I. Introduction A. Father Ward, Father Wible, brother deacons, and dear parishioners: what a pleasure to be with you this afternoon and to offer Holy Mass as you bring to a conclusion a year-long celebration of a trifecta of anniversaries: the 150th anniversary of the Stone Chapel; the 50th anniversary of the parish of St....Read More

I. Introduction A. What a day of joy and grace for the Archdiocese of Baltimore as we ordain two Auxiliary Bishops, Bishop Parker and Bishop Brennan. Archbishop Pierre, please convey to Pope Francis the deep gratitude of this entire community of faith for his pastoral love in appointing these bishops for service to this local...Read More

I. Meaning of the Word “Demands” A. Warmest thanks for the opportunity to be part of the broader discussion on faith, sexuality, and the meaning of freedom. At the moment we are focusing on one aspect of that discussion, namely, the “demands” of faith in a dynamic cultural setting. B. A clarification of the word...Read More

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. Every Christmas night, long after gifts were exchanged and the dishes were washed, mom and dad would gather us together to look at old family photographs – some neatly stowed in albums, others waiting patiently to be put in an album. Those photos always brought back memories, along with laughter and tears....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. Introduction A. It is a joy to be with all of you so near to the feast of Christmas and on this joyful occasion of the installation of Fr. Collin Postin as your pastor. Thank you for warmly welcoming him as he began his pastoral service here at St. Anthony’s and at Our Lady...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