I. Introduction A. A few years ago, when I served as Bishop of Bridgeport, Connecticut, I celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany in a large multi-cultural parish. St. Peter’s on Colorado Avenue was predominately Spanish-speaking, with parishioners from Mexico as well as Central and South America. There were also parishioners from various countries in Africa...Read More

I. Introduction A. Dear brother priests, dear sisters, dear friends and discerners: I’m glad to join all of you who are making this discernment retreat and to offer Holy Mass with and for you during these days when, in a very special way, you seek the will of God in your lives. In particular, I...Read More

I. Introduction – The Soul of Brevity Dear family members and friends of our seminarians, All day long the seminarians have been insisting that my homily tonight should be no less than 45 minutes and that it should delve into the most obscure aspects of the Incarnation. But I urged our seminarians, please to restrain...Read More

I. Accessibility: Is God Accessible? Sometimes I think accessibility is the name of the game. You can’t construct a new building without making it accessible to one and all. When we need a ride, we expect an Uber car to pick us up in a matter of minutes. When we go on the internet or...Read More

I. Introduction A. Many years ago, when I was a newly ordained and inexperienced priest, I visited a parishioner in the hospital. She was suffering terribly, and to tell you the truth, I was lost for words. I think I stammered something about trying to find God in the midst of her suffering as I...Read More

I. “Are You the One Who Is To Come?” A. From time to time, we may find ourselves alone, even isolated, perhaps cooped up at home or hospitalized. When we are alone and isolated for long periods, so many thoughts and emotions crowd in upon our minds and hearts. Questions come into our minds, questions...Read More

I. Introduction A. On May 10th, 1846, Archbishop Samuel Eccleston, the 5th Archbishop of Baltimore, gathered with twenty-two bishops of the United States here at this Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady. Together they celebrated the opening Mass of the 6th Provincial Council of Baltimore, one in a series of 19th century councils that...Read More

I. Introduction A. What a pleasure to be with all of you this evening to spend a little time together during this season of Advent to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. I’ve had the privilege of being with a number of you for breakfast – the Catholic Charities Leadership Breakfast at...Read More