Author Archives: Deacon Bob

About Deacon Bob

Moderator: Deacon Bob Yerhot of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota.

Papa Luciani’s letter to Jesus

Posted on December 24, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I’d like to share a portion of a letter Pope John Paul I wrote to Jesus in 1974. “Dear Jesus, I have received some criticism. ‘He is a bishop, a cardinal,” it has been said, ‘and he’s broken his arm … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on December 22, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“It does not matter what our status of life is financially, socially or scholarly, as long as we live that lifestyle honestly, not trying to be something or someone that we are not. We have to learn to be ‘transparent’ … Continue reading →

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Papa Luciani on Faith and the Church

Posted on December 20, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Pope John Paul I took up the topic of faith and the Church in his usual pastoral way on September 13, 1978 during a general audience.  Here are excerpts for your consideration: “Read St. Paul; ‘Corpus Christi quod est Ecclesia’. … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on December 20, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“Lord, take me as I am, with my defects, with my shortcomings, but make me as you want me to be.” — the daily prayer of Pope John Paul I

Posted in Papa Luciani (Pope John Paul I), Prayer and Meditation | Comments Off on Quote for the Day

The Deacon as “Confessor”

Posted on December 19, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Nearly ten years ago, the Church celebrated the Jubilee Year of Deacons. I liken it to this year’s Year of the Priest. I was reading a homily of Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, then President of the Pontifical Council for the … Continue reading →

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Saint John Paul II and Saint Pius XII?

Posted on December 19, 2009 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father promulgated today a decree attesting to the lives of heroic virtue of John Paul II and Pius XII. They and numerous others were named in the decree, and are moving forward toward canonization as saints of the … Continue reading →

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Homily for Gaudete Sunday

Posted on December 18, 2009 by Deacon Bob

(Here is my homily from last Sunday, at least the outline of it.)  Today, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin word for “Rejoice!” We are in the middle of Advent and we take a day to rejoice. We … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on December 17, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“How marvelous is divine wisdom, for it brought salvation through the cinders of humility.” — St. Bonaventure, OFM

Posted in Saints and Prophets, Spirituality | 1 Comment

Motu Proprio “Omnium in Mentem” of Benedict XVI

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Deacon Bob

I read yesterday the Pope’s Moto Proprio entitled Omnium in Mentem. I meant to write a post on it yesterday, but got caught up in the busyness of the day here at the office as well as in the parish in … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on December 15, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“Always stay close to the Catholic Church, because it alone can give you true peace, because it alone possesses Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, who is the true Prince of Peace.” — St. Padre Pio

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The Trinitarian Dimension of Diaconal Spirituality

Posted on December 13, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Much is written about diaconal kenosis, that is, radical self-emptying, self-donation for the sake of the other in the manner of Jesus who emptied himself of all trappings of his divinity in taking on our flesh for our salvation. This kenotic … Continue reading →

Posted in Deacons, Spirituality | 1 Comment

The Core Spirituality of the Diaconate

Posted on December 10, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Being a relatively new deacon, I have been pondering how to describe in a concise manner the spirituality of the diaconate, its relationship to marital spirituality for us married deacons, and its common elements with our brother clergy the priests … Continue reading →

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Quote of the Day

Posted on December 10, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“In Jesus, I begin to discover the truth about myself, my true identity, my real relationships with others. Like Jesus, I am a beloved son or daughter, someone with whom the Father is well pleased!” — Marie Beha, OSC

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Quote for the Day

Posted on December 9, 2009 by Deacon Bob

“To think on Jesus is like a breath of new life. His kindness fills one to the brim. His sweetness is in overflowing measure.” — St. Claire of Assissi

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Why ask for visions and signs?

Posted on December 7, 2009 by Deacon Bob

Many of us, when in dire straits or faced with doubts about our faith and the direction of our lives, are prone to asking God for some sign or vision to show us the way and to reinforce our shaky … Continue reading →

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