In our family, the 6th of December is a magical day. Shoes set out in anticipation the night before are found laden with joy in
Last weekend, I gave a presentation on liturgical living at the Catholic Rural Life Festival in Maine. The festival, begun just a few years ago
Seasons of fasting have breathed life into the Church for millennia. These days, most Catholics just stick to Lenten devotions but other seasons of fasting
Another cycle of RCIA and religious education is about to begin. Over the next nine to ten months, many faithful will prepare for confirmation and
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush
It has been said that perhaps the three most important words that can be uttered in prayer are “Come, Holy Spirit.” Just before Jesus ascended
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus
There is a certain mysterious and mystical quality to the unfolding of the events of life when seen through the eyes of one who lives
There is a stone building called “Mary’s House” near the ancient city of Ephesus (modern-day Turkey) on a hillside named “Nightingale”. The house is simple,
One filled with joy preaches without preaching. —St. Teresa of Calcutta Happy New Year! No, I’m not a month early. For Catholics who try to
Every All Hallows’ Eve, Hallowe’en, or Halloween – whichever name is preferred – questions arise as to whether or not it is an acceptable holiday
Rest on “the Lord’s Day” has always been important for God’s people. It was first enjoined on the Israelites in the Third Commandment: “Remember the
Whenever I attend Mass on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I am consoled by these words from the Gospel. Take my yoke
Several places in Scripture tell us that Jesus was troubled or worried, or experienced grief. John 11:33: When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews
Parts I and II of a Passion Play that features the words of “The Witnesses” – those who were present and moved by the words
No turning back is a devotional focusing on the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. And when he drew near and saw the city he wept
During a past Lent, I shared a seemingly innocuous and informative post about the Jewish practice of Seder during Passover. The resulting confusion and charges
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Particular moments and in life are too grand to be
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to
On a plane ride a few weeks ago, I found myself seated next to the founder of a Protestant church. He laughed because he was
The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary conclude with two events, the Assumption of Mary into heaven, and her Coronation as Queen of all Creation (meaning
We celebrate the birthday of the Church on Pentecost Sunday fifty days after Easter. The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and transformed them from