On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, Cardinal Francis George, President of the USCCB released the following statement regarding the passage of the health care reform bill by the House of Representatives on Sunday, March 21, 2010.

For nearly a century, the Catholic bishops of the United States have called for reform of our health care system so that all may have access to the care that recognizes and affirms their human dignity. Christian discipleship means, “working to ensure that all people have access to what makes them fully human and fosters their human dignity” (United States Catechism for Adults, page 454). Included among those elements is the provision of necessary and appropriate health care.

For too long, this question has gone unaddressed in our country. Often, while many had access to excellent medical treatment, millions of others including expectant mothers, struggling families or those with serious medical or physical problems were left unable to afford the care they needed. As Catholic bishops, we have expressed our support for efforts to address this national and societal shortcoming. We have spoken for the poorest and most defenseless among us. Many elements of the health care reform measure signed into law by the President address these concerns and so help to fulfill the duty that we have to each other for the common good. We are bishops, and therefore pastors and teachers. In that role, we applaud the effort to expand health care to all.

Well folks, last evening was historic for the United States of America as the House of Representatives voted and passed a comprehensive health care reform bill. I personally stand with the USCCB and oppose the bill, mainly because of its negligence to protect the sanctity of all human life. Despite what our elected officials do in Washington, we must remember to treat everyone with respect and courtesy. All we can do is pray for those who are entrusted with making our voices heard. If our elected officials do not uphold our concerns, than we have a right and an obligation to vote for someone who will take our concerns seriously. Ultimately, however, whether we agree with the bill or  not, we should all be mindful of the fact that “Jesus Christ is [still] Lord.” (Philippians 2:11) While we can only voice our opinions, in the end, we will all have to answer for our actions.

Well folks, we are finally arriving at Passiontide. May we be willing to take a deeper look at ourselves over the next two weeks as prepare for the Passover Feast.

PHOTO SOURCE: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

The weekend is upon us…and a weekend of work it will be for me. This weekend is the last here on campus before all of the seminarians depart for their home dioceses to celebrate Holy Week.

The seminarians from the Diocese of Orlando will be serving at the Chrism Mass on Wednesday, March 31. As usual, the Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. Bishop Wenski has invited all of the faithful from the Diocese of Orlando to attend. It is always a beautiful experience to witness the priests renew their vows and their commitment to serving the people of God.

After the Chrism Mass, we will all be switching gears for the celebration of the Easter Triduum. Over the last several days, I have been reminded of the few remaining days of Lent; and, well, “[our] redemption is at hand.” (Luke 21:28) We only have a few days left to reexamine ourselves to see if we are truly living our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. Thank goodness He is patient.

The seminarians all return to the seminary on April 5th, which leaves a mere four weeks in the academic year. Holy Week is the last occasion we have for a little bit of rest; every chance I get, I will be spending time simply relaxing and focusing on the immensity of the message of Easter.

Just received the following news from the Diocese of Orlando regarding Archbishop William D. Borders, first Bishop of Orlando:

Please pray for Archbishop William Borders who is critically ill and is resting at home under Hospice care. His staff states that he is ‘very alert.’ Bishop Borders was appointed the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Orlando.

SOURCE: Diocese of Orlando

PHOTO SOURCE: Archdiocese of Baltimore