Throughout the world, to one degree or another, Christians are under persecution. For some, it is severe, as in the days of Philip in today’s reading; just look at stories from China, parts of Africa, India, and the Middle East. For others, persecution occurs through the laws or policies enacted by the government, private entities, schools, or societal groups.   ..read more

It’s great to be back: my first visit home since last June! I am serving in Santiago, Chile now, since a year and a half ago when our Provincial superior asked me to go there to be the director of the seminary for Latin America of our Congregation of Holy Cross. I am helping in our Family Rosary in Chile, too.  ..read more

If you live in the United States, April 15th has a special place in your heart, or at least your wallet. Today is the deadline to file your state and federal income taxes. If you’ve prepared, you can breathe a sigh of relief and perhaps reflect on how you’re doing financially, not only for the past year, but also for the long run—hopefully with peace of mind.   ..read more

  I’ve seen with seven grown children how the religion lessons and discussions about their faith come back to them when they are grown. Sometimes they help us to understand spiritual things. My son, Jarred, helped me to understand a profound truth about Lent and Easter and how to live this out through the liturgical year. He commented, “Mom, the Passion of Jesus strengthens our faith while the Resurrection increases our hope!” These words inspired much reflection.   ..read more

  Spring is my favorite season of the year. After a long, cold winter, I appreciate every warm ray of sunshine so much more! I love watching buds appear on the trees, wearing floral dresses, and celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection at Easter. I’m also a big fan of spring cleaning.   Junk has accumulated in certain places in my home throughout the last few months: a particular drawer in the kitchen, the bottom of my closet, and a messy shelf in the garage. The arrival of spring has triggered a desire to finally address those areas and get rid of the junk! As I started listing physical ite ..read more

The feeding of the 5000+ is one of my favorite Biblical stories. It mirrors earlier years when God fed the Israelites in the desert with Manna, and it also mirrors the Eucharist we celebrate where the Lord feeds us and satisfies our deepest "hungers ..read more

Like St. Peter and the other Apostles, St. Stanislaus is an exemplary role model for courageous trust in Jesus. Born in Poland, Stanislaus lived in the 11th century and served as a priest and then bishop in Krakow. He was a gifted preacher, a compassionate benefactor of the poor, and a proponent of clerical reform. Like the Apostles, he faced opposition, in his case from the King of Poland, Boleslaus II, during his time as bishop.    And, like the Apostles, Stanislaus refused to compromise his adherence to Jesus' teachings, which resulted in his being killed during the celebrat ..read more

The Greek word for wind, "pneuma," is also used for the word Spirit. So, in this Gospel from John, Jesus links His teaching between the natural and supernatural worlds through His word choice connecting to both realities.  But, just like yesterday's eclipse of the sun, at times, we only have a partial understanding of our natural world. This is the point that Jesus is making with Nicodemus when He says, "The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes ..read more

Today, we gather to honor the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord, a moment of divine intervention that forever changed the course of humanity. It was during this sacred event that St. Gabriel, the Archangel, descended from the heavens to deliver a message of profound significance to Mary. She was chosen to be the vessel for the divine incarnation of God Himself, Jesus Christ, through the miraculous workings of the Holy Spirit.   ..read more

  Caught in Providence is a beloved local show where I live because of the fair Judge Frank Caprio. In a recent episode, a priest visited the judge with a special message and donation. Both priest and judge shared stories of witnessing mercy and the importance of the unity of family. The priest shared that the meaning of the Hebrew word chesed can be translated as mercy or to “journey with someone, to pull them out of the depths of their despair.” I have a devotion to the Divine Mercy and yes, praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet is indeed a journey ..read more