I’d like to share with you a column I wrote about our  duty, as Americans and as people of faith, to welcome the stranger:

One of the most vivid memories of my childhood was the arrival of four religious sisters — nuns — from Ireland, who were coming to my hometown of Ballwin, Missouri to begin teaching in the brand-new grammar school of Holy Infant parish.

I was only 7 years old, but I will never forget the extraordinary lengths our entire community went to in order to make these newcomers, these strangers, these immigrants, feel welcome and at home.

That imperative to…

Statement of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, on the Retirement of Bishop Walsh

Today, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, accepted the retirement of Bishop Gerald Walsh from the office of auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of New York.

Bishop Walsh has served this archdiocese for 50 years, as parish priest, pastor, Director of Family and Children Services of Catholic Charities, Rector of Saint Joseph’s Seminary, Vicar for Development, and Secretary to Cardinal John O’Connor.

As required by Canon Law, Bishop Walsh submitted to Pope Francis his letter offering his retirement on the occasion of his 75th birthday this past April.  I am grateful that our Holy Father took…

I was just catching up on my reading when I came across this excellent article by John L. Allen Jr. from July 30th, and I wanted to share it with you. Here’s an excerpt:

Since the rise of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, every religious minority in the region has suffered, with Christians leading the pack because of their numbers and visibility. A variety of international groups, including the U.S. government, has recognized those Christians as victims of “genocide.”

The devastation has been staggering. In Iraq in 2003, there were an…

Good morning everybody! It’s our last morning here in Lourdes. Thank you for being with us! You’ve been good company and we’ve held you up high in prayer, especially at the Grotto where our Blessed Mother appeared to Saint Bernadette.

We’ve gotten so many great messages from you, asking for prayers and remembrance. Thanks for sticking with us!

A blessed Sunday from Lourdes! Thanks for accepting my invitation to join us spiritually on this pilgrimage.

I’m glad you’re accompanying us on our pilgrimage! Here we are at the famous Grotto of Massabielle.

Good morning everybody! It’s a beautiful day here in Lourdes, where we’re on a pilgrimage sponsored by the Sovereign Order of Malta.

Saturday I celebrate Mass at the Grotto in Lourdes. I’d be honored to remember your intentions at Mass, if you wish to share them here with me.

I’m at Lourdes on pilgrimage with the Knights of Malta! Pilgrimage is all about helping one another, just like we do in life. Stick with me and I’ll fill you in about our pilgrimage and the shrine at Lourdes!