I've tested for Covid-19. I feel fine, no pains, fever, or other symptoms. I'm sorry to miss being present this weekend at our Cathedral & with the Haitian community. I'll follow my doctor's advice & not be in public. I'll miss my annual retreat. I ask for your prayers. +WDG
Friends in Christ, In NYC about to board a flight to Rome for the Consistory. My heart brings the people that I have tried to serve & love in Chicago, Belleville, Atlanta & now DC. Keep me in your prayers as I welcome Pope Francis' invitation to assist him in his service .+WDG
Cardinal Bergoglio stood on St. Peter's Loggia 9 years ago today smiling warmly as Pope Francis. During his papacy, he's challenged us to care passionately for the poor, neglected, & disenfranchised. He does most clearly by his own personal actions. May God preserve him. +WDG
July 17th two Civil Rights champions crossed over to the fullness of God's Kingdom. CT Vivian & John Lewis helped our nation realize our calling to be a home for justice for all people. They served our country in many ways - always with valor & hope. May God grant them rest. +WDG
We thank God for the safety of the members of Beth Israel in Texas. Thanks also for the successful work of those public safety officials. We stand with our Jewish neighbors as they confront violence. May all who suffer hatred in their places of worship know of our prayers. +WDG
The US Supreme Court will take up the issue of DACA on Tuesday November 12th. Let us accompany that deliberation with our prayers for the thousands of young people who have come to depend upon that exemption. These fine young folks only enrich our nation with their presence.+WDG
Let us embrace the people living on the coasts of Louisiana, Alabama, & Texas in our prayers as they face the wrath of Hurricane Ida. May they be secure & safe in the days ahead & comforted by the prayers & concern of us all who accompany them with our spiritual closeness. +WDG
It was good to see the Holy Father today standing on the balcony of the hospital with his usual warm smile & gentle gestures of welcome. His surgery may have addressed medical issues, but his pastoral style & graciousness are clearly intact! Pray for his healing & comfort. +WDG
Today Pope Francis celebrates his 87th birthday. I, with our clergy, religious, & faithful wish him a most blessed birthday & we ask the Lord to continue to strengthen him as he guides the Church of Christ. It is fitting that this year his birthday is Gaudete Sunday! Card Gregory
Pope Francis celebrates his 84th birthday today. We in the Archdiocese of Washington extend to him our sincere best wishes & we ask God to bless him with good health, joy, and serenity of heart. He makes himself available & close to us. We now send Him our love & prayers. +WDG
We turn to the Mother of God, Our Lady Queen of Peace, & ask her to protect the people of Ukraine & strengthen people who continue to seek & pursue a diplomatic halt to this latest tragedy of war. This Ash Wednesday's fasting & prayer is an appropriate time to beg for peace. +WDG
I now invite all Catholics & folks of good will to pray for Benedict XVI. Pope Francis revealed that his health has deteriorated. He served our Church in many roles - priest, scholar, diocesan bishop, curial official, & Pontiff. May Christ reward him for his loving service. +WDG
Our Jewish neighbors begin the celebration of Hanakah tomorrow evening [November 28th] as they observe this feast until sunset December 6th. It is a festival of light as they recall the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. Let the miracle of light brighten all hearts. +WDG
Last year's Triduum was done in isolation. This year, we share these wondrous sacred events in limited numbers together. To our newest Catholics, I offer a word of heartfelt welcome. To those venturing out for church for the first time in a year, welcome home. Cardinal Gregory
All Saints is a solemn feast that invites us to recognize that holiness is an attainable pursuit. Our grandparents & parents, friends & neighbors are examples of those who achieved holiness by doing ordinary things with great love. God rewarded them with life everlasting. +WDG
Please join me & the folks of the Archdiocese of Washington in praying for our neighbors in Florida & our Southeastern neighbors in Georgia & the Carolinas as they prepare for this weather threat. We also pray for our friends in Texas who must now face another gun disaster. +WDG
Today offers many reasons to praise God. The gift of the Eucharist is recalled as a blessed treasure. Fathers are honored for their love. Freedom itself is highlighted on Juneteenth. Our 10 new priests bring a smile to each of us. How good God is for all of these treasures. +WDG
Our Jewish sisters and brothers now enter the holiest time in their liturgical calendar, we members of the Archdiocese of Washington offer them & all of their loved ones our warmest & prayerful regards. As they pray for peace, prosperity, & harmony, we are united with them. +WDG
Let us join our voices in praying for peace in Ukraine today. Let us petition Our Father to protect the people of this nation from all harm & violence. May Saints Timothy & Titus guard & sustain our Ukrainian brothers & sisters - today & always. Let peace be their legacy. +WDG
Francis started his papacy by asking people to pray for him & on every occasion since, he's repeated that plea. Today as he celebrates 10 years of papal ministry, I urge every Catholic to respond to his request with a prayer-simple & direct. Give him strength, wisdom & joy. +WDG
Today, I will visit 2 schools. They are intended to be joyful events for the schools & for me. I'll invite our students to pray for the students & staff killed in Uvalde & those murdered in Buffalo. Our kids must believe they are cherished & safe. These acts must stop now! +WDG
I now invite all of the people of the ADW and people of good will everywhere to join me in praying for Pope Francis that he quickly regains his health and strength in order to preside at the ceremonies of Holy Week so central to the life of our Church. Wilton Cardinal Gregory
The birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem is a source of joy for the whole world. I pray that the peace and reconciliation that Christ brought will be felt in every home and heart this day and throughout each day of 2022. +WDG
My favorite Collect is offered on Christmas eve: "Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus and do not delay..." The Church herself shouts like an excited child asking Jesus to hurry & come quickly. Catholics should be anxious for the arrival of the Prince of Peace. We so need Him. +WDG
If this were an ordinary moment, I would plan to attend Archbishop Pilarczyk's funeral in Cincinnati. He was a dear friend & mentor for me. His wit & wisdom were legendary & will be missed. Alas his funeral liturgy will be private. I pray the Lord reward him with peace. +WDG
I lost a cherished friend & mentor with the death of Archbishop Fiorenza. I was lucky to work with him as his Vice-President of the USCCB. His love for everyone in the Church was legendary. His Texas-sized heart - his home state brimmed over with love. +Wilton Cardinal Gregory
A Blessed Yom Kippur to our Jewish Brothers Sisters. This sacred time in your calendar is also a reminder of our common call to atonement for our sins & to deepen our trust in the God of Mercy. May you find great comfort in your prayers and fasting. We pray with & for you. +WDG
Our world observes war in Ukraine. Sadly other nations also live with brutality. Afganistan & Syria endure bloody conflicts & likewise many African nations. Israel has lost numerous lives to hatred. Palestinians endure limits. Our prayers must include every act of violence. +WDG
Our nation pauses today to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His courageous life & achievements surely deserve such recognition. Yet in remembering him, we must also resolve to continue the still remaining tasks. His memory both blessing & challenge. +Cardinal WDG
It is important to remember we're living in a temporary moment in history. We need the advantages that technology offers, but we must never forget that the personal, physical and sacramental encounters are what we are made for as humans and believers.
On this feast of St. Stephen, let's pray for our deacons [permanent & transitional] whose ministry continues the service of the first 7 chosen ones. Stephen is the first witness to Christ by his humble death. May all of our deacons witness to Christ's ministry of service. +WDG
Israelis were stunned yesterday as weapons rained down on neighborhoods at night. Hundreds were killed, captured & wounded. We all continue to live with far too much hatred & brutality. May all people of good will pray & strive for peace & the end of such hatred & violence. +WDG
Hawaii is often called an idyllic place & so it has been for folks lucky to have visited. Now, we are called to help the people of Maui to recover from this episode of awful destruction & loss. I ask everyone to keep Maui in prayer & to support relief efforts. Cardinal Gregory
9-11 one of those moments which lasts beyond an event. Continue to pray for those who died & those who grieve loved ones. The spirit of unity that resulted from the horror needs to be recalled & rediscovered. Thanks to all first responders then & now. They remain our heroes. +WDG
The people of the ADW join our prayers for those who have been injured or killed in the tragic accident at the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge. We pray for families who have lost loved ones & all 1st responders. The Lord comfort & protect them. +WDG
Today we rejoice in our national freedom. We must remember the price of freedom. We recall those who have secured it. We must find ways to safeguard this gift. Many people in our nation are not free from hunger, gun violence, racism or poverty. They long to be free. Cardinal WDG
Our former Shepherd James A. Hickey was born in Midland, Michigan 100 years ago today. He was a man of incredible wisdom & generosity. He served our Church faithfully in many offices: seminary rector at St. Paul's in Saginaw, the NAC, as bishop of Cleveland and in DC. RIP. +WDG
May the Lord grant us a thankful heart for all of the gifts that He lavishes upon us. From such a grateful heart may we be generous in sharing our blessings with those who are less fortunate & needy. Let the entire local Church of Washington resound with a hymn of thanks. +WDG
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites Christians to pray for that oneness for which Christ prayed. It is a chance to repent of any of our actions that have driven Christians apart. In our world so divided now by hatred, this week is a very important & needed time. +WDG
Pentecost is a festival of harmony that brings people from many different backgrounds into unity. It was also a moment of horror for people in Owo Nigeria who gathered to celebrate the gifts of God's Holy Spirit. May all who died or were harmed in that tragedy be at peace. +WDG
The medical reports are very hopeful. The technical medical info is more than most of us might be able to fully appreciate. His doctor's comment that Pope Francis has maintained a sense of humor is a sure sign the surgery was successful. Let's now keep him close in prayer. +WDG
The crowd resembling the one that heard the Apostles on that 1st Pentecost - people from everywhere listened to the prophetic call of MLK for America to dream. Archbishop O'Boyle offered a prayer that day along with others. We must pray today for that dream & a new Pentecost. WDG
St. Matthew's Passion account echoed within the empty DC Cathedral of St. Matthew. I paid more attention than in years past perhaps because of the starkness of the environment. From your own homes, I pray that you have the quiet to listen carefully to God's Word this week. +WDG
The pope's journey to Iraq reminds the entire world that hatred can never be the final word spoken – only the word hope. May he succeed in his efforts so that peace and friendship are given a rebirth.
