Joseph Cardinal
Bernardin Addresses and Talks Series
Selected Documents
The following are selected Addresses, Speeches, and Talks that illustrate the development of Cardinal Bernardin's beliefs and teachings throughout his career. To view the entire document, click on the title.
Please Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the documents. To download a free version of the reader, click the following link:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
"The Second Vatican Council -- Five Years Later"
Bishop Bernardin in his capacity has General Secretary of the United States Catholic Conference/National Conference of Catholic Bishops reflecting on the changes wrought on the Church by the Second Vatican Council in a speech given to the Chicago Press Club on May 22, 1970.
Homily for Installation Mass as Archbishop of Cincinnati
Bishop Bernardin's Homily during his Installation Mass as Archbishop of Cincinnati, given at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, December 19, 1972.
Bishop Bernardin's Homily for the Evening Prayer service on the eve of his installation as the seventh Archbishop of Chicago, August 24, 1982.
Homily for Taking Possession of the Titular Church
Cardinal Bernardin's first official function after being named Cardinal Priest by Pope John Paul II, given at the Church of Jesus the Divine Worker, February 4, 1983.
"A Consistent Ethic of Life: An American-Catholic Dialogue"
Cardinal Bernardin's first address of his belief in the need for a "defense of life in a comprehensive and consistent manner" during the Gannon Lecture at Fordham University, December 6, 1983.
"The Challenge of Peace: The Issue of Moral Purpose in American Foreign Policy"
Cardinal Bernardin outlining his firm belief in the need for moral vision in American Foreign Policy during his commencement address at Emory University, May 14, 1984.
"The Death Penalty: An International Human Rights Issue"
An address given to the Amnesty International General Annual Meeting at Loyola University on June 23, 1984 in which Cardinal Bernardin expresses his view that the application of the death penalty violates the unique dignity of a human being.
"The Church in the Third Millenium: Old Values and New Challenges"
Cardinal Bernardin's musings on the potential of the Church to impact society in the future, delivered as the Eugene M. Burke, C.S.P. Lectureship on Religion and Society at the University of California San Diego, October 28, 1986.
Homily for Christmas Mass with the Little Sisters of the Poor
One of Cardinal Bernardin's traditional Christmas Mass Homilies, given on Christmas Eve of 1990 during a mass attended by his mother and the Little Sisters of the Poor.
"The Consistent Ethic of Life and Health Care Reform"
Cardinal Bernardin states his belief that health care must be universal, meet the needs of the unserved, and protect human life. Given during an address to the National Press Club on May 26, 1994.
"The Consistent Ethic of Life"
Cardinal Bernardin gives a review and expands on his belief in the Church's role in creating a consistent ethic of life for the Annual Helder Camara Lecture at the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia, on February 23, 1995.
"Antisemitism: The Historical Legacy and the Continuing Challenge for Christians"
Cardinal Bernardin reviews the origins of antisemitism and the need for Christians to struggle against its evil nature. The address was given in Jerusalem on March 23, 1995 as the Cardinal was named an Honorary Fellow of Hebrew University.
Reception of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Cardinal Bernardin's address after receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom on September 9, 1996.
"Faithful and Hopeful: The Catholic Common Ground Project"
Cardinal Bernardin reflects on the beginnings of his Common Ground Project, its future, and its contributions to the Church in an address given on October 24, 1996.