Page 1793 – Archdiocese of Baltimore

LORENZAGO DI CADORE, Italy – To the disappointment of the media and local residents, Pope Benedict XVI, who arrived at his mountain vacation lodgings July 9, did not venture beyond the villa’s superprivate property until late July 11.

Baltimore educators to share Texas-Mexico border experience

Once two nuns and an associate of the School Sisters of Notre Dame returned to Baltimore after witnessing the immigration and border issues at the Texas-Mexico boundary last month, they learned the U.S. Senate failed to produce an immigration-reform bill.

Military priests describe new archbishop as caring, capable

As a former military chaplain and Archbishop for the Archdiocese for the U.S. Military Services for 10 years, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien has touched the lives of many in the armed forces.

Teens learn about justice on streets of Baltimore

Twenty-one youths from across the archdiocese sat and listened in awe, July 11, as Michael Austin told the story of how, as an innocent man, he was convicted of murder and armed robbery. The crowd of young people participating in Justice Action Week July 8-13, joined peer leaders and chaperones at Our Lady of Pompei, Highlandtown, to listen to Mr. Austin talk about being convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, how he made the most of his 26 years in jail and how he has forgiven those who wrongfully put him there. “No matter your circumstance, you can overcome it,” said Mr. Austin, who while in prison acquired his GED and took college courses. “Prison is a state of mind.”

Special Mass offered to Filipino teachers as they arrive in Baltimore

With the arrival of about 110 new teachers from the Philippines to fill open slots in Baltimore area schools, the Catholic community seized the opportunity to welcome about 65 of the foreign educators with a special Mass and reception July 11.

Bishops speak about new Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien

Baltimore bishops reacted positively July 12 to news of the appointment of Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien as Baltimore’s 15th archbishop, describing the new leader as “a good shepherd in the sense that he will be a good teacher, a good pastor of souls.”

Baltimore welcomes new archbishop

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Baltimore, buzzed with excitement, July 12, as Catholics gathered to meet Pope Benedict XVI’s newly appointed head of the Premier See, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien.

Pastors who celebrate Tridentine Mass speak about its appeal

WASHINGTON – Like sacred music and Michelangelo’s “Pieta” sculpture, the Tridentine Mass is part of the church’s heritage and should be honored rather than defamed, a Chicago priest said.

One family’s struggle with immigration woes

When a Catonsville mother of four recently took her oath as a naturalized citizen of the United States, the event proved to be bittersweet.

Polish priest faces possible jail time after controversial remarks

WARSAW, Poland (CNS) — A Redemptorist priest who runs Poland’s largest Catholic broadcast agency faces possible jail time after describing Polish President Lech Kaczynski as “a crook subservient to the Jewish lobby.”

Cardinal Keeler retires; Archbishop O’Brien succeeds him

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Baltimore Cardinal William H. Keeler July 12 and named Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of the Archdiocese for the Military Services to succeed him. The changes were announced in Washington by Msgr. Martin Krebs, charge d’affaires of the Vatican nunciature. Archbishop O’Brien will be formally installed as archbishop of Baltimore Oct. 1.

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien named 15th archbishop of Baltimore