Archbishop Leonard P. Blair I wish everyone a happy and healthy Year of Our Lord 2023. “All time belongs to Him,” we pro-claim at Easter, “and all the ages. To him be glory and power through every age and forever. Amen.” Pope Francis says that we are not living in an “age [...]

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair Advances in science over the last century or more have revolutionized our ideas about the origin of the universe. Some of these advances are the work of Catholics. For example, a Catholic priest, Father Georges Lemaître, was the principal architect of the “Big Bang” theory. Others, like Stephen [...]

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day during this month of November, it is timely to reflect on something that should be obvious, and once was, but is no longer for many people. I’m referring to the fact that Thanksgiving arose as a religious celebration, and throughout its history the [...]

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair It’s that time of year when the Church has traditionally focused on what lies beyond this life, the fate that awaits every person, inasmuch as we do not cease to be even when our physical body dies. On Nov. 1, we will celebrate All Saints’ Day, venerating those [...]

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair In late June, I published a letter about the Supreme Court decision overturning abortion on demand as a constitutional right in the United States. In that letter, I referred to a great champion of life, Pope St. John Paul the Great, and cited his words: “No absolution offered [...]

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair When I was about to be ordained a bishop in 1999, I was required to make a “Profession of Catholic Faith” and an “Oath of Fidelity.” I remember that this took place at a vesper service for the clergy of the diocese. I also remember afterward overhearing one [...]

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair If you’ve ever attended a big public fireworks display, you will know how it begins and ends with a bang, and is marked by many fiery bursts against the dark sky, to the oohs and ahs of the delighted spectators. At this season, we are near the end [...]

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair Articles for the Catholic Transcript must be submitted far in advance, and as I write this for the May edition, Ukraine is in the throes of agony as a result of the Russian invasion. Where that brutalized nation is as you read this, I cannot foretell. But May [...]

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair As Easter draws near, my wish for you is that the crucified and risen Lord will fill your life with light and joy! What we read in the Gospel and what we celebrate at the liturgy from one season to another are not simply a historical remembrance of things [...]

Archbishop Leonard P. Blair I have been asked occasionally about the synod which Pope Francis has announced, and about our participation in it. A synod is an official Church assembly called to consider matters pertaining to the life of the Church and her doctrine and practice. Pope Francis has asked every diocese in [...]