As Holy Week begins, we read this year the Passion narrative from the Gospel of Mark. The narrative begins with an anonymous woman anointing the head of Jesus with expensive ointment. This is such an important moment it is mentioned in all four Gospels. (Mark 14, Luke 7, John 12, Read more…
Last night the Archdiocese of Seattle gathered at St. James Cathedral to celebrate the Chrism Mass. What a beautiful celebration of faith and mission! You can read my homily below, or watch the video which is also included. Check back later for more photos (I hope!) Blessings upon each of Read more…
Fr. Cantalamessa references the passage of Mary anointing Jesus (Mark 14:3, John 12:3) in his book, Come, Creator Spirit: Meditations On The Veni Creator. Granted, Fr. Cantalamessa is making a subtly different point, namely about breaking the alabaster jar, which releases the scent of the perfume, making a powerful analogy Read more…
Monday’s Gospel finds Jesus in Bethany, a small town just beyond the Mount of Olives. He is visiting his friends, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. (John 12:1-11) This account immediately follows the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, (John 11) and immediately precedes Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (John 12: Read more…
Holy Week and the great Paschal celebration draws near. In fact, the Chrism Mass is traditionally celebrated on the morning of Holy Thursday. “This Mass is a clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and the sacrifice of Christ, which continues to be present in the Church today.” (Ceremonial Read more…
Chrism Mass Homily Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral March 21, 2018 There are fundamental realities of the church that we celebrate tonight; The priority of Christ in his Church, and the life of Christ at work in the Church through the bishop, priests, and all those who are members of the Church Read more…
As we continue our Holy Week Journey, we find Jesus in Bethany with his dear friends, Lazarus, Martha and Mary. (John 12: 1-9) The cenacle where Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples is very near the temple. From there, one simply crosses through the Kidron valley and up Read more…
Here is the homily form this year’s Chrism Mass in Anchorage. You can skip to the bottom if you wish to view the slideshow. Good evening, and welcome! Just like parents are happiest when all the kids are home, nothing makes a bishop happier than a full house for a Read more…
The Church of the Diocese of Cheyenne gathered at St. Patrick in Casper for our Chrism Mass this evening. Despite winter weather across the southern part of the state, I’m told that attendance tonight was the largest gathered for a Chrism Mass in the history of the Diocese. Praise God! Read more…
Though not verbatim, here is the essence of my homily from last night’s Chrism Mass. Sorry, no pictures this year. CHRISM MASS HOMILY March 26, 2015; St. Patrick Catholic Church, Casper Wyoming The Most Reverend Paul D. Etienne, Bishop of Cheyenne The readings we have just heard announce the incredible Read more…