Author Archives: Deacon Bob

About Deacon Bob

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

Obedience, Freedom, and Happiness

“Obedience to God’s commandments, far from alienating us from our humanity, is the pathway to genuine liberation and the source of true happiness.” — John Paul II I have been reading John Paul II’s address to the bishops of Region … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics and Morality, Popes | Comments Off on Obedience, Freedom, and Happiness

Feast of St. Mark, the Evangelist

“Marco é piu antico!” The location:The great aula of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome The time:     First semester, fall, 1977 The actors:  Padre Pedro Ortiz, S.J., professor                    Students from all over … Continue reading

Posted in General Interest, Scripture | Comments Off on Feast of St. Mark, the Evangelist

The Cross

“Because the cross is a tree of life-giving grace, let us who have died so many times by reason of our sins, long for that tree, do penance and suffer with Christ.” — St. Bonaventure, OFM St. Theodorus had a … Continue reading

Posted in Prayer and Meditation, Saints and Prophets, Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Cross

Quote for the Day

“The prophets assure us that God does not abandon us, but in fact weeps with us!” — Louis Vitale OFM

Posted in Spirituality | Comments Off on Quote for the Day

The Four Witnesses to Natural Law

As many of you know, many in our contemporary society refuse to acknowledge the existence of natural law. From what I recall, Judge Robert Bork was rejected as a Supreme Court nominee partially because of his thoughts about natural law. … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics and Morality | Comments Off on The Four Witnesses to Natural Law

John Paul II and Democracy

John Paul II on January 27, 1999 spoke during Vespers at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.  The following is a quote: “And so America, If you want peace, work for justice.  If you want justice, defend … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics and Morality, Politics, Popes | Comments Off on John Paul II and Democracy

Anniversary of Pope Benedict’s Election

Yesterday, April 19 marked the fifth anniversary of the Pope’s election.  I thought it might be good to post his very first words to the world after being announced by the cardinal deacon. My translation from the Italian original: “Jesus … Continue reading

Posted in Popes | Comments Off on Anniversary of Pope Benedict’s Election

Notre Dame and the President

I overheard yesterday an argument between two fairly prominent individuals from our Region.  Rather heated. All about Obama’s scheduled address and honorary degree of Law from Notre Dame in a few weeks. I find it surprising that most people seem … Continue reading

Posted in Ethics and Morality, Politics | 1 Comment

More Baptismal Catechesis

St. Cyril of Jerusalem speaks more on the catechesis of baptism today. “Having become members of Christ, it is not incorrect for you to be called ‘christs’, that is ‘consecrated’, because God has said of you, ‘Do not touch my consecrated … Continue reading

Posted in Sacraments | Comments Off on More Baptismal Catechesis

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 Assissi

Posted in Prayer and Meditation, Saints and Prophets | Comments Off on Quote for the Day

Baptismal Catechisis

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

Posted in Sacraments | Comments Off on Baptismal Catechisis

The Christian Moral Life

“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

Posted in Ethics and Morality | Comments Off on The Christian Moral Life

“It was a noble Mass…”

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

Posted in General Interest, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Aging, Faith and Holy Saturday

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

Posted in Spirituality | Comments Off on Aging, Faith and Holy Saturday

A Profound Church Apology

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

Posted in General Interest | Comments Off on A Profound Church Apology