Ordination update: 19 new deacons for Brooklyn
A nice big class — and the first in Brooklyn for Bishop Robert Brennan. He wrote about it on Facebook:
Ordination update: 14 new deacons for Beaumont
Here's a great pre-Pentecost gift. It happened Saturday morning at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica in Beaumont, Texas: Bishop David L.
‘Bishop Strickland, we’re watching you’
From RNS: If Texas Bishop Joseph E. Strickland is known outside of his diocese for anything, it’s for controversy. The
What would Tommy Lasorda and Vin Scully say?
Reading about the ongoing controversy involving the LA Dodgers and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, I was reminded of two Catholic
Horror: nearly 2,000 children abused by clergy over decades in Illinois
Details: Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a May 23 report revealing decades of abuse by Catholic clergy against almost
Body of sisters’ foundress reported to be incorrupt
Sister Wilhelmina's funeral, 2019 “We think she is the first African American woman to be found incorrupt." Details: Hundreds of
Worth a thousand words
A friend sent this my way: a posting on Facebook by Father Matthew Laird: As Good As It Gets: This
On Deacon John Donaghy: Well done, good and faithful servant
It was with sorrow and a heavy heart that I learned today that Deacon John Donaghy has entered eternal life,
Ordination update: 16 new deacons for Fall River
Details, from the diocesan website: On Saturday, May 20, in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River, Bishop Edgar M. da
Ordination update: 12 new deacons for Trenton
From the Trenton Monitor: Twelve men were ordained deacons by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., during a May 20 Mass
May 19, 2007
Thanks be to God. Some words from Pope Francis, from an address to permanent deacons on June 19, 2021: Since
In France, clergy will be required to wear QR codes to ID sex offenders
Could this be coming to a diocese near you? Details: Rattled by repeated cases of sexual abuse over the years,
Ordination update: 23 new deacons for Chicago
Cardinal Blaise Cupich on Saturday ordained 4 transitional deacons and 19 permanent deacons in a liturgy at Chicago's Holy Name
‘Their God is my God’: Homily for May 14, 2023, 6th Sunday of Easter
There is not much we know about him beyond his name: Matthew Ayariga. But his story, or what we know
The Mother’s Day problem at Mass
Behind the flowers and sentiment, Mother’s Day is very hard for a lot of people – perhaps it’s the most difficult
‘This is a first’: Vatican formally recognizes 21 Coptic martyrs of Libya
From AP: The Vatican is formally recognizing 21 Coptic Orthodox workers who were beheaded by Islamic militants in Libya as
‘Christianity’s got a branding problem’
From opinion writer Jessica Grose's newsletter sent to subscribers of The New York Times: “Christianity’s got a branding problem,” Phil
Bearing fruit
This reflection appeared with today's readings for Give Us This Day, the monthly devotional published by Liturgical Press:
In a first, Coptic pope joins Pope Francis to speak at General Audience
From Vatican News: Pope Francis was joined at his weekly General Audience by Pope Tawadros II, the head of the Coptic
Ordination update: 6 new deacons for Cleveland
It happened Saturday, as Bishop Malesic ordained six men to the Order of Deacon in Cleveland's Cathedral of St. John
Check this out: Living Faith
I'm pleased to announce my debut in the little prayer periodical Living Faith. The new issue just arrived in my mailbox,
‘A bishop should have a much broader vision of the Church’
The pope's new prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops shares a few thoughts with Vatican News: At the age of
UPDATE: Catholic hospital told to extinguish sanctuary candle or risk losing accreditation
From OSV News: A Catholic hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, said the federal government has presented it with a choice to
Building something beautiful in South Carolina
While the church is new, it also has many vintage elements incorporated inside, making it a well-spring of art that
Prayer request: for the family of Deacon Lawrence Klimecki
This is heartbreaking. I received word today that the multi-talented artist Deacon Lawrence Klimecki of Sacramento has entered eternal life.
Let’s do this: join me for our next pilgrimage to the Holy Land
If you followed our adventures in March of 2023, wouldn't you like to join us in May of 2024? It's
For the first time in 500 years, Catholics will play a role in a coronation
Details from The Tablet: Cardinal Vincent Nichols is to become the first Catholic bishop to play a formal role in
In a first, royal coronation to feature non-Christian religions
From AFP: The UK's non-Christian faiths and its Celtic languages will play a prominent role for the first time in
Meet a deacon proclaiming the Gospel through icons
A terrific profile of Deacon Charles Rohrbacher in Our Sunday Visitor: “An icon isn’t really an icon without a viewer,”
A Prayer to St. Joseph, Father and Traveler
Searching Joseph, you journeyed far to seek shelter and security in Bethlehem, only to find instead a place that had
Are we listening?: A reflection for Good Shepherd Sunday
My homily for this Sunday from 2014 ... On a spring morning in 2010, a young man by the name
Grace in aisle 7: Parish plans to turn grocery store into a church
A great idea, via Aleteia: With almost daily reports of Catholic churches shutting down, forced to consolidate due to financial difficulties, or sold
Religion in public schools is making a comeback
Details, from Vox: This month, Texas Senate Republicans passed three bills about religion in schools that have historians feeling déjà
Sisters of Charity of New York: ‘We are on the path to completion’
"We will no longer work toward finding nor accepting new members to our Congregation, in the United States." A sad
A first: Pope gives women right to vote in Synod
From America: For the first time in the history of the synod, Pope Francis has given women the right to
‘A new frontier’: protecting ‘vulnerable adults’ from clergy sexual abuse
From OSV News: The Catholic Church in the U.S. has made progress over the past two decades in confronting sexual
Making history: Coptic patriarch to offer Orthodox liturgy at St. John Lateran
"It will be the first time a non-Catholic has celebrated in the pope’s cathedral." Details: The head of the Coptic
Deacons, are you going to NDICE this year?
