As I make my way to Hiroshima today to begin another pilgrimage of hope and peace to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, perhaps it would be helpful to give some background and reasons why nuclear weapons are such a threat to humanity. As Read more…
People filled St. James Cathedral for the Mass of Ordination today for Rev. Joseph Tapia-Beeman. The prayers and music made for a faith-filled and joyous celebration. The Livestream video and homily are below. More pictures to follow. You can learn more about Fr. Joseph in this article in the Northwest Read more…
On this feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary the Archdiocese of Seattle celebrates our 175th anniversary! May 31, 1850, Pope Pius IX created a new diocese of Nesqually in what was then called “Oregon Territory.” Today, exactly 175 years later, we come together in all our diversity to remember Read more…
This morning the bishops of Washington State filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a new law requiring bishops and priests (clergy) to violate the seal of confession. Governor Ferguson signed the bill into law on May 2nd and it is scheduled to take effect July 27 of this year. Read more…
Towards the end of this year’s legislative session, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill (SB5375) making all clergy mandatory reporters of abuse, with no exemptions for the privileged communication between priest and penitent during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This means that by Washington State Law, Catholic clergy are now Read more…
Today the world lost a great leader, a strong moral voice, and the Church lost our Good Shepherd. As I reflect upon the gratitude in my heart for the life and ministry of Pope Francis, I wish to capture a few thoughts in the hours following news of his death. Read more…
Tonight’s Easter Vigil is an experience of sensory overload! And such is the interior life of the Living God! Such is the life of the Risen Christ and what he offers to all who come to faith in him. And yet, the life of God does not overwhelm us, but Read more…
Jesus knew rejection and betrayal. From his birth there were those who recognized something divine and wonderful was happening, while one sought to take his life as if foreshadowing what his end would be. But before that could take place, God’s mission of love, sent into the world, had to Read more…
In addition to the Spring Passover full moon, the past few mornings there has been a brilliant star low on the Eastern horizon – which a bit of research indicates is probably the planet Venus. As I gaze upon this light in the pre dawn hours of this Holy Week, Read more…