Faithful companion: Bayley helps Archbishop Lori unwind

Note: This is part of a package of editorial content celebrating the 10th anniversary of Archbishop William. E. Lori’s installation as archbishop of Baltimore and the 45th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Read all the stories here.

After a busy day leading the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Archbishop William E. Lori can count on his 6-year-old golden retriever Bayley to help him decompress.

“He’s just a great companion,’’ Archbishop Lori said. “He’s got that typical golden retriever personality. He’s always happy to see me.”

When he’s not trying to abscond with a treat, Bayley plays a big role in Archbishop Lori’s ability to relax. In addition to being a great exercise companion on their daily walks, Bayley’s simple presence provides an additional respite.

“When I’m sitting down to read,” he said, “he’s right there and he has a way of helping to get your mind off things.”

Archbishop Lori said he always had dogs in his household while growing up in Louisville, Ky. He had golden retriever brothers, Barnes and Noble, when he was serving as bishop in Bridgeport, Conn., and was accompanied by Noble when he arrived in Baltimore in 2012.

Asked why he has always had golden retrievers, the archbishop said simply, “Love that face.”

Bayley, like Noble before him, has become a constant presence at the archbishop’s residence next to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and at his offices at the Catholic Center on Cathedral Street.

Father James Boric, rector of the basilica, looks after Bayley when Archbishop Lori is away for short periods of time. The archbishop’s executive assistant, Victoria Corfman, takes Bayley home for longer stays, where Bayley enjoys playing with Corfman’s dog Sherman.

Unlike the names of the archbishop’s previous dogs, Bayley came by his name in a more mundane fashion.

“I wasn’t as clever when I named him,” Archbishop Lori said. “Bayley just seemed to fit. It’s a great dog name.”

Bayley certainly fits right in at the Catholic Center.

“He’s obviously a dog that likes people,” Archbishop Lori said. “But he has his favorites. If he sees someone that he loves, he’ll just drag the leash right over toward them.”

Bayley can be seen by the archbishop’s side at several public events, including the annual St. Patrick Parade in Baltimore that travels along Charles Street, right by the archbishop’s residence. The dog is popular with the parade-goers.

In addition to liking people, Bayley likes food, and often has to be quarantined in another room if there are treats on a coffee table that he can reach. “He’s always foraging for food,” Archbishop Lori said. “And he can reach the kitchen counters.”

Email Gerry Jackson at gjackson@CatholicReview.org

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