This morning the Holy Father appointed Bishop Thomas Wenski, fourth Bishop of Orlando, as Archbishop of Miami. More to come on this later, but for now, I have to run to the chapel for Morning Prayer and Mass.

PHOTO: Tom Pringle

This morning William Cardinal Keeler, retired Cardinal Archbishop of Baltimore, issued the following statement regarding the death of Archbishop William D. Borders.

Archbishop William Donald Borders was a good and gentle person whom I got to know very well over Saturday evening dinners following my installation as Archbishop of Baltimore. We would discuss all of the matters that were before us and I would share my viewpoint on activities in the Archdiocese. I was particularly grateful for his insights regarding the priests and people of the Archdiocese. When I told him recently that I had left the Archdiocese after the installation of my successor, he told me that he had done the same thing as a courtesy to me. I recalled that he made a long trip to the Midwest, probably to his relatives in Indiana, at the time that I had become the Archbishop here. These simple gestures indicate the kind of person Archbishop Borders was.

Early this afternoon, Bishop Thomas Wenski, fourth Bishop of Orlando, issued the following message regarding Archbishop Borders and his legacy to the Diocese of Orlando.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop William D. Borders, first bishop of Orlando and 13th Archbishop of Baltimore, who died this morning (04/19) at 10:03. He was 96 years old. His legacy to the Diocese of Orlando will never be forgotten. As our first leader, charting new territory and responding with courage and vision to God’s call, we are grateful for his many dedicated years of service in the Lord’s name.

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.