Memorial – Life on the Chrism Trail

Homily for Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Memorial Mass for Deceased Basselin Alumni and Professors at the School of Philosophy of the Catholic University of America

February 28, 2025
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Washington, D.C.

Wisdom 3:1-9
Romans 5:17-21
Matthew 5:1-12

We are summoned by God in His compassion here today as a family to offer this Eucharist in memory of Theodore Basselin and of our departed professors, colleagues, friends, and brothers who like so many of us received so much through the gift of the Basselin scholarship. Whenever God summons the Church to worship Him at Mass, He offers each and all of us a sign of hope and invites us to offer an act of hope. This is most clearly true when the Eucharist is offered for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed.

Homily for the Memorial of Saint John Paul II

October 22, 2024
Saint John Paul II Catholic Church
Denton, Texas

Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10
John 21:15-17

We celebrate the Memorial of Saint John Paul II, the patron saint of your parish, who was a friend to young adults throughout his ministry as a priest and particularly during his pontificate. He was the pope who inaugurated World Youth Day to bring young people together from around the world that they might know that they are not alone and that they should have courage to be proud of their faith so much as to share it always. So often, Saint John Paul II repeated the words of Jesus in many places in the Gospel, “Be not afraid!” It is in seeking this saint’s intercession that I come to you as a friend and as your bishop.

Homily for the Memorial of St. Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Diocesan In-Service for Teachers

October 15, 2021
Nolan Catholic High School
Fort Worth, Texas

Romans 8:22-27
Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11
John 15:1-8

Today in our life as the Church we celebrate the memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus also known as Saint Teresa of Avila, the great Carmelite Reformer and Doctor of the Church. Saint Teresa writes, “Let nothing trouble you, let nothing frighten you, everything passes but God remains. Patience attains all, he who possesses God lacks for nothing; God alone suffices.”