We need a transparent way to tell the truth, to hold ourselves accountable, and to return to the central mission of our Church, which is Gospel concern for the poor and the proclamation of the message of Christ for the life of the world.
On July 4th we recall those solemn words that announce our national independence. Such words of hope & aspiration fit today. Today however we look for words to express our consolation & comfort for families who have lost loved ones in Illinois. We use such words too often. +WDG
The media will broadcast some more positive stories for a few days in addition to the usual barrage of war stories, robberies, muggings, & mass shootings. These positive tales should remind us that our "better angels" still work. Christ's birth, however, is the best story. +WDG
Today, on my first Easter as your
#WashArchdiocese
Archbishop, I'd like to extend to all of our faithful, clergy, and religious a sincere and heartfelt happy
#Easter
. May it increase our love for the Risen Lord, for our faith, and for one another.
Today may be the moment when kids awake & already anticipate going to bed early because they anxiously look for the day that will come tomorrow. Their eagerness for a new day should inspire everyone to long for the Gift of the Christ soon to dawn among us. Merry Christmas. +WDG
This evening at sunset, our Jewish neighbors & friends begin Passover. May this sacred time in their religious calendar bring their homes & hearts joy & good fortune. Let it usher in for all a renewed hope for peace throughout our world at this fragile moment in time. Card. WDG
The pandemic can and should bring us closer together as sisters and brothers. If that indeed is the case, then all of the pain and sorrow that the pandemic has left in its wake will be another way that God can employ to draw us together as His children.
On today’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees, we take a moment to turn outward to our fellow pilgrims on the road to sanctity. Let us have eyes to see and ears to hear the cry of those who suffer. May we defend human dignity and life in all its stages.
#WDMR2019
As we enter this sacred week-called Holy, let's recall that it's a time inviting us to seek holiness through compassion & generosity toward any who suffer injustice, any whose lives are threatened-even within the womb. Christ is a paragon of patience. Let us now imitate Him. +WDG
Our hearts are stunned at the loss of life & injury in Turkey and Syria. I invite you to support the efforts of CRS to respond to this crisis. I ask all of us to pray for these brothers & sisters who have endured such a tragedy. Let us bring them the hands & heart of Christ +WDG
Both occur at the same hour. They celebrate darkness illumined by lights. The Easter Vigil & the 4th of July fireworks are similar, but radically different. The Vigil highlights the freedom won by Christ's Paschal Mystery. Fireworks call us to cherish liberty. Happy 4th. +WDG
Let us continue to pray for the people whose lives have been impacted by the Corona virus as well as those who continue to care for them. I am deeply grateful for the genuine collaboration of our parishes who took steps to follow the safety measures adopted at our churches. +WDG
Memorial Day invites our nation to pause and give thanks for the countless men and women who have served in our armed forces throughout our history. We give special thanks for those who gave their lives for our freedom. May the Lord reward them for their generous devotion. +WDG
Our Memorial Day weekend releases a flood of happy energy delayed because of the pandemic. People are anxious to travel & visit with friends & relatives. We also must recall the sacrifices our military offered for our liberty over the years. God reward them & bless them. +WDG
Even in the uncertainty of this current situation, if we are open, God will use this moment to bring our hearts closer to Him. This disease will not get the best of us; rather, we implore our merciful God to use it to bring out the best in us.
We here in the ADW join people of good will everywhere in asking the All-Merciful Father to receive Elizabeth II into paradise & to comfort her family & all of the British community with the blessing of peace & consolation at this time of sorrow and loss. +Wilton Cardinal Gregory
Father is a divine title - one that lives perfectly within the union of the Trinity. When we think of earthly fathers, we hopefully glimpse the unique relationship between the Father and His Only Begotten Son.
#FathersDay
This Sunday is often called Good Shepherd Sunday because Jesus in the gospels is identified as the Good Shepherd. It is also a time to thank our priests serving us in the name of the Good Shepherd. They have been creative during the pandemic in continuing Christ's ministry. WDG
During moments like we are now experiencing, we may sometimes forget that God’s goodness is still to be found in our families, in our faith – even when we cannot share personally in the ritual celebrations that mean so much to us. God is good all the time!
