Just a few days ago, our USCCB Retreat concluded. We gathered at the request of Pope Francis, and enjoyed the direction and wisdom of the Preacher of the Papal Household, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM. With nearly 280 bishops registered, which is a similar number of those who are present for Read more
This Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as Guadete Sunday. As we progress in the Advent season, we are to rejoice at the approach of our Savior. Today’s readings focus our attention on John the Baptist, who pointed the way to Christ, and serves as a model of how Read more
On Tuesday this week I had the pleasure of visiting one of our assisted living facilities to have Mass with the residents and staff. After Mass, I also was able to celebrate the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick with many of the people who were present. Such moments never fail Read more
Last Friday morning, within 30 minutes of the 7.0 earthquake that struck the Anchorage area, I received a phone call from the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre. He was concerned of the report he heard, and wanted to know how the people of the Archdiocese were Read more
Spending time with today’s Mass readings, prayers, and scripture from the Liturgy of Hours drives home a strong invitation from this Advent season: conversion of life to the LORD. What stands out most is the call to grow in good deeds to others. Spend some time praying and reflecting on Read more
In some ways, our earthquake, ‘end of times’ experience yesterday, and the aftershocks through the night, were too graphic of an ‘ending’ to this liturgical year. Though it felt somewhat ‘like the end’ several times yesterday, here is a reflection to begin the new liturgical year and Advent. May this Read more
Dear friends, thanks for all the prayers and offers of assistance today. At 8:29 this morning, a 7.0 earthquake struck 7 miles north of Anchorage, 25 miles below the earth’s surface. It went on for quite some time. I’m happy to report that for such a strong earthquake, we have Read more
Thirty three years ago, seven sisters from Mexico came to Anchorage to establish a monastery of the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Today is the feast day of their foundress, Blessed Sister Mary Magdalene of the Incarnation. On this special day, the community gathered in their chapel to consecrate the first Read more
For various reasons, I have been slow to share my own thoughts with you about our USCCB meeting in Baltimore earlier this month. I needed time to sit and pray with all the events and input of the week. I am sure about two things, one; the People of God Read more
During this week leading up to the USCCB meeting of bishops in Baltimore, all bishops will this week intensify our prayer. We invite all who are inclined to do so to please join us. Our intentions for this period of focused prayer and sacrifice are listed in the letter below, Read more