Archbishop Sartain and myself have released the following statement and prayer in response to the recent mass-shootings in our nation: News of the tragic shootings in California, Mississippi, Texas and Ohio has once again struck our nation to its core, as loved ones of all ages are suddenly and senselessly ripped from their families. Many others suffer life-threatening injuries, and still countless more are afraid and anxious. The violence must stop. As disciples of Jesus, we live by the way of peace and reject all forms of violence, hate and racism. This terrible spike in […]
Many of you already know that the US Catholic bishops gathered in Baltimore this week for three days of meetings. Upper most in our prayer and hearts, as well as our agenda – taking concrete actions to hold bishops accountable for sexual misconduct and irresponsible governance. Before getting to those actions, I wish to draw attention to other matters of business which were addressed: approved a revised passage on the death penalty for the US Catholic Catechism expressed support to continue to advance on local level the cause for canonization of Servant of God Irving […]
When I was introduced as the new Coadjutor Archbishop of Seattle, one of the Auxiliary Bishops gave me a book to read titled The Boys In The Boat, by Daniel James Brown. The book is about the young men who made up the rowing team for the University of Washington and went on to win gold in Berlin during the 1936 Olympics. It is a story of individuals, grit and determination, life, overcoming adversity, and the requisite ability to come together as a cohesive unit to work together as a team. In many ways, as […]
Well, friends, it has been quite a day! Before calling it a day, I wish to share with you the homily from today’s Mass of Reception at St. James Cathedral. I am now duly installed as the Coadjutor Archbishop of Seattle. Many thanks to Archbishop Sartain, Archbishop Pierre, Fr. Ryan and all who put together a marvelous celebration. Readings: Friday, 7th Week of Easter – Jeremiah 1:4-9, Acts 25:13-21; John 21:15-19 “Do you Love me?” Saints Peter & Paul & Blessed Mother Mary as Icons of Love Good afternoon! Archbishop Sartain, Bishops Elizondo and Muggenburg. […]
It is Friday afternoon, May 31, and I have left the chancery of the Archdiocese of Anchorage for the last time as the Archbishop of Anchorage. In the morning, I board a plane for Seattle. Please allow me one final word of encouragement, dear people of faith and of God. “They [Paul and Barnabas] strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith …” (Acts 14:22) As one reads the Acts of the Apostles, there is a long list of communities that received the Apostles, and marked the places where […]
After spending a few hours of fraternity with the priests of the Archdiocese of Anchorage, a church full of people gathered at the Co-Cathedral for a Mass of Thanksgiving. Below is the homily. I hope tomorrow to add some video and pictures (added below). Homily for Mass of Thanksgiving & FarewellCo-Cathedral, AnchorageMay 29, 2019 Readings: Acts of the Apostles 17:15, 22-18:1, John 16:12-15 It seems like just yesterday we were gathered here for an Installation ceremony, or for the imposition of the Pallium. And yet, here we are just two and a half short years […]
Vos estis lux mundi: You Are The Light Of The World, is the title of a motu proprio issued today by Pope Francis. With this document, the Holy Father demonstrates that he is taking decisive action to put in place universal norms to address the scourge of sexual abuse of minors and its cover up. Below is a brief summary of the significant points: All dioceses must have a public, accessible and reliable system for reporting: the sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults; possession or distribution of child pornography; use of violence or intimidation […]
As this new day dawns on the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena, I share with you the news that I am in Seattle for the announcement that Pope Francis has named me Coadjutor Archbishop of Seattle. The press conference will be 11:00 PT. While I am excited and surprised by this announcement, I know it will come as a shock to the People of God in the Archdiocese of Anchorage. Our time together has been too short, but I am mindful of a phrase in Sacred Scripture that refers to God’s timing, known as […]
Our Easter Octave continues … In today’s Gospel, we continue reading the resurrection story from the Gospel of John. We learn that when the Risen Jesus appeared to Mary, she did not recognize him, but rather mistook him to be the gardener. Let’s take a closer look at both of those reactions in our lives. (John 20: 14-15) “She did not recognize him.” How often do we not recognize the Risen Jesus in our lives? How do our preconceived notions about God, or our own human experience close our eyes to the mysterious ways the […]