Poor and for Father Warren Tanghe, up to now their chaplain. After years of honest and intense prayer, study, reflection and discussion, Father Tanghe and ten sisters of the community will today...
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Nuclear Weapons and Moral Questions: The Path to Zero

It is an honor and pleasure for me to offer some modest reflections on “Nuclear Weapons and Moral Questions:  The Path to Zero.” I am grateful to General Kevin Chilton and the U.S. Strategic Command for hosting this first annual Deterrence Symposium and for inviting me to be part of this impressive gathering. I have...
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Priesthood Ordinations

My dear sons, Ernest, Marc, Hector and Gonzalo. Mis queridos hijos, Ernest, Marc, Héctor y Gonzalo, Could there be a more joyful, significant moment than an ordination day? From the farthest reaches of our Archdiocese and well beyond the People of God gather in great numbers to witness and participate in a ceremony which in...
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Easter Vigil Homily

An ancient homily, probably from the 2nd century and reflecting upon the depressing mood, the tangible grief that enveloped the hearts of the apostles hours after the death and burial of Jesus says of Holy Saturday: Something strange is happening—there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth...
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Chrism Mass 2009

  Welcome to all you good People of God from throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore who come to show your respect and gratitude to your priests, and participate in the ancient rite of the Chrism Mass. May I begin by welcoming with a grateful heart on behalf of all of us our former shepherd, Cardinal...
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