Monthly Archives: April 2013

What’s piety got to do with it, got to do with it (sanctity)?

Tuesday evening I did something I swore in 2004 I would never do again: I watched Mel Gibson’s movie, The Passion of the Christ. All of it except for the scourging scene (it’s too graphic). When the movie came out, I, like … Continue reading

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Jesus and the Church are Inseparable

In follow up to my last post regarding salvation through Jesus Christ and the Church, I read this morning excerpts from Pope Francis’ homily for today, the memorial of St. George, the pope’s name day (Jorge translates George in English). … Continue reading

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The Trivialization of Evil and the Denial of a Good God

Benedict XVI wrote in his book, Jesus of Nazareth,    “The idea that God allowed the forgiveness of guilt, the healing of man from within, to cost him the death of his Son has come to seem quite alien to us … Continue reading

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Humility to the Detriment of Authority?

On March 28, on the the website, www.atlantico.fr Jacques-Charles Gaffiot published an article entitled, “Humilty Alert: What the Church would lose by renouncing decorum and her traditions.” In the article, it is reported (I do not read French, thus I … Continue reading

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Congratulations, Diocese of Grand Rapids!

The Holy Father has appointed Father David J. Walkowiak, a priest from the diocese of Cleveland, to be the next bishop of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Rev. David J. Walkowiak was born on June 18, 1953 in Cleveland, and studied theology … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“The more the graces and favors of Jesus grow in your soul, the more you should humble yourself, always keeping the humility of our heavenly Mother, who, the instant she became the Mother of God, declared herself the handmaid of … Continue reading

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Fr. Emil Kapaun, Medal of Honor Recipient

President Obama recently gave the Medal of Honor to Capt. Fr. Emil Kapaun 60 years after his death in a North Korean POW camp. Fr. Kapaun was an Army chaplain and his story is absolutely remarkable. The Church has named … Continue reading

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Deacon Bob’s Homily for the Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle C

Here is my homily for this weekend. May God bless each of you! Audio:  Third Sunday of Easter – Cycle C, 2013 Text: Third Sunday of Easter – Cycle C Acts 5: 27-32, 40B-41; Rev. 5: 11-14; John 21: 1-19 … Continue reading

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Quote for the Day

“Look, brothers, at the humility of God and pour out your hearts before Him! Humble yourselves, as well, that you may be exalted by Him.” — St. Francis of Asissi

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Congratulations, Diocese of Fargo!

Yesterday the Holy Father appointed bishop of Fargo, North Dakota, Father John T. Folda, a priest from the diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. Bishop-elect Folda is 51 years old, born in Omaha. He studied at St. Charles Borromeo seminary in Pennsylvania, … Continue reading

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Congratulations, Archdiocese of Dubuque!

The Holy Father has accepted the resignation of archbishop Jerome Hanus, OSB of the archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa and has appointed its new archbishop Bishop Michael Jackels who has been the bishop of Wichita, Kansas. Arcbishop-elect Jackels was born in Rapid City, South Dakota … Continue reading

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Pope Francis Takes Possession of the Cathedral of Rome

Pope Francis formally took possession of his cathedral today. As you may know, the cathedral for the diocese of Rome is the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. Once again, I find his homily to be of interest, so I have … Continue reading

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A Deacon’s Relationship with the Blood of Christ

I have been asked on more than one occasion why deacons are related to the chalice, i.e., to the Blood of Christ. This is signified at Mass when the deacon elevates the chalice during the doxology, and when he preferentially … Continue reading

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Who Francis may be, based on who Bergoglio was

I have put a link up to an article written by John Allen of the National Catholic Reporter who has been in Argentina recently learning about our new pope’s history there, how the people and the Argentinian church have viewed … Continue reading

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“It is Right and Just”

In the new translation of the Mass, one of our responses is, “It is right and just.” Many people find it a bit awkward to recite, clumsy, and not readily understood as to its meaning. What does “right and just” … Continue reading

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