Tonight “a great light” shines forth (Is 9:1); the light of Jesus’ birth shines all about us. How true and timely are the words of the prophet Isaiah which we have just heard: “You have brought abundant joy and great rejoicing” (9:2)! Our heart was already joyful in awaiting this Read more…
Today, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Year of Mercy begins. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis inaugurates today a central theme of his pontificate, a year dedicated to deeper understanding of the Mercy of the Father. He calls all people of good will to use this year Read more…
As a new Advent season begins, our readings draw attention to creation. From references to ‘the mountain of the Lord,’ (Isaiah 2: 1-5) to trees, branches, and fruit, (Isaiah 4) to the creatures of the earth that learn to live together in peace, (Isaiah 11) we are reminded of the Read more…
For some reason, these last few days have been a spiritual struggle for me. But, that is the reality of the spiritual life; it is a constant ebb and flow of ups and downs, of consolation and desolation, of fidelity and temptations. Through the course of every spiritual journey, God is Read more…
In final preach of this pastoral visit to the United States, Pope Francis encourages us to be prophets of the joy of the Gospel; prophets of the family, of the love of the family, as disciples of Christ. Today the word of God surprises us with powerful and thought-provoking images. Read more…
First thing this morning, Pope Francis met with five adult victims of clergy sexual abuse. Following this meeting, he met again with Bishops from the United States. He expressed publicly (and privately) his great sorrow for these sinful crimes. He stated once again the Church’s resolve to do better, to Read more…
26th Sunday, Ordinary Time Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19; James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-48 In today’s Gospel, we see the Apostle, John, take issue with someone who is casting out demons in the name of Jesus. His concern is that this individual is not one of their followers. And yet, someone is Read more…
In what will no doubt be one of his most significant addresses of this trip, here is Pope Francis’ address on religious liberty given today at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Dear Friends, One of the highlights of my visit is to stand here, before Independence Hall, the birthplace of the Read more…
Once again, hitting many themes near and dear to this papacy, and significant for the well being of the human family, another strong address by our Holy Father. Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for your kind words. Once again, following a tradition by which I feel honored, the Read more…
Now in his third full day of this pastoral visit to the United States, our Holy Father is hitting all the right notes in his various homilies and addresses. He is not only the Chief Shepherd of the Church, but a beautiful presence of the Good Shepherd. If there was Read more…