As this day draws towards sunset, I invite all of us to turn to our Blessed Mother, whose birth we recall this day. Mary played a pivotal role in the history of salvation. She, in all humanity, by God’s grace, became a worthy woman who would conceive the Son of Read more…
I’ve told this story here before. In my grandparents’ backyard was a rather substantial, walk-in, brick grotto to our Blessed Mother. I loved to go there as a kid – not so much to pray, but it just drew me. So, the summer before I entered the seminary, I Read more…
It is late April as I write this column. Our Listening Sessions (nearly complete, with three to go), are revealing many things. I am hearing about the many challenges we face as church, a wide variety of perspectives, some hope and gratitude, and a fair amount of frustration and disappointment. Read more…
May is a month we traditionally honor our Blessed Mother and celebrate Mother’s Day. We are given an opportunity this month to honor women. This month of May is also a prime time for us to recognize the Maternity of the Church – after all, how often do we refer Read more…
Very soon after Mary gave her consent to God to become the Mother of his Son, Jesus, she begins her missionary life as his first disciple, and visits her cousin, Elizabeth. Bringing Christ to others is the core of the feast we celebrate today, the Visitation. Elizabeth’s response to the visit Read more…
Nothing like an ordination to breath new life into a local Church. The cathedral was full for today’s ordination of Rev. Andrew Kinstetter, and it was a beautiful celebration! Pictures from the ceremony can be viewed here, and as always, I’m very grateful to Matt Potter for his photography skills. Read more…
Today’s Mass has for its first reading a passage from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. One of the verses was chosen as the theme for the 1987 Papal Visit of now St. Pope John Paul II to the United States. The overarching theme for the Trip was: Unity In Read more…
I was taken by this photo of the final minutes of Pope Benedict XVI’s papacy. Pope Benedict XVI along with the Prefect of the Papal Household, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, leave public view after the Pope’s brief appearance on the balcony of Castle Gandolfo. Thank you, Pope-emeritus, for you fidelity and loving term as Read more…
In this month of October, the Church renews its defense of life, the human person, and its challenge to any efforts that would diminish the basic dignity and inherent sanctity of human life. As I write this entry, I am mindful of the many voices I hear from concerned Catholics, Read more…
Today’s Solemnity of Assumption reminds us we are on a pilgrimage of faith that leads to something beyond this earth; beyond this life. The opening prayer for today’s Mass concludes “May we see heaven as our final goal…” We need this reminder. Mary’s Assumption into heaven reinforces all of what Read more…