Author Archives: Deacon Bob

“Jesus has made it clear to me that the same voice that he heard at the River Jordan and on Mount Tabor can also be heard by me. He has made it clear to me that just as he has … Continue reading →

The Holy Father ordained five new bishops today at St. Peter’s.  His homily was noteworthy for he speaks of the centrality of service in the life of the ordained, and cautions against serving one’s own needs or the pursuit of … Continue reading →

I have to post something also today written by Mr. Joseph Michalak, the director of diaconate formation for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.  The excerpt below is taken from an article he wrote for “The Catholic Spirit”, the … Continue reading →

I was reading a great letter Bishop  Howard J. Hubbard of the Diocese of Albany wrote to his deacons and published in “The Servant’s Clarion”, the diocesan newsletter for deacons. It was published last July. Worth your time to read.  … Continue reading →

I didn’t realize until today that September 5 was the feast day of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.  I was able to see Mother Teresa twice during her life, both times in Winona at the Cathedral.  This was back in … Continue reading →

I was catching up on my news from the Vatican this evening and began reading the Holy Father’s message on World Mission Day several days ago. A segment I find particularly apropos to us deacons. “In truth the whole of … Continue reading →

I was pleased this morning to read in Morning Prayer the selection from St. James. It followed nicely the reflection of yesterday regarding justice and mercy. Here it is: “Speak and act like people that must be judged according to … Continue reading →

Today’s Office of Readings has an excerpt from St. Leo the Great’s discourse on the Beatitudes.  The Beatitudes are the perfection of the moral life. The natural law is the foundation of all morality and the Ten Commandments are God’s … Continue reading →

To me, it is disturbing to see and hear that there are some out there who object to the Church having buried Senator Kennedy with the Mass of Christian Burial. How can we stand in such judgment as to say … Continue reading →

If you have read ahead and reviewed the Gospel for the Sunday after next, you will hear Jesus ask, “Who do people say that I am?” Who do people say that you are? It is an age-old question.  We are often … Continue reading →

We pray today in Midday Prayer, at least in the Italian translation of the Divine Office, the responsory to the scripture verse: ” In God my salvation and my glory; he is my defense.” I was struck at the moment … Continue reading →

“Stay with me, Lord, for you are my light, and without you, I am in darkness.”  — St. Pio of Pietrelcina

Today is the memorial of St. Augustine. A section of his “Confessions” is the patristic reading in the Office today. Perhaps his most famous paragraph is given for our reflection.  My translation of the Italian: “Slow have I loved you, O … Continue reading →

I have resisted posting on Senator Ted Kennedy. We are already saturated with other blogs and various other sources of opinion about this undoubtedly hugely influential man in American culture and politics. Yet, I will offer a couple of thoughts.  … Continue reading →

I hope you had the chance to read St. John Chrysostom’s homily yesterday in the Office of Readings. Having read it in years past, I am eager to reread it as the liturgical cycle brings it to my attention. He spoke … Continue reading →