Every summer for a long time now, the National Diaconate Institute for Continuing Education (NDICE) has hosted a conference for
Making history: The oldest religious sister in the U.S. turns 110
A news bulletin from the Facebook page of the Sisters of St. Dominic in Amityville: Our very own Sister Francis
‘Significant ecumenical gesture’: Pope gives pieces of True Cross for King Charles’ coronation
From Reuters: Pope Francis has gifted fragments believed to be from the True Cross on which Jesus was crucified to
Boston Catholics brace for ‘SatanCon’
"We are finalizing a list of places throughout our whole Archdiocese where we will gather in adoration and prayer. All
Did someone actually make a movie like this? Really?
The trailer has been working its way through social media, and when I finally took a moment to watch, I
Former Cardinal McCarrick charged with 1977 sexual assault in Wisconsin
Details: Former cardinal Theodore McCarrick has been criminally charged with fourth-degree sexual assault in Wisconsin for an incident that allegedly
In Ireland, Biden meets priest who gave his son last rites
From The New York Times: President Biden, who spent most of this week exploring his family lineage in Ireland, broke down in
On the road: next stop, Malvern
I'm headed out the door shortly, bound for the amazing Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station and, beyond that, Malvern,
Survey: Among U.S. Latinos, Catholicism in decline, but still the largest faith
From Pew: Catholics remain the largest religious group among Latinos in the United States, even as their share among Latino
They do, come rain or shine: Catholic outdoor weddings
It's catching on in Baltimore. And yes, it's allowed. As Canon Law notes, Catholic weddings should take place in a
WATCH: ’60 Minutes’ looks at the rebuilding of Notre Dame
An Easter-night report on CBS offered a glimpse at this extraordinary undertaking: The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris is
FBI accused of ‘domestic violent extremism investigations against Catholic Americans’
From CBS News: The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee has issued a subpoena to FBI Director Christopher Wray for records as part of
A.I. has its first superstar: Pope Francis
The New York Times takes note: Pope Francis wearing a long, white puffer jacket inspired by Balenciaga. Francis rocking aviators and
The young men risking their lives to be Catholic priests
Here's a story that needs to be told. From the BBC: When Miguel Pantaleon was ordained into the Catholic church
Good Friday: What our Lord saw from the cross
The watercolor above, by the great James Tissot, speaks volumes. From Wikipedia: What Our Lord Saw from the Cross (Ce que
‘Do you realize what I have done for you?’: Homily for Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Holy Thursday
Ours is a God of boundless generosity and humility. How much does he love us? He becomes less so that
Holy Thursday: Inside the room where it happened
The image above comes from my recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and shows the Upper Room, the Cenacle, the
‘Staggering’: Report details decades of abuse in Maryland
From AP: More than 150 Catholic priests and others associated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore sexually abused over 600 children
Archbishop of Dubuque resigns
Details: Pope Francis on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Archbishop Michael O. Jackels from the pastoral government of the Archdiocese
Christo Jivkov, John from ‘Passion of the Christ,’ dies
Sad news this Holy Week: Christo Jivkov is dead. According to media reports, the Bulgarian actor succumbed to a long
Jonathan Roumie on playing Jesus: ‘It becomes super humbling and strange’
Tish Harrison Warren is an Anglican priest and a fan of the streaming sensation "The Chosen." She also is a
As the pope left the hospital, this happened
Delia Gallagher posted this on social media yesterday. As my friend Tony Rossi noted: "This is a more important theology
Who is the man in the shroud?
That's the provocative and intriguing title of an exhibition at the Notre Dame Center in Jerusalem, the final hotel where
Ordination update: 13 new deacons for Nashville
The ordination happened Saturday, April 1, at Sagrado Corazón Church in the Catholic Pastoral Center of Nashville. One of the
What did the pope do in the hospital? Ate pizza, visited cancer patients, baptized a baby
He's probably heading home Saturday, according to the Vatican: Pope Francis is expected to be discharged from hospital and return
Vatican rejects German proposal for lay preaching, baptisms
Details: The Vatican’s liturgy czar has intervened against the implementation of resolutions of the German Synodal Way that demand laypeople
Reported Eucharistic miracle has connection to Blessed Michael McGivney
Could this lead to his canonization? Details: As Connecticut Catholics approach Easter, the faithful are flocking to tiny Thomaston following
Vatican: Pope hospitalized with respiratory infection
Details: Pope Francis will be hospitalized for “some days” after being diagnosed with a respiratory infection, the Vatican said Wednesday.
