Happy third Sunday of Easter! In these days of Easter, as we continue to rejoice in the Lord’s Resurrection, I pray that you are experiencing the power of His risen life in very real ways in your own life, through freedom from sin and a greater hope and faith in the promises He has made to us.
Our entire Archdiocese is looking forward to the installation of Archbishop Lori as our new shepherd on May 16 at the Cathedral of Mary our Queen. In the meantime, Cardinal O’Brien continues to serve as our apostolic administrator, caring for the people and parishes of Baltimore. At his urging, the parishes of our Archdiocese will each be taking part in a petition drive to bring to referendum the recently passed state bill that completely redefined marriage. The bill was moved and forced through the state legislature in such a way that many were left believing the best solution is simply to bring it to the people of Maryland as a whole, so that we can each have a voice in something so significant and radical as the very redefining of the institution of marriage. On the weekend of May 5 and 6 we will hold the petition drive here at OLPH. As we stand up for marriage, we must be mindful of our love and compassion for all individuals, but ask in return that our right to express our beliefs about this fundamental issue be treated with equal respect. I hope that you will join with me in adding your signature to the referendum petition drive so that each of our voices can be heard on so great and important an issue.
Please know of my prayers for you and your families this new week! God bless you all!
