Archbishop William E. Lori released Jan. 21 his second pastoral reflection in 12 months on the effects of racism on society. “The Journey to Racial Justice: Repentance, Healing and Action” was to be released by the archbishop at St. Bernardine Parish in West Baltimore on the day that commemorates the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore added to the massive pro-life presence Jan. 18 at the 46th annual March for Life and the youth rally and Mass that preceded it at Capital Arena. 

Delivering the invocation at Gov. Lawrence Hogan Jr.’s second gubernatorial inauguration Jan. 16, Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori asked God to bless Gov. Hogan and Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford with wisdom, courage and love.

Archbishop William E. Lori and Bishop Adam Parker held a Jan. 15 news briefing at the Catholic Center to discuss the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s ongoing response to the clergy abuse crisis.

During a Jan. 11 presentation at the Baltimore Basilica, the successor of St. John Vianney as the Curé of Ars in France described St. John Vianney’s commitment to the mercy of God.

The Independent Review Board that assists the Archdiocese of Baltimore with child protection efforts issued the first of what will be annual reports regarding the archdiocese’s response to child sexual abuse within the church.

At the requests of the bishops of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the Independent Review Board, which assists the archdiocese with child protection efforts, created a Bishop Reporting Initiative to ensure proper reporting of allegations against bishops, believed to be the first of its kind in the nation.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore “has been found compliant with all audited Articles of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for the 2017-18 audit period,” according to a letter to Archbishop William E. Lori from StoneBridge Business Partners, which conducts the audits on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Kimberley Frazer was on hand to accept the Culture of Life Medal of Honor in recognition for her work with pregnant mothers throughout Baltimore.

A funeral Mass was offered for School Sister of Notre Dame Mary Constance “Connie” Baker Jan. 11 at Villa Assumpta in Baltimore. She died Dec. 29, 2018, at age 75.