Monthly Archives: September 2011

Bold Preaching: Part 2

I received a comment on yesterday’s post about preaching that makes several points, but I would like to focus on the last one made, specifically that all the bold preaching done from a pulpit does no good to someone who … Continue reading

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Have We Starved Our People?

We hear more and more about Catholics neglecting to attend Mass each Sunday, and we ask, “Why?” Why is it that for generations, Catholics in this country showed up in high proportions to attend Sunday Mass each week? I am … Continue reading

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Church of the Week

St. Olaf Catholic Church Mabel, Minnesota

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St. Robert Bellarmine

Today is the memorial of St. Robert Bellarmine, SJ. He is my patron saint, along with St. Thomas More, and St. Dominic. Bellarmine was born on October 4, 1542 and was a nephew of Pope Marcellus II. He entered the … Continue reading

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33 Years Ago Today – Papa Luciani on Education

Thirty-three years ago today, Pope John Paul I during his Angelus address spoke on education, focusing largely on youth. Here are some excerpts for you to enjoy (my translation of the Italian original): Next Tuesday, about 12 million kids will … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“Whoever says anything evil to a poor man insults Christ by it, for the poor man bears the mark of Christ’s nobility, who made himself poor for us in this world.” — St. Francis of Assisi

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Our Lady of Sorrows

  Today we celebrate the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, which follows from our feast of the Exaltation of the Cross yesterday. No one has loved us more than our Lord Jesus, who, because he was a divine person … Continue reading

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33 Years Ago Today: Papa Luciani on Faith and the Church

Thirty-three years ago today, during his weekly general audience, Pope John Paul I spoke of faith. Here are a few snippets for thought: That is what faith is: to surrender to God, but transforming one’s life…. Augustine has told of … Continue reading

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Deacon Bob’s 10th Anniversary of 9-11 Homily (24th Sunday of Ordinary Time)

Here is an audio recording of my homily for the 10th anniversary of 9-11. Again, I apologize for having to split it in two. (All of my recordings are made at home in front of a microphone. I don’t have … Continue reading

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Church of the Week

  St. Mary Church Caledonia, Minnesota

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33 Years Ago Today – Papa Luciani’s Comment on God as Mother

Thirty-three years ago today, during his Sunday Angelus instruction, Pope John Paul I made is famous comment attributing maternal qualities to God’s love. This caused quite a stir among many for reasons that, in all honesty, I think were misunderstandings … Continue reading

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Dedication of the Diocese of Winona to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

  Last night, Bishop John M. Quinn rededicated the diocese of Winona to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Appropriately, this occurred on the memorial of the Nativity of Mary, and during the celebration of a Mass at the Cathedral of … Continue reading

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The Nativity of Mary

Today is the feast of the Nativity of Mary. It has been exactly nine months since we celebrated her Immaculate Conception, so today the Church from ancient times has celebrated her birth. Tradition has it (e.g., the “gospel of James”) … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“How often our hearts are delighted by God’s wondrous surprises!” – Jeanne McNulty, SFO

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33 Years Ago Today – Papa Luciani on Discipline

Thirty-three years ago today, Papa Luciani spoke to the Roman clergy. He focused his comments on the theme of discipline. Here are a few excerpts: There is the “little” discipline, which is limited to  purely external and formal observance of … Continue reading

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