Essays and Messages

Crises bring out the best and worst in people and in their decisions. We have seen so much of “the best” in the courageous sacrifice of our health care workers, first responders and other essential personnel who are keeping us supplied with medicine, food and so many other needs.

At this confusing and difficult time, I wanted to assure all of the faithful that I am with you all in my thoughts and prayers.  Most importantly, however, I want to remind you that God is present among us, always.  Of this we can be sure. When we look at the life of the Lord Jesus, we see how often throughout the Gospels, the Lord is so very close to the poor, the sick and the suffering. He brought them healing, comfort and strength to endure the adversities they face. His only requirement was faith. The Holy Scriptures in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah remind us that surely Christ took upon himself our pain and bore our suffering. By his wounds we are healed.

Annually, on the First Sunday of Lent, Catholic bishops throughout the world celebrate the "Rite of Election” in their dioceses and archdioceses.  As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, I had the privilege of doing so on Sunday, March 1, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert in Freehold.

It is clear from the beginning of this holy season of Lent that the Church wants us to focus in a special way on the Passion of Christ as the path to Easter glory. One cannot do that without recourse to the four Gospels and what are referred to as the “Passion narratives” there, those sections of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John that take up the story of Jesus saving death on the cross. I would like to highlight one “part” of that story.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has shared the message of the Holy Father for this year’s “World Day of the Sick.”  On this feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, let us pray that she will intercede for all the sick of our Diocese, asking her Divine Son to touch their hearts with healing and peace.

Each year, the Catholic Church celebrates the World Day for Consecrated Life. Instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1997, the celebration is in conjunction with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day, commemorating the coming of Christ, the Light of the World, through the symbolic lighting of candles. Similarly, consecrated men and women are called to spread the light and love of Jesus Christ through their unique witness of selfless service, such as caring for the poor, the contemplative work of prayer, or through their professional careers.

Every generation has the obligation and responsibility to educate the next generation. That involves the teaching of subjects like math and science, language and literature, history and health, among others.

On behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton, I extend congratulations and prayerful best wishes to Archbishop-elect Nelson Perez, the newly appointed 10th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Welcome home! May the Lord give you every grace and blessing in the years ahead as you shepherd the Church of Philadelphia.