The universe of ‘The Chosen’ is about to get bigger
From Deadline: Former DreamWorks exec Mark Sourian has been appointed as President of Production for the Angel Studios Original The Chosen, with plans to build
On pilgrimage: 10 things I have to tell you
What a trip. Well, the jet lag has subsided, and I finally finished unpacking my suitcases, and I’m now trying
‘Very real, very shocking’: Possible Eucharistic miracle reported in Connecticut
Details: A local Connecticut television station is reporting that the Archdiocese of Hartford is investigating a possible Eucharistic miracle that
Bishops: surgery to change gender ‘not morally justified’
From RNS: A group of U.S. Catholic bishops has issued a statement discouraging Catholic health care groups from performing various
On pilgrimage: farewell, Jerusalem
By now, I'm sure I don't have to tell you: we had a sensational time in the Holy Land. Words
On pilgrimage: The morning I will never forget
It started with a wake-up call at 3:30 in the morning. My wife and I threw on our clothes. I
On pilgrimage: the little town of Bethlehem and the muddy waters of the Jordan
So, here are a few more highlights from this week's pilgrimage. Let's start off with an early morning view of
‘Joseph, in his silence, shows us who he is…’
With the feast day of Saint Joseph right around the corner — March 19! — my friend Elizabeth Scalia decided
On pilgrimage: the story so far
We're at the halfway mark of our 11-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We've walked cobblestone streets, climbed ancient steps,
WATCH: 10 moments of Pope Francis in 10 minutes
From the editors at America, here's a video marking the Holy Father's 10-year anniversary, highlighting memorable moments of this landmark
Pope Francis adds new members to council of cardinals
From CNA: Pope Francis appointed five new members to his council of cardinals advisers on Tuesday, including Synod organizer Cardinal
WATCH: Bill Ditewig on humility, synodality, serving in the Navy and more
This is pretty cool. Two of my friends, Deacon Bill Ditewig and (future deacon!) Mike Hayes had a conversation recently
Jerusalem, here I come
In about 24 hours, I'll be at JFK Airport, waiting to board a Turkish Airlines flight that will carry me
Mexican bishops will ask Pope Francis to include Mayan rites in Masses
Details: he Diocese of San Cristóbal, in southern Mexico, will send Pope Francis a proposal to include indigenous Mayan rites
What happens when an AI chatbot writes a homily?
The good people at The Tablet (our diocesan newspaper in Brooklyn) decided to find out. Take a look: The following
Thousands attend funeral Mass for LA’s Bishop O’Connell
From RNS: Catholics, multi-faith clergy and elected leaders from across Southern California filled the pews of the Cathedral of Our
New York City mayor decries separation of church and state
This raised a lot of eyebrows in one of the most liberal corners of the country. From Politico: At an
Visiting the spectacular Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma
I'm beginning Lent far from Queens, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where I'm leading a mission at St. Anne's Catholic Church.
‘He picks up the beam and begins dragging it, wood scraping on stone…’
The Way of the Cross for Deacons 3rd Station: Jesus Falls the First Time We adore you, O Christ, and
Ordination update: 11 new deacons for Atlanta
Details from the Georgia Bulletin: Deacon Dennis Dorner, the director of the permanent diaconate, said after five years of classwork
Funeral services announced for Bishop O’Connell
Details: Funeral services were announced Thursday for Los Angeles Catholic Auxiliary Bishop David O'Connell, who was gunned down at his home in Hacienda Heights.
Mark Wahlberg talks Lent on the Today show
This is something remarkable: a committed (and well-known) Catholic popped up on network television on Ash Wednesday, with a big,
The meaning of ashes: Homily for February 22, 2023, Ash Wednesday
In a few minutes, we will be marked with ashes. What, exactly, does that mean? We know historically they
A prayer for Ash Wednesday
Almighty and merciful Father, I pray this day as a prodigal, beginning my long walk home. As I mark the
The marriage cross: a beautiful tradition in Croatia
Scott Hahn posted this on his Facebook page, and it deserves wider circulation: According to Croatian tradition, when a couple
Sheriff: Man arrested in bishop’s killing is husband of housekeeper
'He was a good priest and a good bishop and a man of peace.' — Archbishop José Gomez This afternoon,
BREAKING: Arrest made in killing of Bishop O’Connell
Details: A suspect has been arrested in the killing of Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday. O’Connell,
UPDATE: ‘This incident is being handled as a murder investigation’
The latest on the death of LA's Bishop O'Connell, from CNA: The shooting death of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David
‘Forgiveness is a choice’: Homily for February 19, 2023, 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time
What we have just heard may be one of the most recognizable passages in all the Gospels. The great Jewish
Shock: Los Angeles auxiliary bishop shot and killed — UPDATED
Details: An auxiliary bishop with the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was shot to death Saturday afternoon in Hacienda Heights, authorities
Beatification set for married couple martyred by Nazis
Details: The beatification date has been announced for Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and their seven children, who were killed by
Parish remembers MSU victim: ‘His light shined bright with love, leadership and kindness’
From The Detroit Free Press: Brian Fraser was a leader. From sports teams to church programs, fraternities to classrooms, Fraser
He wanted to die for Allah. Now he lives for Jesus.
