Follow Daniel Rudd’s lead
May 03 2012
The date was Jan. 4, 1889, the occasion the last day of the of what was the first Black Catholic Lay Congress.
Final Thoughts on Our Church
May 03 2012
It seems like only yesterday that I was soliciting names for my column in this venerable Catholic paper, so quickly has the time passed.
Fortnight for Freedom
Apr 19 2012
Last week, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a call to action to defend religious liberty and urged the lay faithful to work to protect this First Freedom of the Bill of Rights (see article on Page A3).
A Chrism Mass farewell
Apr 05 2012
Cardinal Edwin F. O’Brien gave the following homily at the Chrism Mass April 2 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, Homeland.
Welcoming Our New Shepherd
Mar 22 2012
Cardinal O'Brien shares his thoughts on Archbishop William E. Lori, whom he has known for many years.
Thoughts on our Church: To Rome with sobering thoughts of home
Feb 07 2012
As I go to Rome for next week’s consistory, at which I will be elevated to the College of Cardinals, I do so with thoughts of the faith and ethical traditions that have long marked the Church in Baltimore, and the ethical standards that have been the hallmarks of the Maryland “experiment.”
Thoughts on Our Church| Pope’s words should inspire us all
Jan 24 2012
Canon law requires each Catholic bishop to make a pilgrimage (or ad limina visit) to Rome every five years to report on the state of his diocese and, while there, to “venerate the tombs of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul and to present himself to the Roman Pontiff.”
Red Hat: One Size Fits All
Jan 12 2012
Gibbons, Shehan and Keeler are names synonymous with the history of Catholicism in Baltimore. The only Cardinals to head this historic Archdiocese over its long and storied history were each recognized for his own unique gifts and service to the Church. Vastly different men separated by years and the challenges of their day, all three were united in their shared love for the Church in Baltimore.
What Makes a Catholic Hospital Catholic
Jan 05 2012
Several times each year, patients suffering from rheumatic fever come to a Baltimore-area hospital for open heart surgery to repair their damaged hearts. They receive world-class medical care at no cost to them and they and their traveling companions are given complimentary hospitality until the patient is able to return home. St. Joseph Medical Center is the hospital where the surgery is performed and it is the Catholic institution that absorbs the cost of such a gift. This is one of countless examples of the uniqueness of St. Joseph’s and why its Franciscan, Catholic identity makes this hospital so special.
Our Christmas challenge
Dec 22 2011
Several years ago, I was celebrating Christmas Eve Mass in a far-off land, one which I can’t remember. As usual, for Christmas, the chapel was full. I welcomed those in attendance for the celebration, and made a point to especially acknowledge the presence of our non-Catholic friends who were joining us, as well as our Catholic sisters and brothers who might not have been to church in some time. Pointing to the center of the sanctuary, I said, “For your benefit, this is an altar.”
Cherish Gifts of Service
Dec 15 2011
In my four-plus years as Archbishop of Baltimore, I don’t recall ever seeing the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland as full as it was on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 6.
What’s Old is New Again
Dec 08 2011
“What’s old is new again.” This well-known expression sums up the vast majority of the comments I’ve heard since our Church began using the new translation of the Roman Missal, the prayers we say each week at Mass, Nov. 26-27.
Silent erosion of religious liberty
Nov 17 2011
“Religious Freedom expresses what is unique about the human person, for it allows us to direct our personal and social life to God, in whose light the identity, meaning and purpose of the person are fully understood,” – Pope Benedict XVI, Message for the World Day for Peace, January 1, 2011.
Veterans Need our Support, Prayers
Jun 09 2011
In 1970, a newly-minted Army chaplain, with airborne wings fresh out of “jump school,” I looked forward to my first leave on the Fourth of July weekend. I was to join a friend at the Boston Commons for the chance to hear the Boston Pops, under the direction of famed conductor Arthur Fiedler, play the standard patriotic musical fare and made plans to fly north.
Recovery Requires Help and Prayer
Jun 02 2011
One of the things I appreciate and admire most about the generous people of this Archdiocese is their instinctive desire to help others, especially in times of crisis.
Abuse report offers clarity, inspires resolve
May 18 2011
Often when the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse crisis is discussed, some defender of the Church will accurately point out that no other institution has done more to study itself and to create safeguards that protect children in the area of sexual abuse. While this may indeed be the case, it should not be a cause for congratulations. Instead our efforts should be seen as our willing acceptance of our responsibility to do what we can to protect children.
Attacks on Religious Freedom Still Exist at Home
May 05 2011
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
– First Amendment, United States Constitution.
Immigration a Test of Faith
Feb 25 2011
For many Catholics, there are some issues on which the Church’s teaching is difficult to accept. Immigration is seemingly one of these issues. Yet the underpinning for this teaching is the same that justifies our “position” on many other issues so often deemed obvious or “cut and dry” by the very same people.
A hard-hearted approach to immigration
May 06 2010
“If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.”
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It is a psalm sung in Catholic churches the world over, and a charge – our charge as Christians and followers of Christ for how we should treat others.
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Too often, however, we fail to heed this simple command. This is especially true when we find ourselves in the midst of conflict and debate.