Last Wednesday I wrote with reverence and gratitude about Cardinal John O’Connor, our prophetic and heroic archbishop from 1984 – 2000, on the 100^th anniversary of his birth.

Today, as our nation marks his birthday, allow me to reflect on another towering pastor, prophet, hero, and martyr, The Reverend Martin Luther King. About him, too, do I write with reverence and gratitude.

The federal government only notes the birthdays of four people as national holidays: The Reverend King; two presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, on the same day; and Jesus.

Washington…

Happy 100^th birthday, John Joseph O’Connor!

We were blessed to have you as our shepherd from 1984-2000.

Never can we forget you!

While there are so many gifts you gave that prompt our gratitude to this day, we especially prize your prophetic fortitude in defending the sanctity of human life – from the baby in the womb to the fragile ill and elderly – and the dignity of the human person – especially the worker, minorities, immigrants, the poor, AIDS patients, and special needs kids.

You were maligned as a…

The last thing we need right now is yet another “know-it-all” commenting upon the tragedies in El Paso and Dayton.

So let me start by acknowledging I’m hardly a “know-it-all.” Like you, I find myself asking “why?” and failing to get many answers.

Yet, I also realize I am consoled and inspired by what I see in our country as thoughtful people respond to this horror, and I thank them for that. Here are a few examples:

One, I notice that, when most people hear of the violence, their first words are, “Oh, my God!” I saw that myself Sunday…

I’d like to share with you a powerful statement by my brother Bishop Checchio of the Diocese of Metuchen on the Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act, which recently passed in New Jersey. Here’s an excerpt:

On August 1, the new law, the “Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act,” into effect in our state. It permits physician-assisted suicide for competent, New Jersey residents over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have six months or less to live. Physician-assisted…

July 13, 2019

Dear friends in the Lord:  

I was pleased to celebrate Mass at the convent of Mother Saint Frances Cabrini, the patroness of immigrants and refugees, at her Shrine in Washington Heights.

I was moved as I recalled her work among Italian immigrants in the United States in the 19th and early 20th century. This work inspires me today as the Church continues to welcome immigrants from so many …

It might seem odd that someone like me would try to deny the existence of a miracle. But, there’s a first time for everything, and I’m here to tell you that the 1969 Mets were no miracle.

Surprising? Perhaps. Amazing? No question.

But a team that included Cleon Jones and Tommie Agee, Art Shamsky and Ron Swoboda, Ed Kranepool and Donn Clendenon, Buddy Harrelson, Ken Boswell, Ed Charles, Wayne Garrett, and Jerry Grote, plus a pitching staff of Jerry Koosman, Gar Gentry, Nolan Ryan, Tug McGraw, Don Cardwell, with…

Thanks for the invitation to return here to the Metropolitan Club and speak with you once again.  After giving a talk anywhere, I always say, “Hey, invite me back!”  Usually they don’t.  You did!  Thanks!  I feel at home here.

You are aware from the gracious introduction that I was born and raised in St. Louis.  My idol growing up was not a priest, or even a saint – – although I certainly admired our priests and loved the saints – – but “Stan the Man Musial,” one of the greatest baseball players ever. …

I just went next door to our own beloved Cathedral, Saint Patrick’s, to ask the intercession of Notre Dame, our Lady, for the Cathedral at the heart of Paris, and of civilization, now in flames! God preserve this splendid house of prayer, and protect those battling the blaze.

Today, with a home field advantage in the New York Times, Governor Cuomo linked me with the “religious right.”

This is something new from the governor.  He did not consider me part of the “religious right” when seeking my help with the minimum wage increase, prison reform, protection of migrant workers, a welcome of immigrants and refugees, and advocacy for college programs for the state’s inmate population, which we were happy to partner with him on, because they were our causes too.  I guess I was part of the “religious left” in those cases.

The civil rights…

Yesterday, the nation fittingly observed the birthday of the Reverend Martin Luther King.  To think he could still be with us at 90 years of age!  We sure need him!

His message, while profound in its effect, was rather simple:  we are all God’s children, made in His image.  Thus do we treat ourselves and others with dignity and respect.  The dignity of the human person– regardless of race, economic status, or condition– and the sanctity of all human life, no matter what stage or color, was his creed. 

I…