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 […]
Perspective
It’s Not Your Life, It’s Not Your Death, It’s Not Your Choice
When I was an auxiliary bishop in the Los Angeles archdiocese some years ago, the state of California was militating in favor of physician-assisted suicide. During the campaign, while driving […]
Perspective
My Experience at the Synod
Now that I’ve had a bit of time to readjust to my normal rhythm and to think through the rather extraordinary experience of the last month in Rome, I would […]
Perspective
Many Things Are Not Permitted; Everything Can Be Forgiven
The washing of the feet on Holy Thursday, the veneration of the cross on Good Friday, the journey through the pivotal readings from the Old Testament during Saturday’s Easter Vigil, […]
Perspective
Don’t Give Up on the Liberal Arts
It has just come to my attention that Marymount University, a Catholic institution in Arlington, Virginia, has announced its intention to cut 10 traditional majors from its program, including philosophy, […]
Perspective
Inclusion and Exclusion
I would like to follow up on an earlier article I wrote on the notions of “inclusivity” and “welcome,” which have come to dominate the Catholic conversation in the lead-up […]
Perspective
Why Catholic Schools Matter
At the beginning of February, the Church in the United States celebrated Catholic Schools Week. I would like to take this opportunity to sing the praises of Catholic schools and […]