Want to know the power of witness? Here's a remarkable conversion story, by Al Fadi, from Christianity Today: I was
Blessed Stanley Rother shrine to be dedicated
From The Oklahoman: Another chapter in the remarkable story of an Oklahoma priest will begin with the dedication of a
Jesus visits the Super Bowl: check out these two ads
From the people behind the He Gets Us campaign, these two ads appeared during two different halves of Super Bowl
Talking about St. Joseph
The folks at Shalom World TV invited me on their Book.ed program a couple weeks back to talk about Befriending
Persecution: Nicaraguan bishop sentenced to 26 years in prison
"This constitutes the most severe repression against the Catholic Church in Latin America since the assassination of Guatemalan Bishop Juan
‘He always wanted to champion the little guy. He supported the lost, the least, and the lonely’
Today is the funeral Mass for Deacon Donald Zirkel, who entered eternal life last month. Attention must be paid. What
Pope Francis appoints new Archbishop of Toronto
From the Archdiocese of Toronto: Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Francis (Frank) Leo, currently Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of
Survey: Church giving is steady after COVID, but with fewer donors
"The base of people shrunk significantly. That was the scary part for us from a sustainability point of view." From
Church of England considers a gender-neutral God for prayers, liturgy
From MSN: In what would mark a departure from centuries of tradition, bishops are to launch a project “on gendered
Statue of Mary survives earthquake that demolished cathedral
Details, via CNA: A statue of the Virgin Mary was untouched after the collapse of a Catholic cathedral in an
History: Pope names first auxiliary bishop for Diocese of El Paso
From the diocese's website: Pope Francis has announced the appointment of a new auxiliary bishop for the Diocese of El
‘This is our faith’: We need to rediscover the power and beauty of Baptism
My latest for OSV News: While parishes across the country gear up for a Eucharistic revival, we shouldn’t forget another
UPDATE: ‘The admission of women to the diaconate is a doctrinal matter…’
Whenever I travel, I find people asking me about the latest Vatican commission on women deacons. One of the members
UPDATE: Charges dropped against woman arrested for praying outside U.K. abortion clinic
You may remember her story from late last year. The update: Authorities in the U.K. have dropped charges against a
The biggest parish church in North America is now open
Wow: North America’s largest Catholic parish church – St. Charles Borromeo with seating for 3,200 souls – was officially dedicated
Rejoice! Watch the offertory for the papal Mass in Kinshasa, DRC
An estimated one million people attended the Mass at the local airport Wednesday — evidently, the only space large enough
Ordination update: 5 new deacons for Arlington
From The Arlington Catholic Herald: Bishop Michael F. Burbidge ordained five men to the permanent diaconate at the Cathedral of
Report: Jean Vanier’s L’Arche hid a ‘mystical-sexual sect’
'Vanier was part of a small sectarian group that subscribed to … predatory and deviant doctrine and practices...' Horrifying: Two
Father Hallowell: ‘I was healed at Lourdes’
Many of you will remember the inspiring story of Father John Hallowell, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor in
Pope Francis explains his comments about homosexuality and sin
Earlier this week, in an interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis made some headlines when he answered a question
Revealed: the real reason Benedict resigned
Details: Ever since Benedict XVI announced his resignation on Feb. 11, 2013, cardinals and others have speculated on the main
Could this ad about Jesus show up during the Super Bowl?
Maybe: For the past 10 months, the “He Gets Us” ads have shown up on billboards, YouTube channels and television
Machete attacks in Spanish churches leave one dead, four wounded
From The Guardian: A machete-wielding man killed a sexton and wounded a priest in attacks at two churches in the
What country has the highest Mass attendance?
That's the lead question in a new post at the 1964 blog, run by the good people at Center for
Pope: Homosexuality is not a crime
From the AP: Pope Francis criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as
Pope Francis on preaching: ‘The homilies, they are a disaster’
Last week, Pope Francis offered a few words to participants in a course for Diocesan liturgical officials, organized by the
A prayer for Pope Benedict
From CNA: A bishop has authorized and published a prayer for private devotion to Pope Benedict XVI, who died Dec.
Sister André, world’s oldest person, dies at 118
From CNN: French nun Sister André, the world’s oldest known person, died on Tuesday at the age of 118 in
Lawyers say McCarrick is unfit to stand trial
Given his advancing age, this shouldn't be a surprise: Former cardinal Theodore McCarrick is in “significant” mental decline and may
Are you ready for Sunday of the Word of God?
Four years ago, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter, Aperuit Illis, instituting Sunday of the Word of God for the
WATCH: Man ordered to remove ‘Jesus saves’ tee shirt at Mall of America
This happened two weekends ago, but this story is now gathering steam on social media. Details: A man inside the
‘Ungodly and inhumane’: Priest burned alive in Nigeria
From AP: A Nigerian priest was burned alive in his home in the country’s north on Sunday, police said. Rev.
A diaconal connection to the funeral of Cardinal Pell
Reading about the funeral of Cardinal George Pell in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, I saw this photograph: I thought
‘I trust that you will always be signs of a Church that goes forth’
From Pope Francis's remarks Saturday morning to the priests, deacons, seminarians and staff from the North American College, here's a
‘If discouragement overwhelms you, think of Joseph…’
Part of this homily popped up in my Facebook feed yesterday. I really needed to see it. Maybe you do,
‘Pray for Damar’: the birth of a movement
The collapse of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin has sparked something of a movement, according to Bills team chaplain Len
Ordination update: 18 new deacons for Fort Wayne-South Bend
Happy new year! Happy new deacons! Details from Today's Catholic: A glorious day! More than 1,300 people witnessed the ordination of 18
Shock: Cardinal Pell dead at 81
From the BBC: Cardinal George Pell, whose conviction on child abuse charges shocked the Catholic Church before being quashed, has
Damar Hamlin’s recovery: ‘Prayer is real’
'Damar got the whole world to pray. God allowed Damar to get the whole world to pray.' From OSV News:
The gift of Benedict: Homily for January 8, 2023 Memorial Mass
We dedicated the 1 p.m. Mass at my parish Sunday to Pope Emeritus Benedict. I was asked to preach the
When a funeral homily is also a eulogy: Cardinal Ratzinger on Pope John Paul II
There has been a lot of discussion lately about Pope Francis's homily for the funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict; some
Man arrested after destroying altar in Arkansas abbey
'The man had wanted to break into the tabernacle but had looked up at the statue of Mary and decided
Joseph Ratzinger, ‘led where you do not want to go’
A different look at the trajectory of Benedict's life, from Elizabeth Scalia at OSV News: It was a coldish day
Catholic urban ‘village’ proposed for Detroit
Details: Many thousands of churches are being abandoned in North America as worship communities become geographically dissipated, often spread over
Report: ‘Passion of the Christ’ sequel to begin shooting this spring
Details: After almost a decade of anticipation, the Passion of the Christ sequel is finally in the works. Passion of the Christ:
The New York Times looks at the bond between football and faith
Check this out: As the ambulance carrying the injured Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin rolled slowly off the field in Cincinnati Monday
Read: Pope Francis’s homily at funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict
'Benedict, faithful friend of the Bridegroom, may your joy be complete as you hear his voice, now and forever!' From
Damar Hamlin: ‘I see myself through God’s eyes’
From OSV News: The Central Catholic High School community in Pittsburgh is joining in prayer for NFL player Damar Hamlin,
2017 letter from bishop explained plan to laicize Pavone
From The Pillar: A 2017 letter to then-Father Frank Pavone warned the now-laicized leader of Priests for Life that his
Gänswein: The devil was ‘very against Pope Benedict’
From Crux: Retired Pope Benedict XVI’s longtime personal secretary has given an interview in which he says he believes the
WATCH: Benedict’s last journey to St. Peter’s
The remains of the Pope Emeritus were transferred to St. Peter's Monday morning. Video below, from Vatican News. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0vmyUJSAAM
Happy New Year, happy new news service: the debut of OSV News
At the end of 2022, before the ball fell, an important piece of news dropped: the launch of OSV News.
