Monthly Archives: November 2012

Mary’s Greatness Lay in Her Fidelity to God’s Word

I will deliver this homily to the diaconal community in the Winona diocese as we gathered for an Advent Day of Reflection. The Mass will be a votive Mass in honor of our Blessed Mother. Homily for Advent Day of … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“There is no more authoritative book to teach us how to grow in God’s love than the book of Jesus crucified.” — St. Maximillian Kolbe, OFM Conv.

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Quote for the Day

“God, and only God, is infinite, most wise, most holy, a most loving Lord, our father and creator, our beginning and end, our wisdom, power and love — God is our all.” – St. Maximillian Kolbe, OFM Conv.

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Four Myths of Papa Luciani “Debunked”

John Allen, a correspondent from the National Catholic Reporter on November 2, 2012, wrote the following for that newspaper. Here are excerpts from the article. Oct. 17 marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of Albino Luciani, the man who … Continue reading

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The Discipleship of Mary, Mother of God

I have been stuck thinking about what St. Augustine said a few days ago in the second reading in the Office of Readings on the memorial of the Presentation of Mary. If you recall, he said that Mary saw her … Continue reading

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Diaconal Spirituality and Marriage

I wrote a post many months ago on the spirituality of the diaconate and marriage. My point was that there was a dynamic tension between the ontologic change that occurs in the deacon by virtue of his ordination and the precendential graces … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“‘He breathed on them,’ and in that breathing the Spirit of God brought back to life forever the heart of the whole Church.” — Eric Doyle, OFM

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Faith as Liberation Mediated by Communion with Christ

Pope Benedict has written eloquently about the virtue of faith, and fittingly so in the Year of Faith. He has reminded us that faith is a supremely personal act, by which he means it is an act of the whole … Continue reading

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From Here, Where?

There are many people who seem to be disoriented in the past month. Disoriented because of either: 1. Disbelief. They are dumbfounded with the results of the elections and the in-your-face, undeniable force of the tyranny of moral relativism born … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“As in heaven thy will is punctually performed, so may it be done on earth by all creatures, particularly in me.” — St. Elizabeth of Hungary, SFO

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New Statistics on Permanent Deacons in the World

Every year, in view of World Mission Day celebrated this year on October 21, Fides News Service publishes statistics that describe the Church’s missionary activities throughout the world. Included in those statistics is information about permanent deacons. Catholics number 1,195,671,000 … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“So great is the good I have in sight, that any pain is my delight.” — St. Francis of Assisi

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Gratitude, Grace and Healing

This morning, at 6:30 am, I was asked by the celebrant of the Mass to offer the homily right before we were leaving the sacristy. It is at moments like that the grace of Orders takes over (in response to … Continue reading

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Kim Seidel: Christian parents face tough issues

I found this excellent article today in the La Crosse Tribune written by a Catholic mom, and the challenges Christian mothers have in discussing the faith with their children in today’s social environment. You’ll love it. Kim Seidel: Christian parents … Continue reading

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Albino Luciani – The Forgotten Pope

I would like to bring your attention to an article in America, an American Catholic periodical. Mo Guerin, who is writing a biography of Pope John Paul I – Papa Luciani – wrote an excellent article there on John Paul I as … Continue reading

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