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.

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.

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut, is the new chairman of the board of Baltimore-based Catholic Relief Services following his appointment by Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The native peoples of the Laguna community in New Mexico are a “living example” of perseverance in faith, Archbishop William E. Lori said Oct. 12 during a Mass at a historic 320-year-old mission church.

Clergy sexual abuse survivor Marie Collins kicked off a five-city U.S. speaking tour on “The Catholic Tipping Point” in Baltimore Sept. 10, noting that she is disappointed with the results of the Vatican summit on child protection and efforts toward accountability and transparency.

People from around the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston already have a good feeling about their new shepherd, Bishop Mark E. Brennan, who was installed Aug. 22 as the ninth bishop of the diocese.

Bishop Mark E. Brennan was welcomed Aug. 22 at St. Joseph Cathedral here as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, which encompasses the state of West Virginia, in a ceremony filled with song and applause.

Noting that he is an “earthen vessel” who sometimes make mistakes, Bishop Mark E. Brennan said he wants to be a “good shepherd” for the people of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.