Benedict’s last words: ‘Lord, I love you!’
The Vatican released this photograph Sunday: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, lying in state at his home chapel in the Monastery
‘A shepherd must love the people entrusted to him’: Homily for January 1, 2023
This weekend, as we start a new year, we’re doing more than changing calendars and making resolutions. We’re watching history
Pope Benedict at installation: ‘Do not be afraid of Christ!’
My mind goes back to 22 October 1978, when Pope John Paul II began his ministry here in Saint Peter’s
Vatican: Pope Emeritus Benedict has returned to the Father’s house
From the Vatican: The Holy See Press Office announced that the Pope Emeritus died at 9:34 AM on Saturday morning
‘The story of the Holy Family is about life not always turning out the way you expected’
A little something from the vault: I’m struck every year by the timing of this feast, celebrating the Holy Family. It
Diocese of Rome to offer special Mass for Pope Emeritus
'Although his condition remains serious, the situation at the moment is stable.' Details: The Diocese of Rome will offer a
Prayer to St. Joseph for a happy death
"Since we all must die, we should cherish a special devotion to St. Joseph, that he may obtain for us
Benedict: ‘Quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life…’
"Quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life. Even though, as I look back on
Pope Francis describes Benedict as ‘very ill,’ asks for prayers
From Vatican News: Concluding the General Audience on Wednesday morning Pope Francis asked the faithful for a "special prayer" for
‘I said I was Jew-ish’: The case of Catholic Congressman-elect George Santos
It turns out that New York's congressman-to-be misled, embellished, fabricated and outright lied about parts of his life — including
‘The manger reminds us that Jesus was surrounded by nothing but love’
"The manger of Bethlehem speaks to us not only of closeness, but also of poverty. Around the manger there is
My first Christmas homily
In December 2007, the first Christmas after my ordination, my pastor asked me to preach at Midnight Mass. The homily
Great moments in weather reporting
Let's hear it for Mark Woodley, ladies and gentlemen: Anyone who has ever seen a local news broadcast during a
Christ is always coming: Homily for Christmas 2022
Merry Christmas! If you’ve said it someone today, say it again! And say it again tonight. And tomorrow. And for
Holiday cheer in the U.K.: Woman arrested for silently praying
This incident has understandably caused a firestorm. The report from CNA: A pro-life volunteer has been arrested and charged after
Poll: All I want for Christmas is less Mariah Carey
A blessed sign of hope for our troubled times, via RNS: Most Americans plan to give a dozen gifts during
Remembering ‘Sean Patrick’ of Catholic Digest: ‘He loved God, loved life, and loved to tell stories’
My friend Paul McKibben alerted me to this sad news: a man who was a beloved fixture of Catholic Digest
The town that ‘Silent Night’ put on the map
Some fascinating history here, via CNS: The Christmas song “Stille Nacht” (“Silent Night”) may have put the town of Oberndorf,
One number for the new year that can really count
My latest for OSV: As the new year begins, it’s all about numbers, isn’t it? From the annual countdown in
Holy humility — and a saint for this moment, Jeanne Jugan
Reflecting on the idea of obedience, many people this week have mentioned the case of Padre Pio. Others have brought
Nearly 1,000 U.S. faith leaders call for Christmas cease-fire in Ukraine
Details: Nearly 1,000 U.S. faith leaders are calling for a Christmas cease-fire in Ukraine 10 months after Russia invaded its
Mary, did you know?: One reason why it’s a wonderful film
'Mary sees the big man in George from the first, because she is a big woman.' From The Bulwark, writer
Everything you wanted to know about the Pavone case
Sources said that the Pavone case had less to do with his media profile and public statements, and more to
‘Be open to believe’: Just in time for Christmas, ’60 Minutes’ gives us a story of miracles
This is something to see: From CBS News's Bill Whitaker, a fascinating, inspiring and superbly-reported account of the miracles that
Pavone vows legal action
From CNA: The national director of Priests for Life, Frank Pavone, canceled a scheduled livestreamed Mass today, one day after
CNA: Father Pavone dismissed from clerical state — UPDATED
This has been a long time coming. Details: Father Frank Pavone, a well-known pro-life activist and national director of the
Martyrs: Married couple with 7 children, all executed by the Nazis, could be beatified
Details: Pope Francis has recognized the martyrdom of a married couple with seven children who were killed by the Nazis
Life matters: Oregon’s governor commutes sentences of death row inmates
Attention must be paid: Democratic Gov. Kate Brown of Oregon announced on Tuesday she is commuting the sentences of the state's 17
Women deacons? A member of the Vatican commission weighs in
From Our Sunday Visitor, here's part of an interview with Deacon Dominic Cerrato, editor of OSV’s The Deacon magazine, and
Pope names Holy Cross priest bishop of St. Cloud
From the Diocese of St. Cloud website: The Holy See announced that Pope Francis has appointed Father Patrick Neary, C.S.C., a
On Jordan’s bank: a stunning development rises at baptism site
Those of us who have been to this ancient site can't help but find this jarring and a little disorienting
‘We are all Newtown’: Remembering the tragedy of Sandy Hook
From 2012, part of my homily after the tragedy in Sandy Hook: As some of you know, my office is
More Protestant churches are celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe
