A Fourth of July reflection on Religious Liberty

The following is the text of Bishop Rhoades’ homily at Mass on July 4, 2015, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne:On July 4, 1776, in the midst… Read More

Priesthood Ordination, June 6, 2015

In his prayer for the disciples at the Last Supper which we heard in our Gospel today, Our Lord was praying for the disciples of all time. What Jesus was… Read More

The rich heritage of faith in South Bend

The following is the homily that Bishop Rhoades delivered at the Mass on May 31, 2015, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the city of South Bend: Today… Read More

Serving the Gospel of Life with love, courage, and enthusiasm

Following is the homily given by Bishop Rhoades at the January 23rd Mass for diocesan participants in the March for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the… Read More

Loving devotion to Mary

The following is the text of Bishop Rhoades’ homily on December 8, 2014 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne:It is with special joy and gratitude that I… Read More

Assumption of Mary

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” These words, which welled up from the depths of Mary’s heart at the Visitation, re-echo… Read More

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

FINAL PROFESSION OF FRANCISCAN BROTHERS MINOR Today, the Church invites us to praise God not merely for the wonders that He has worked, but for who He is; for the… Read More

Saint Joseph the Worker

100th Anniversary Mass of Saint Joseph Parish, Fort Wayne I am very happy to be with you today to celebrate this 100th Anniversary Mass of your beloved parish. We gather… Read More

Heroes to the Jewish people

The following is the talk given by Bishop Rhoades at the Annual Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust, the Yom Hashoah Service, at Congregation Achduth Besholom, Fort Wayne, on April… Read More

Palm Sunday

We began today’s liturgy by commemorating Our Lord’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  Like the crowds who welcomed Jesus into the holy city, we carried palm branches.  On the first Palm… Read More

Chrism Mass 2014

We can feel the faith and vitality of our diocesan Church as we gather for the Chrism Mass.  There is a special closeness we feel as we pray for our… Read More

Rite of Election, South Bend 2014

Every year, this ceremony, the Rite of Election, fills me with wonder: wonder at the power and beauty of God’s grace!   I think about each of you and your unique… Read More