Archbishop Lori’s Homilies

In these days we are reading a portion of St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians that exhorts us to conduct ourselves as authentic followers of Christ. At first glance, though, the rules he sets down seem strict, almost as if they are designed to take the joy out of life.Read More

An anniversary year rightly celebrates past accomplishments but it must also be a point of departure for a future full of hope. And in this moment we rightly find ourselves once again engaging in pastoral planning, focusing on the mission of evangelization, and looking at the mission priorities that will continue to make St. Isaac Jogues...Read More

If only we are willing, with the help of Mary’s prayers, to engage in the struggle against temptation and against sin in our Church and in our world – if only we cling to Mary, then those places in our hearts and in our culture, thought of as God-forsaken, will bloom with that newness of...Read More

Only a humility rooted in the truth and love of Jesus can make us servants who are ready to do whatever is necessary to rebuild God’s Household, his Church.Read More

In celebrating this parish anniversary, we really celebrate not so much the bricks and mortar that surround us, but rather the humble, loving deeds of mercy and goodness that envelop us, deeds performed by countless parishioners throughout these past fifty years, acts of service and love recorded in no history books, recounted in no oral tradition,...Read More

Paul calls us to a radical change of heart, the crucifixion of our flesh and its desires coupled with the opening of our hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who changes our hearts to resemble the Christ of the Beatitudes, such that our lives and the communities we shape...Read More

Although I am officially designated by the Pope as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, I shall strive simply to be your “interim pastor” as you await the appointment of a new bishop. And even if the circumstances that brought me here are indeed difficult, it is a pleasure to serve you and the Catholic...Read More

I am very happy for the opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you who carry forward the ministry of Catholic education in this Diocese. Day in and day out you devote your time, energy, talent, and skill in helping to form new generations to be men and women of faith who will also be...Read More

After three nights of prayer and reflection, we have gathered here at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen for this Holy Mass honoring two beloved Filipino saints, San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod.Read More

I am delighted to be here today at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital to celebrate Mass with you as you celebrate your 50th anniversary. I warmly greet Bradley Chambers, your President, the Board of Directors, Bishop Madden, Auxiliary Bishop and a member of the Board, and my brother priests who are here in good number. My warm greetings...Read More

The goal of this investigation is to arrive at the truth and justice for the good of individuals involved and for the common good of the Church we love. Please pray for an abundance of God’s wisdom that this process may proceed in a manner that is just, thorough, efficient, and above all, a source...Read More

We cannot let a day such as this pass without mentioning the names of Dr. Otho Smith and his son Dr. Josiah Smith, who were instrumental in building the first brick chapel here on the western side of South Mountain. Nor can we omit the name of Fr. John Jones who served as the first spiritual...Read More