The presence of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Episcopalian, Lutheran or other Protestant spaces could be more commonplace in Mexican
‘Men for others’: Heisman winner Caleb Williams salutes Gonzaga’s influence on his life
"To the 11-year-old out there who’s watching right now, who was told you’re too small, like they told me. Go
Chicago’s Father Pfleger cleared of abuse allegations, reinstated as pastor
Details, via CNN: Father Michael Pfleger, the senior pastor of the St. Sabina Parish in Chicago, has been reinstated after
The Lord is near: Homily for December 11, 2022, 3rd Sunday in Advent
“Rejoice in the Lord always…the Lord is near!” That message from St. Paul, from the opening chant for this Mass,
The composer behind ‘Mary’s Boy Child’
He also composed that contemporary classic, "Amen," that we all remember from "Lilies of the Field." (He also dubbed Sidney
Mary, the woman of ‘Yes’
This feast we celebrate, the Immaculate Conception, commemorates a great mystery and a miracle: that God so loved the world
Prominent Jesuit artist has ministry restricted after allegations
Photo: by Centroaletti / Creative Commons From CNS: Slovenian Jesuit Father Marko Rupnik, whose mosaics decorate chapels in the Vatican,
‘Carol of the Bells’: Ukraine’s enduring song of hope
One hundred years after it was introduced to Western audiences at Carnegie Hall, this enduring classic returned. And it's even
Ordination update: 20 new deacons for Peoria
An early Christmas gift! Details from The Catholic Post: In ordaining 20 permanent deacons for the Diocese of Peoria on
Another diocese plans to file for bankruptcy
From the Press Democrat in California: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Santa Rosa plans to file for bankruptcy protection in
Next stop: the glorious lights of Attleboro
The Fall Tour (Deaconpalooza '22) is wrapping up. I'm heading to the train station this morning with my wife to
The great religious caretakers of America: chaplains
About a quarter of new students in the Master of Divinity programs at Boston University and Union Theological Seminary in
Check it out: A gift for the preacher in your life
I'm pleased to announce that a new collection of homilies is being released today by the good people at Clear
Amid scandals and politics, Poland’s young people are losing faith
“This is a time bomb that was always going to explode sooner or later.” Further evidence that we are often
Census: Less than half of England and Wales is Christian
From the BBC: For the first time fewer than half of people in England and Wales describe themselves as Christian,
Rest in peace: ‘Die Hard’ actor Clarence Gilyard, Catholic
His memorable turn as a computer hacker in the Bruce Willis smash led to ongoing roles in "Waker, Texas Ranger"
History: Deacon becomes first Indigenous man ordained in Brisbane
From The Catholic Leader in Australia: Deacon Clinton McGoldrick became the first Indigenous man ordained in the history of Brisbane
Must-read: Pope Francis’s wide-ranging interview with America magazine
The Holy Father spoke exclusively with Matt Malone, S.J., the departing editor in chief of America, Sam Sawyer, S.J., the
Ordination update: 8 new deacons for Scranton
Just in time for Advent! Details: Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, ordained eight men as permanent deacons for
Vatican: China violated terms of agreement with bishop installation
From CNA: The Vatican said on Saturday that Chinese authorities had violated the terms stipulated in its provisional agreement on
No, you don’t have to sing that hymn this weekend. Really.
It's everybody's go-to chant for Advent: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." It's a classic, sober piece of music, and it's
Jesus Christ, streaming star: ‘The Chosen’ becomes a breakout hit
The streaming sensation has even caught the attention of The New York Times: In the biblical account of the miracle
Report: Apostolic Visitation for Diocese of Knoxville
From The Pillar: A Vatican-ordered apostolic visitation will be conducted in the Diocese of Knoxville next week, several sources close
‘Oh, the humanity’: The true story behind the WKRP ‘Turkey Drop’
From Rodney Ho at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, who re-posts this item every year: The show was created by former Atlanta
Bishop Henning of Rockville Centre becomes coadjutor bishop of Providence
News from the In My Backyard Desk: The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, S.T.D.
Shock: Pope removes entire leadership of Caritas, appoints administrator
From CNA: Pope Francis on Tuesday removed the entire leadership of an international confederation of charities and appointed a temporary
Singing phenomenon Sister Cristina of ‘The Voice’ leaves religious life
You remember she caused a sensation a few years back. Now, this news: A nun who became a singing sensation
Unpacking the USCCB meeting — and finding some surprises
Elizabeth Scalia sat through most of the public sessions (so we wouldn't have to) and offers this assessment over at
Rest in peace: ‘Miracle deacon’ Ken Conklin has died
Friday evening, Bishop Rick Stika posted the news on Facebook: It is with sadness that I share with you the
Albany’s retired Bishop Hubbard asks Vatican ‘to return to the lay state’
This is extraordinary, via The Evangelist newspaper: Bishop Emeritus Howard J. Hubbard of the Diocese of Albany has asked the
Patriarch: discussions underway about one date for Easter
From Zenit: In an interview with a Turkish media , the Patriarch of Constantinople stated that conversations are underway between
Rest in peace: writer Michael Gerson dies at 58
A writer of great faith and passion is gone: Michael Gerson, a speechwriter for President George W. Bush who helped
Catholic vs. Catholic for president? Could happen.
