When I came to Alaska, I had no idea they experienced so many earthquakes. There are numerous tremors daily. Many Alaskans have apps on their phones just to track the size and number of these events. In the fourteen months I’ve lived here, I have felt at least three earthquakes. Read more
In recent months, I’ve been prayerfully asking: “What kind of Church is God calling us to be today?” I believe that much of the answer lies in the papacy of Pope Francis. As St. Francis himself was called to ‘Renew my Church” I believe we are being called to a Read more
On this Feast of the Holy Family, our attention is drawn to the early days in the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It is important to look intently at this Holy Family, especially during the Christmas season, to learn from them how every family grows in holiness. First of Read more
I celebrated Mass today with the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus who live and work here in Anchorage. (Pictured left from a previous visit.) Before we began, they asked me to offer the Mass for the six sisters from their community who were kidnapped in Nigeria several weeks Read more
One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. (John 13:23) These words describe the profound relationship that existed between Jesus and the Apostle, John. The same reference is made in the Gospel for today’s Feast, (John 20:2). Does this describe my relationship with Jesus? Read more
Christmas Homily, 2017 Merry Christmas! First, I wish to greet all who are joining us tonight either by radio or television. I also wish to thank the families who came together to sponsor the broadcast of this year’s Midnight Mass. You know who you are! To those here present, or Read more
Rev. Steven Moore, a somewhat iconic priest of the Archdiocese of Anchorage, ‘made it home for Christmas’ today, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. In the coming days, there will no doubt be numerous tributes paid to this incredible man and priest. Fr. Moore was battling cancer when Read more
On this 20th of December, my predecessor, Archbishop Emeritus Roger Schwietz, OMI celebrates his 50th anniversary of ordination as a priest. We had a Mass this evening at Our Lady of Guadalupe to mark the occasion. Bishop Andrew Belissario of Juneau was present, along with a good number of priests, Read more
Archbishop Etienne is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. John Harmon as the new Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Anchorage. John brings with him a vast amount of business, legal and pastoral experience as a former teacher, college president, ‘Fortune 100’ corporate attorney, and a Catholic high school principal. Read more
From my years as a student in Rome, I have had a great love for the Communion of Saints. But, St. Nicholas, whose feast we celebrate today, has been a favorite from my youth. Granted, my early memories are of the excitement going to bed the night before, anticipating what Read more