Pope Francis announced Dec. 8 that he has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Edwin F. O’Brien as Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Catholics are encouraged but not obligated to attend Mass Dec. 9 in honor of the observed solemnity. As always, Mass attendance on Sunday is obligated.

Two weeks after returning from the National Catholic Youth Conference, Isabel Sans remains moved by the spirit she encountered in Indianapolis, and not just from 20,000 like-minded pilgrims.

Two millennia after Mary and Joseph crossed a border and encountered closed doors, agencies and parishes across the Archdiocese of Baltimore heed the Gospel call to welcome the stranger.

Vatican officials are moving ahead with the cause for sainthood for Mother Mary Lange, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori said Thursday in Rome.

A delegation from the Archdiocese of Baltimore presented Pope Francis with a custom-made Ravens jersey signed by Coach John Harbaugh, a Catholic, and quarterback Lamar Jackson during a Dec. 3 audience at the Vatican. They also gave the Holy Father a “spiritual bouquet,” a book produced by the Archdiocese of Baltimore that contains prayers and greetings from people across the archdiocese in celebration of the pope’s upcoming 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

As people on pilgrimage often report, what happens along the way can be just as important as what happens at the destination.

Father Michael W. Carrion, a longtime Baltimore County pastor known for his strong work ethic and boundless hospitality, died suddenly Nov. 30.

To have the U.S. bishops making their “ad limina” visits now is “very providential, a sign of God’s love for us,” Archbishop William Lori said.

The example of St. Peter and the teaching of his successor encourage bishops to serve their flocks “willingly and generously,” Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore said.