After becoming archbishop of Washington in 2019, Cardinal Wilton Gregory consistently emphasized pastoral care for people with disabilities in The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.
Mary O’Meara, executive director of the archdiocesan Office of Deaf and Disabilities Ministry, described his influence: “Cardinal Gregory has transformed our vision of ‘welcoming in’ persons with disabilities into a lived reality. Our parishes now organically embrace the norm of celebrating the gifts that individuals with disabilities bring. He has removed barriers within hearts, modeling a parish and a Church where all belong and are valued.”
Building on this commitment, Cardinal Gregory has led the Archdiocese of Washington in taking significant steps to ensure all members of the faith community feel welcomed and valued. O’Meara said: “We are deeply blessed by Cardinal Gregory’s steadfast support of a consistent pro-life ethic, emphasizing the inherent value of every person, regardless of ability, as an indispensable member of our Church.”
A hallmark of Cardinal Gregory’s commitment is his participation in the annual White Mass, which honors the faith and gifts of the Deaf community and people with disabilities. “For several years, Cardinal Gregory has served as the main celebrant for our White Mass,” O’Meara said. “In this role, he affirms the full and active participation of people with disabilities or who are Deaf, serving as a visible reminder that they are fully integrated into every aspect of parish life.”
The annual White Mass demonstrates this commitment, O’Meara said, adding, “Over the years, I have seen Cardinal Gregory interact with people who are Deaf or living with disabilities with the same natural ease in everyday situations. It comes instinctively to him.”
This liturgical celebration has become a key event for the archdiocese, bringing together people with disabilities and their families for spiritual and community support. During the 12th annual White Mass in 2021, Cardinal Gregory emphasized the unchanging dignity of every person, telling the congregation, “Our human dignity is never lost or lessened by any disability.” He expressed gratitude for people with disabilities, acknowledging the gifts they bring to their families and the Church.
At the 13th annual White Mass, the cardinal reflected on Jesus Christ’s healing ministry in the gospels. He emphasized that Christ’s compassion for people with disabilities serves as a model for the Church. He stated, “Jesus saw not a problem, but a brother – and even more importantly, Jesus saw a possibility. He looked deeply into the human condition of those around him.” Cardinal Gregory then asked, “What is more dreadful, the inability to hear or the deafness that comes from hardened hearts?”
Under the cardinal’s guidance, the Archdiocese of Washington continues to foster a culture of inclusion and compassion. Beyond liturgical efforts, he has championed initiatives to support people with disabilities, ensuring accessibility in faith formation programs and training for catechists and pastoral leaders. His leadership has shaped the archdiocese’s liturgical life, educational initiatives and social outreach efforts.
This commitment was evident during an Adapted Synod Listening Session, where individuals with disabilities and their families shared their experiences and needs, reinforcing the importance of continued efforts toward accessibility and inclusion. O’Meara said: “Cardinal Gregory has a natural way of putting people at ease. He does not see labels or stigmas—only a child of God before him. And nothing else. What a true gift that is.”
Further demonstrating his commitment, Cardinal Gregory appointed a Deaf person to his Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Hector Reynoso, a Deaf parishioner at St. Francis Deaf Catholic Church in Landover Hills, Maryland, marking the first time the Deaf community has had representation on the council, where he continues to serve.
O’Meara also highlighted the cardinal’s impact, saying: “For countless families who have a disability or are Deaf, being seen and recognized for the gifts they bring to the Church is an incredible gift Cardinal Gregory has given to so many.”
In October 2024, Cardinal Gregory participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Conway Education Center, reinforcing his commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students with disabilities. The center, which is sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, will serve students and young people with autism, intellectual and emotional disabilities, and other special learning needs. This initiative aligns with his broader mission of fostering inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities.
Cardinal Gregory’s leadership extends to the archdiocese’s broader social justice and inclusion mission. During the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in July 2024, he spoke about the connection between the Eucharist and the call to care for the marginalized. He encouraged Catholics to live out their faith through acts of service and solidarity, underscoring the Church’s mission to uplift the poor, neglected, and those on the peripheries of society.
While serving as the archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Gregory worked to ensure that people of all abilities are fully included in the life of the Church, and he emphasized the importance of recognizing the dignity, inclusion, and participation of all Church members, reinforcing the idea that everyone, regardless of ability, is a valued part of the faith community. As he stated on multiple occasions: “Jesus is always inclusive in His approach with people, always finding ways to include all people into discipleship.” He has also emphasized that the Church must “never forget nor neglect to welcome all of God’s children.”