If — and it's a big "if" — Ron DeSantis throws his hat in the ring and if — another
‘I had two patients to take care of’: An abortion doctor’s powerful conversion
A doctor who performed abortions tells the story of what made him change his mind in a new book, Two
USCCB: It’s Broglio and Lori
From CNS: Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services was elected Nov. 15 to a
Statue of Native American will replace toppled one of St. Junipero Serra in Sacramento
From The Sacramento Bee: State lawmakers and local tribal leaders shared details Monday on the plan to replace the toppled
A TV reporter’s big scoop: he’s returned to the Catholic Church
What a great story, from Detroit Catholic: Chuck Gaidica has been in the TV business for more than 40 years,
The big winner Tuesday night? Abortion
A sobering assessment from Religion News Service: If there was one clear winner in the November midterms, it was abortion
Wear this in memory of me: passing on a deacon’s vestments
This is great, from Baltimore's Catholic Review: Vestments once worn by a beloved deacon of St. Rita in Dundalk over
Next stop: sunny Florida
The Fall Retreat-a-Palooza continues. This morning, I'm headed to Florida, to St. Augustine and the Marywood Retreat Center to lead
Tim Ryan’s concession: ‘The highest title in this land is citizen’
No matter what party you belong to, or whose ides your support, you should be able to appreciate these words
Church Militant on Election Day: ‘Violence is not immoral…it must always be an option.’
The mind boggles. Via Salon: On Tuesday morning, the far-right Catholic media outlet Church Militant published a video editorial suggesting
Ross Douthat: How Vatican II ‘eviscerated a culture of obligatory practice’
Ross Douthat of The New York Times has taken aim at Vatican II — again — with some followup ideas
Ordination update: 7 new deacons for Phoenix
Bishop John Dolan ordained seven men to the diaconate in Phoenix on Saturday November 5. The new deacons are: William
Don’t give up
Behold: a captivating little piece of art by French choreographer Yoann Bourgeois. Here is life's journey in 90 seconds —
Report: Emile Adams, ‘the oldest active deacon in the U.S.,’ dies at 100
This news appeared on the Facebook page of Diocese of Toledo's Black Catholics Saturday afternoon: Deacon Emile Adams passed into
A ‘Father Stu’ for the whole family?
I have to wonder: why didn't they do this in the first place? Details: Mark Wahlberg's Father Stu is getting another go
Before there was DeSantis, there was Paul Harvey and this classic truck ad
There's been a lot of talk on social media about the new ad for Florida's Ron DeSantis, suggesting God's endorsement.
Bishops: Those political newspapers aren’t connected to the Catholic Church
From CNA: In recent days, residents of at least four U.S. states have received newspapers in the mail bearing variations
‘Outrage’: Minnesota cemetery desecrated; Bishop Barron vows to reconsecrate site
Details: Bishop Robert Barron has pledged to reconsecrate a Catholic Minnesota cemetery vandalized on Halloween night with satanic and vulgar
RIP, Thomas Cahill, author of ‘How the Irish Saved Civilization’
From The New York Times: Thomas Cahill, a multilingual scholar who wrote a surprise 1995 best seller demonstrating to the
We want to be in that number: Homily for November 1, 2022, Solemnity of All Saints
A few years ago, my wife and I were in New Orleans for a conference, and in the lobby of
60,000 lives saved: the impact of overturning Roe
The details, via CNA: More than 10,000 unborn babies are alive today because of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn
A Blessing for Trick-Or-Treaters
This comes from the blog for Give Us This Day, and the pen of Father Michael Kwatera, OSB: Compassionate God...
Greetings from Gallup
As I write, it's Sunday morning — 23 degrees outside, if you were wondering — and I'm wrapping up my
Up next: Galloping to Gallup
And the Fall Tour continues. I'm departing early Friday morning (very early) for Gallup, New Mexico, to lead a retreat
Poll: 45% of Americans say U.S. should be a ‘Christian nation’
But what, exactly, does that mean? Details: Most U.S. adults believe America’s founders intended the country to be a Christian
Synod document reveals desire for ‘radical inclusion’
"Many reports ask that the Church continue its discernment in the active role of women in the governing structures of
USCCB: Biden ‘gravely wrong’ on abortion
"This single-minded extremism must end, and we implore President Biden to recognize the humanity in preborn children." CNA reports: President
Diocese of Buffalo agrees to submit to secular oversight
Priests who have been credibly accused of abuse will be assigned an individual monitor with law enforcement experience to ensure
Cardinal: Church blessings of same-sex unions not a settled matter
From CNA: In an interview with Vatican media, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.J., said he believes Church blessings for same-sex unions,
Chaput: ‘Biden is not in communion with the Catholic faith’
From CNA: Archbishop Charles Chaput said on Saturday that Joe Biden “is not in communion with the Catholic faith” and
Lessons from the journey: Homily for October 23, 2022, 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Everyone knows how important it is to pack for a journey — but I also think it’s important what you
Cardinal to EWTN: Unity with pope is necessary for Catholic media
From NCR: The Vatican's top diplomat has called on the U.S.-based media conglomerate Eternal Word Television Network, which regularly criticizes
Grief: Phoenix bishop loses third sibling to suicide
From the National Catholic Register: After announcing Bishop John P. Dolan lost his sister to death by suicide, the Diocese
Looking to ‘prepare the way’ this Advent? Join me for a weekend retreat in a spectacular setting
I say "spectacular," because it's the only way to describe this spot in Attleboro, Massachusetts. I'll be leading a weekend
‘Are priests flourishing or struggling?’: Survey finds fulfillment, fear, burnout
The authors of a major new survey — described as the largest conducted in more than 50 years — summarize
French bishop ordered to live a life of ‘prayer and penance’ for sexual abuse
