Monthly Archives: April 2009

Baptismal Catechisis

Posted on April 16, 2009 by Deacon Bob

We prayed over this today in the Office of Readings.  I thought it worth noting in a post for any of us who don’t pray that Office. Again, my translation of the Italian text I used. “Let no one think … Continue reading →

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The Christian Moral Life

Posted on April 13, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“The Christian moral life begins and ends in Christ.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1698) A moral theology instructor, Joe Michalak, wrote that the moral life “is an adherence to neither a doctrinal system (though there is an indispensable one) nor … Continue reading →

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“It was a noble Mass…”

Posted on April 12, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I witnessed my daughter’s future father-in-law become a Catholic last night at the Easter vigil.  It was in a more traditional parish you might say. Lots of people in the sanctuary.  Lots of statues and murals and candles and other … Continue reading →

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Aging, Faith and Holy Saturday

Posted on April 11, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Have you noticed that as people age, they frequently become more attached to God?  Not everyone, but it has been my experience over the years of talking with people that age brings fidelity to God.  Mind you, by age I … Continue reading →

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A Profound Church Apology

Posted on April 10, 2009 by Deacon Bob

On April 7 at the St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh, Bishop David A. Zubick offered a profound apology on behalf of his diocese for harm the Church may have inflicted on anyone.  It is reported to have been a stirring … Continue reading →

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Good Friday Reflection

Posted on April 10, 2009 by Deacon Bob

An apt reflection for Good Friday afternoon: “My plan of life is chiefly this: to love and suffer, always meditating upon, adoring and admiring God’s unspeakable love for his lowliest of creatures.” — St. Conrad of Parzham, OFM Perhaps we … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on April 8, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“For the bonds which unite the faithful are mightier than anything dividing them.  Hence, let there be unity in what is necessary; freedom in what is unsettled, and charity in any case.” –Gaudium et Spes 92. Worth remembering when we … Continue reading →

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Human Freedom and the Fundamental Option

Posted on April 8, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Pope John Paul II, in Veritatis Splendor made the following comments:  “There is no doubt that Christian moral teaching, even in its Biblical roots, acknowledges the specific importance of a fundamental choice which qualifies the moral life and engages freedom … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics and Morality, Popes | 1 Comment

Reflection of St. Basil the Great

Posted on April 7, 2009 by Deacon Bob

St. Basil today continues with the theme we left off on in yesterday’s post.  He says, translated from the Italian: “God’s economy of salvation, our Savior, consists in the rearising of man from his fall and returning him to the divine intimacy, … Continue reading →

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The Poverty of Provisionality and Finiteness and Holy Week

Posted on April 6, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I may have written about this before, but it returns to mind during Holy Week.  Today’s Office of Readings brought it back (see the patristic reading for the day).  The poverty of provisionality and finiteness that we experience as humans … Continue reading →

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Memories of John Paul II

Posted on April 4, 2009 by Deacon Bob

The fourth anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II was a couple of days ago.  Maybe it is my age, but it does seem like he died just a few months ago.  I recall being in the cathedral, … Continue reading →

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Come Home!

Posted on April 4, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Does today’s Morning Prayer reading hit anyone squarely in the heart? It did mine.  Here it is (my translation of the Italian): “I said, ‘Here I am!  Here I am!’ to a people that weren’t calling on my name.  I … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on April 3, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“Catholics are meant to be a reflection of Christ’s presence in the world, preaching the Gospel, spreading the kingdom of God, building up the community of the faithful, and then reaching out to those who are most in need.” — … Continue reading →

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RIP Bishop Loras J. Watters

Posted on April 2, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I just returned from Vespers at the Cathedral in Winona.  Our former bishop, Loras J. Watters, age 93, died on March 30.  He was a remarkably simple man who guided our diocese through the immediate post-Vatican II days. He was … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“One cannot wrestle with one who is disrobed because he who wears something that can be seized is more quickly thrown to the ground.  You cannot live in luxury on earth and reign with Christ in heaven.” — St. Claire … Continue reading →

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