Concluding our March for Life pilgrimage at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Posted below is my homily from the vigil Mass that preceded our departure from Washington D.C. following the March for Life. In all, we were about 650 pilgrims - gathered in the Crypt Church of the Basilica - from the Diocese of Saginaw, our neighboring Diocese of Grand Rapids, and brothers and sisters from the Diocese of Rockford, Ill.

First Reading: Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27

Gospel: Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21

 

 

Preparing for our pilgrimage to the March for Life

Posted below is my homily from today’s morning Mass with 350 diocesan pilgrims preparing to travel to the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. It is fitting that today also is the Feast of St. Agnes, a young martyr, who was not ashamed to be a bold witness of her faith in Jesus Christ.

First Reading: 1 Sm 18:6-9; 19:1-7
Gosepl: Mk 3:7-12

 
 

Interview with WNEM TV 5 and WJRT TV 12

I was interviewed today by WNEM TV 5’s Tia Ewing and WJRT TV 12's Rebecca Trylch about Monday’s announcement that the Saginaw Area Catholic Schools system would be consolidating its four elementary/middle schools — St. Helen, SS. Peter & Paul, St. Stephen and St. Thomas Aquinas — into two buildings on March 2. The complete interview is below:

Sunday was a fun day with the Spirit!

Yesterday I had the privileged of participating in Faith Night festivities at the Saginaw Spirit hockey game. I reflected on Christian sportsmanship with more than 300 people gathered with their families and friends for the pregame program, which also included an inspirational message about community service from Jimmy E. Greene and some wonderful musical performed by Lavel Jackson. I also had the honor of dropping a ceremonial first puck on the ice. I met some great young people and the famous mascot Steagle Colbeagle the Eagle, and watched an exciting hockey game. I even got my very own Spirit Jersey with "B. CISTONE" on the back! Unfortunately, the Spirit lost 3-2, but it was a fun day all-and-all. Enjoy the photos and the video from the day’s activities!

Join me at the Saginaw Spirit's Faith Night game on Jan. 17!