Monthly Archives: December 2013

Prayer to St. Stephen, Deacon and Proto-Martyr of the Church

  Prayer to St. Stephen, Protomartyr The Apostles chose Stephen the deacon, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, whom the Jews stoned whilst he prayed, saying: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, and lay not this sin … Continue reading

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The Tale of Two Christmas Coats

This Christmas day brings to mind two wintery moments that occurred at this time of year, both several years ago. Christmas gifts that, if one views them with the eyes of faith, were appearances of the Christ in the disguised … Continue reading

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Pope Francis’ Christmas Greeting to the World “Urbi et Orbi”

Here is Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi Christmas message to the world. I reproduce it in its entirety, as per the official Vatican translation. I would add, though, that listening to it in the original Italian as the Pope spoke, he added … Continue reading

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The Politics of Muddy Thinking

One of my fellow bloggers, Deacon Scott Dodge in Salt Lake City, has written a wonderful post www.scottdodge.blogspot.com on the same-sex marriage issue that is threatening to engulf us all. I encourage you to link over and read it. Deacon Dodge … Continue reading

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Deacon Bob’s Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent, Cycle A

Here is my homily for this weekend. May the remainder of Advent be blessed for you and your families. Audio: Coming soon!  Text: 4th Sunday of Advent – Cycle A December 21/22, 2013 Isaiah 7:  10-14; Romans 1:  1-7; Matthew … Continue reading

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Rumor is…..

The rumor is that Pope Francis has directed that the bishops and priests in the Vatican Curia are to take time to hear confessions in a nearby parish, Santo Spirito. All I can say is I hope this is true, … Continue reading

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Congratulations, Diocese of Portland, Maine

The Holy Father today at noon Rome time appointed Bishop Robert Deeley bishop of Portland, Maine. Bishop Deeley had been an auxiliary bishop of Boston. He was born in 1946 in Massachusetts. He obtained his philosophy degree at the Catholic … Continue reading

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Congratulations, Diocese of Marquette!

The Holy Father today has appointed bishop of Marquette Father John F. Doerfler. Until now, Fr. Doerfler was the vicar general for the diocese of Green Bay. Fr. Doerfler was born in 1964 in Appleton, Wisconsin. He studied at St. … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“Anything that is not God has value only if it refers to Him, creator of the universe, savior of all men, final end of creation.” — St. Maximillian Kolbe OFM Conv.

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A Bit of a Shakeup

The Holy Father today, at noon Rome time, appointed Cardinal Donald Wuerl from Washington, D.C. to the Congregation for Bishops. In doing so, he replaced Cardinal Raymond Burke. Cardinal Burke is someone well known in my local area, hailing from … Continue reading

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Merry Christmas, from Pope Francis

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Congratulations, Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi!

The Holy Father accepted today  the resignation of Bishop Joseph Latino of the diocese of Jackson, Mississippi and appointed Bishop-elect Joseph R. Kopacz from the diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania as Jackson’s new bishop. Bishop-elect Kopacz was born in 1950 in … Continue reading

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The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Today is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is a remarkable story that occured nearly 500 years ago.Here is an excerpt from Catholic Online about Our Lady’s appearance to St. Juan Diego near Tepayac hill near what is … Continue reading

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Pope Francis: Person of the Year

  You may have already read this morning in the secular press that Pope Francis is Time magazine’s Person of the Year. He is only the third pope to received this designation from Time, the other two being Popes John … Continue reading

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Holy Father Launches a Campaign to End Hunger

The Holy Father is launching a campaign to end hunger in the world. In conjunction with Caritas Internationalis, he released this video message today. You can view the video below and can read the article regarding it at the link … Continue reading

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