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 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

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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. cathstan.org/voices/cardina…