The 4th Sunday of Lent is called Laetare-meaning to rejoice. We wear rose, suggesting our transition to Easter white. This weekend, our Church recalls St. Patrick-whose feast is replaced by the 5th Sunday of Lent. His celebration often brings us green a color of new life. +WDG
Congratulations to all of the parishioners of Saint Ignatius of Loyola in Port Tobacco, Maryland on your 160th Anniversary. What a legacy of faith you & the pioneer families have brought to that part of our
@WashArchdiocese
. Here's to your continued growth in faith and charity.
Since this pandemic has so devastated the lives of people across every continent, we can be confident that Mary will listen attentively to our pleas. We come before the Mother of the Church asking Her to heal and strengthen us in the face of this disease.
Our Archdiocesan John Carroll Society brings together so many great people with hearts for service & outreach. They sponsored our Red Mass & Brunch as the USA begins our new judicial term tomorrow. Keep our judges & lawyers in prayer as well as the JCS for their fine work. +WDG
Christ came to be the Light of our world, and we are all beckoned to remove those barriers that might hinder people from coming to Him and feeling welcome in the Church, which He established for all people.
We must confront the impact of many Catholics having been away from the Eucharist during the pandemic, and its influence on spiritual life. We must re-energize the desire to be with one another at Mass as an essential component of our ecclesial reality.
I have come to appreciate the exercise of writing a biweekly column as an invaluable means of connecting with the people of God in my diocese. That in mind, I am pleased to pick up where I left off with my new family of faith here in the
@WashArchdiocese
!
Congratulations & warmest best wishes to Ted Deutch, the new
@AJCCEO
of
@AJCGlobal
. I look forward to continuing my fruitful & valued collaboration with AJC under his skilled leadership. Wilton Cardinal Gregory
#Thanksgiving
is a moment to acknowledge how truly blessed we are as a people and as a nation. It is a day to praise God for His bounteous generosity and goodness!
The great privilege of sharing the sacrament of Christ with His people has given me many gracious opportunities to personally understand better the value and the importance of this cherished gift of Christ Himself in the Eucharist.
This is a fine collaborative effort in caring for the needy through the generous work of dental professionals, the University of Maryland, supportive sponsors, & countless volunteers helping achieve a corporal work of mercy with the zealous energy of ADW Catholic Charities. +WDG
A blessed and holy
#Advent
to each one of you, dear sisters and brothers in the Lord. Stay watchful, for He will surely come to each of us!
#ADWPerfectGift
The
#WashArchdiocese
priest convocation last week was my first, and it was a truly edifying experience. We prayed together, dined together, and above all else, we encouraged one another in the sacred ministry that we have received from Christ Himself.
For 4 decades, two national events have coincided this month: activities in observance of Roe v. Wade, & tributes honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Both are moments when we are invited prayerfully to consider the issue of the sacredness of human life.
Museums expose sorrow from the past, but also reveal the human spirit's resilience in spite of incredible obstacles. I take heart knowing about our history and also in being inspired by this indomitable spirit that arises in the face of injustice and pain.
How do we proclaim the enduring truths of faith to people who grew up with the internet, accustomed to constantly changing trends?
It remains our responsibility as evangelists to use the many vehicles of communications to spread the message of Christ.
As we draw closer to Christmas, may our hearts be filled with gladness that the gifts we can offer to our loved ones and to those in need make this a season of joy for all who give and for each person who benefits from the Christ-like kindness of others.
#Lent
urges us to consider offering some of what we sacrifice to those who lack so much. Our prayer must also lift up the poor, whose hardships go beyond these 40 days. Our sacrifices bring us to greater awareness of the everyday scarcities of the poor.
As we approach the holiday season, I pray that many families will be able to be together – perhaps for the first time since the pandemic. The holy season is a time for family hearts to be united.
October is
#RespectLifeMonth
, and the life issues that need Mary’s powerful help fit conveniently within the framework of the mysteries of the Holy Rosary. The Rosary can be a helpful means of reflecting on the precious gift of life.
Our Lord can bring great goodness out of human tragedy. The
#UnityWalk
stands as a reminder of our dedication to intercultural, religious, and racial harmony. We believe we are summoned to a brighter future together.
This endeavor is an example of the prudent and wise use of our natural resources. It serves as a welcome image of what can be achieved through a collaborative venture that brings together the Church, government, and industry to advance the common good.
@jlewDistrict
Jonathan, I am sure you were the reason that your parents could not take full advantage of the daylight savings time change when you were a toddler. Turn about is fair play! Good morning Daddy! What's for breakfast?