Perspective
Recent Supreme Court Rulings Support Parents in Their Vocation
Three recent decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States reflect the need to protect children when it comes to issues of human sexuality, now more than ever. We […]
Perspective
The Kingdom of Caesar and Peter the Rock
I was in Rome in early May, providing commentary for various news networks that were covering the papal conclave. It was a fascinating, exhausting, and exhilarating seven days! And it […]
Perspective
The Eloquent Ambiguity of ‘I Believe’
There is an eloquent ambiguity in the way in which the opening word of the Nicene Creed has come down to us. Our best evidence suggests that in the formula […]
Perspective
Vocations and Evangelization: Approaching a Diocesan Synod
I had the privilege of participating as an elected delegate in the two sessions of the Synod of Bishops on synodality in Rome. At the forefront of our conversations during those […]
Perspective
The Witness of a Consecrated Life
Recently, the diary of a young North Korean soldier killed in Ukraine came to light. What attracted most commentary was the revelation that he and his unfortunate colleagues were being […]
Perspective
Thoughts from the Synod
I returned just a few days ago from the second session of the Synod of Bishops on synodality in Rome, and I will confess to feeling a tad exhausted. As […]
Perspective
As I Leave for Second Session of the Synod
As I compose these words, I am preparing to depart for Rome for the second session of the Synod of Bishops on synodality. As I shared with you a year […]
Perspective
The Eucharistic Congress and the Primacy of the Supernatural
Having just returned from the magnificent National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, I can honestly say that those several days constituted one of the greatest moments in my 38 years as […]
Perspective
The Higher You Go Liturgically, the Lower You Should Go in Service of the Poor
This past week was one of the most liturgically rich of my priesthood. As part of the National Eucharistic Revival, the Marian Route of the pilgrimage was making its way […]
Perspective
Three Countercultural Promises of a Priest
In early June, I will ordain three men to the priesthood for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. Ordaining priests is the greatest privilege that I have as a bishop. Period. […]
Perspective
He Saw the Cloths and Believed: Faith and the Shroud of Turin
As we continue in the Easter season, we can reflect back on the Gospel for Easter Sunday. It is from St. John’s account of Easter morning (Jn 20:1-9). We are […]
Perspective
Let Lent Be Lent
Two items came across my radar screen as we began the holy season of Lent. The first was a short video of a disco rave that took place (I’m not […]