These last few days have been sickening. To think that so many have been profoundly wounded by the depraved actions of priests and the negligence of bishops. The suffering of the victims is unfathomable. I usually do well putting my thoughts and feelings into words, but these past few days I have been unable to do so. This morning I read a statement by Cardinal DiNardo describing this whole situation as a “moral catastrophe.” I have read many statements, expressions... Read more
I recently visited a family devastated by the loss of their newborn child. As I entered the hospital room the mother lay in bed with the small child wrapped in a homemade, white blanket. She looked at him tenderly, and arranged his tiny red arms with the care only a mother can show. The small child had a little cute white triangular hat covering his head. His eyes were shut. No word could fully console nor could any expression fully... Read more
I gave this reflection on the immigrant experience at a Diocesan Hispanic Ministry Encounter several years ago after reading the Gospel passage of the Lost Sheep. Poor little sheep. Attracted by greener pastures and cooler waters, the little sheep of the Gospel separated herself from the flock. Reaching greener pastures, she filled her belly. Reaching cooler waters, she quenched her thirst. Suddenly however she looked up and realized terrified that the shepherd and the sheep were gone. Far from everything... Read more
When I was a kid, I remember asking my mother once at Mass right before communion: “Does the priest ever run out of hosts?” She gave me a quick and hushed response, “No, he never does.” My mind registered her answer with utter amazement. The priest never runs out of hosts! God must miraculously keep putting hosts in there! In my little mind, I imagined angels dropping hosts into the ciborium to make sure there were plenty of them. Though... Read more
Una mancha de color rojo oscuro sobre el pavimento me llamó la atención al caminar con el párroco del área mientras me mostraba el vecindario. El párroco notó mi repentina atención hacia la mancha y dijo tranquilamente como si hablara de un viaje a la playa, “pobre muchacho, ayer lo mataron”. Me quedé aturdido. ¡La mancha era de sangre! El párroco continuó explicando que este joven era el guardia del barrio y siempre estaba parado junto a la reja situada... Read more
A deep red stain on the sidewalk caught my attention as I walked with the pastor of the local parish while he showed me around the neighborhood. He noticed my sudden attention toward the red stain and calmly said as if talking about a trip to the beach, “poor boy, they killed him yesterday.” I was stunned. The red stain was blood. The pastor continued to explain that this young man was the security guard of the neighborhood and he... Read more
Hace poco tuve la alegría de asistir a la graduación universitaria de mi sobrino en Yankee Stadium. Después de cuatro años de estudios rigurosos en New York University, estoy orgulloso de sus éxitos y anticipo sus logros futuros. Quedé intrigado al saber que el primer ministro canadiense Justin Trudeau dirigiría unas palabras a los graduados durante la ceremonia. Este político aclamado fue recibido por los presentes con fuertes aplausos mientras caminaba hacia a una carpa sobre la tercera base del... Read more
I recently had the joy to attend my nephew’s college graduation at Yankee Stadium. After four years of hard work at New York University, I am proud of his accomplishments and look forward to his future achievements. I was intrigued when I learned that the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would be the commencement speaker. This superstar politician was welcomed by a cheering crowd as he processed towards the tent over third base. I was impressed with his optimism and... Read more
“Have you heard the good news?” cried out a well-dressed young man on the corner of Main Street and Coffee Street. His youthful appearance revealed a hint of anxiety as he stood alone on a Friday night announcing loudly these words with conviction. He held a stack of pamphlets on his right hand. “Have you heard the good news?” exclaimed once again the young man as I approached the metal steps behind him which led down to a coffee shop... Read more
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Letter to the faithful from Bishop Hartmayer of Savannah
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Peace and all good things! I first want to thank you for taking the time and sharing your thoughts and feelings with me regarding the “Morality Crisis” in the Catholic Church today. I agree with you that words alone are meaningless. We need to take swift and serious action to clean up our own house. As a relatively new bishop, I am scandalized, angered and deeply hurt by the cover-ups that have occurred... Read more