Cardinal Edwin F. O'Brien - Thoughts on Our Church

The following columns were written by Cardinal Edwin F. O’Brien and appeared in the Catholic Review.

In the Gospel, we see how deeply the Lord loved his own in the world. So deep was his love that he gave them something more than a word of encouragement or a bit of sage advice.

Only when we trust the Lord completely can we live without fear. For by trusting, we give God permission to draw us closer to himself, to purify us, to strengthen us, to fill us with hope, and to grant us a joy that nothing and no one can take away from us.

Fr. McGivney founded the Knights on the very love we celebrate at every Mass: God’s infinite love which he generously lavishes upon us, a love we did not earn, a love we do not deserve, a love God freely gives.

June 21, 2026 To view the decrees related to boundary clarifications for some parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore see below: Basilica of the Assumption Cathedral of Mary Our Queen…

June 21, 2026 To view the decree related to the merging of St. Francis-St. Mary Parish with Holy Family Catholic Community visit here: St. Francis-St. Mary Parish Decree.

The Spirit Jesus came into the world – and he now comes into your lives – to free you from everything that could hold you back from friendship with God and friendship with others.

Our faith teaches us that Jesus had a human heart. His heart is the living sign of God’s infinitely generous and merciful love.

Today we place the Church in the United States, and this nation we love, into the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In the year ahead, let us resolve to move ahead – boldly, resolutely, faithfully, and yes, humbly. Vivat Jesus!

And as America observes its 250th anniversary, pray that it will always be “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Vivat Jesus!

Cardinal Edwin F. O’Brien – Thoughts on Our Church