Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, was elected the 266^th bishop of Rome on March 13, the first full day of the conclave. His election marks at least two firsts: our new Holy Father is the first pontiff from the Americas and also the first Jesuit pope. More »

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to travel to the Holy Land? How much meaning Lent and Easter would have if we and our families could walk where Jesus suffered, died, was buried, and rose from the dead! More »

It’s ironic, but true: The closer we get to Jesus, the more sin we find in our hearts. It’s not because we have become more sinful. Rather, it’s because the Holy Spirit has put us under a more powerful microscope. More »

O Lord, I come before you just as David did so many years ago. I come freely admitting my sins. I come humbly, acknowledging that my offenses have been an affront to your holiness, your justice, and your love. Have mercy on me, Lord! More »

When I celebrate baptisms, I love to ask for the help of a child in the congregation, preferably an older sibling of the baby being baptized. More »

I never saw myself as a speaker for the missions. To me, mission speakers were always nuns or priests who spoke eloquently about their cause, effortlessly encouraging parishioners to make generous donations. More »

Brothers and sisters, let us intercede for our Pope Emeritus Benedict as he begins his new life of prayer for the Church. More »

Today, with the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, we begin a new chapter in the long history of our Church. No doubt, the Holy Father’s decision to step down will be discussed, dissected, and analyzed for centuries to come. For myself, I see it as the humble and selfless act of a man with heroic love for Jesus and the Church. More »