From CNA: The Diocese of Créteil in France confirmed last week that its former bishop had been credibly accused of
Biden vows to make legal abortion the law of the land
From CNN: President Joe Biden on Tuesday made a major promise on a push to put abortion rights into law
Awake: Milwaukee group works for change in addressing sexual abuse
Awake is unique among most anti-clergy sexual abuse groups because its leaders are practicing Catholics who want to remain in
Parish stands behind Father Pfleger, as he faces another sex abuse accusation
From The Chicago Sun-Times: A day after the Rev. Michael Pfleger was accused again of child sex abuse, the popular priest
‘We can’t hurry’: Pope extends Synod another year, to 2024
From NCR: Pope Francis announced on Oct. 16 that he is significantly expanding the timeframe for his ongoing consultation process
New footage shows Pelosi praying on January 6
From RNS: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi began her day on Jan. 6, 2021, by praying with colleagues and discussing the
Someone you need to know: Bangkok’s Father Joe, ‘an outcast among outcasts’
From The New York Times: The young priest, always something of a misfit, chose an unconventional spot to start his
On the road again: the Maine event
Next stop: Portland. I'm headed there Friday to lead a retreat for deacons and their wives at the Marie Joseph
Want to persevere in prayer? Look to Father Walter Ciszek
Just in time for this weekend's Gospel, about persevering in prayer, along comes this remembrance of a future saint of
‘The council was a failure’
That's one of the bold conclusions drawn by Ross Douthat in today's New York Times. He writes: Just because a
Pope Francis on Vatican II and the command to ‘Feed my sheep’
'All of us are children of God, all brothers and sisters in the Church, all of us making up the
$100 million ad campaign tries to ‘rebrand’ Jesus
Good luck with this: Jon Lee has some words for evangelical leaders who argue that Christian ethics like kindness, honesty
Ordination update: 7 new deacons for Burlington
They were ordained by Bishop Christopher Coyne at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Burlington last Saturday. In the picture,
Report: Steubenville Diocese may merge with Columbus
The Pillar has the scoop: The Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio, is expected to announce to priests Monday that a process
‘Deacon Sunday’?? What??
Again and again on social media this weekend, I kept reading deacons who said, "How come I'm only hearing about
The Catholic roots of the oldest public library in the Americas
From AP: It is, according to UNESCO, the oldest public library in the Americas, tucked away from the street front
Check this out: Eucharistic Adoration in the 21st century
My friend Father Matthew Schneider posted this picture below on social media, showing a kiosk outside a chapel for Adoration.
Survey: 4 in 10 ‘non-Catholic’ Latinos were once Catholic
From RNS: A new NBC News/Telemundo poll focusing on the Latino electorate found that 41% of Latinos who do not
Pope Francis: ‘The saints are not sourpusses’
'It has been said that a sad saint is a sad excuse for a saint. Approach life with a sense
Got joy?
Earlier this week, I spoke at the convocation of priests in the Diocese of Cleveland, and my keynote was entitled,
Ordination update: 17 new deacons for Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh's Bishop David Zubik ordained 17 new deacons at St. Paul Cathedral on October 1. As the diocesan website notes:
Gracias, El Paso!
I had a wonderful time this weekend — praying, sharing, fraternizing and generally just enjoying the company of the deacon
WATCH: The life of St. Peter projected on St. Peter’s at the Vatican
I posted about this event a few weeks back. Now here is the video (in Italian) as it was captured
An ‘extraordinary’ way of living? They’re just being Christians
Here's a great look at a way of living as community, via The Catholic Spirit in the Archdiocese of St.
On the road again: Traveling to El Paso with St. Jerome
Greetings from LaGuardia's amazing new Terminal B. It's a gorgeous September morning in New York City. I'm headed to the
‘Seek the City to Come’: Archdiocese of Baltimore begins review, considering major changes
The Archdiocese of Baltimore is taking a hard look at Mass attendance and how to face the future. From The
Patriarch Kirill: Russian war dead have their sins forgiven
Image: by Jim Forest / Flickr / Creative Commons license From Radio Free Europe: Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian
RIP: Brother Andrew, known as ‘God’s Smuggler’
'Lord, in my luggage I have Scripture that I want to take to your children across this border. When you
Archbishop: wearing religious clothing is ‘revolutionary’
He was evidently speaking at an ordination for transitional deacons. From CNA: The archbishop of Valladolid, Spain, Luis Argüello, called
Ordination update: 17 new deacons for Rockford
Details from the diocesan website: Most Reverend David J. Malloy ordained 17 men to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese
Worth your time: Pope Francis’s beautiful homily on the Eucharist
This is too important and beautiful to miss. Pope Francis offered a stirring, eloquent homily Sunday on the Eucharist: One
What can you give the Catholic who has everything? Look no further
If you're looking to do some early Christmas shopping, you need to check this out: The Holy Hour: Meditations for
In a first, Catholics now outnumber Protestants in Northern Ireland
From The Guardian: Catholics outnumber Protestants in Northern Ireland for the first time, a demographic milestone for a state that was designed
Video projection on life of St. Peter to illuminate his basilica
From Vatican News: Beginning Sunday 2 October at 9 pm, a special video showing the life of St. Peter will
Defiance: Belgian bishops publish blessings for same-sex couples
From CNA: Catholic bishops in Belgium on Tuesday announced the introduction of blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples in their dioceses.
Vatican turns down request for ‘Feast of the Holy Spouses’
Interesting news, via The Pillar: The Vatican has turned down a request from some U.S. bishops to add a feast
