The United States has a new President-elect and a new Vice-President-elect; honoring one of the greatest traditions of our democracy, I encourage the people of our country to offer President-elect Trump and Vice-President-elect Pence our prayers and best wishes for a successful administration for the United States and for our role in the world.

Just prior to the election, Pope Francis called for Catholics worldwide not to be paralyzed by fear, but to live with hope. Our country has experienced a long presidential campaign, at times disappointing in both tone and style. Notably, the post-election speeches of President-elect Trump, Secretary Clinton and President Obama all stressed the time-honored values of abiding by the democratic process and its results. In these days following the election our nation has the opportunity to focus on the future, with a spirit of civility and confidence, joining together in recognizing both the challenges and possibilities that lie before us.

The diversity of American society, one of our greatest strengths and an important part of our international reputation, requires ongoing attention to the well-being of different groups and communities. It would be short-sighted not to acknowledge the concerns of immigrant families and communities of color and the fragile state of many middle-class families. Addressing these issues will require the intellectual and professional skills which our country possesses in abundance and the commitment to honor the dignity, needs and hopes of all members of our society.

The world has been closely watching this campaign and election. The United States does not have the answers to the world's deepest problem of peace, social justice and protection of the environment. But the answers will not be found without America's contribution, rooted in our economy, technology, democracy and moral vision of participation in global governance with generosity, compassion and wisdom. The Holy Father's message, that hope inspires, is well suited for this time in our national history. Let us look to the future with the grace and strength of God's blessings.

FOCUS dinner

Thursday night (11/3) I attended a dinner hosted by our Vocations Office for our local FOCUS missionaries and their priest chaplains.

FOCUS -- the Fellowship of Catholic University Students -- was founded by a layman named Curtis Martin in 1998 at Benedictine College in Kansas and has grown into a strong movement of evangelization throughout the country. There are currently more than 550 FOCUS missionaries at 125 campuses nationally and their alumni number over 20,000. We are blessed in our archdiocese to have missionaries at MIT, Boston University, and Harvard.

...With such a large student population in the archdiocese, campus ministry is a vital part of our mission. We are so grateful for all that the FOCUS missionaries do in helping reach these young people, who are so important to the future of our Church.

Justice Convocation

Saturday (11/6), I attended the Archdiocesan Social Justice Convocation at Boston College High School.

We are so pleased that this very important gathering, which focuses on spreading the Church's social gospel, continues to grow and flourish. In fact, in the past, it has been held at the Pastoral Center, but this year the attendance had grown so much, that they moved it to the larger venue of BC High.

Installation Mass for the Order of the Holy Sepulchre

Then, in the afternoon, was the Installation Mass for the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Cardinal Edwin O'Brien, the Grand Master of the order, was the celebrant and homilist....We are very grateful that our local Lieutenant, Jack Monaghan, and his wife were given the Golden Palm award. Also, they presented a Silver Palm to my two priest secretaries, Father Robert Kickham and Father Jonathan Gaspar.

Catholic Appeal donors Mass

Sunday (11/7) I celebrated a Mass at Sacred Heart Parish in Quincy to thank our Catholic Appeal donors and volunteers. The Mass is yet another opportunity to thank those who give their time, gifts and energy to help support the mission of the Church.