Author Archives: Deacon Bob

About Deacon Bob

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

Holy Father’s Urbi et Orbi Message

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Each year, the Holy Father issues a Christmas message to the entire world (Urbi et Orbi). Here are his words for 2012. “Veritas de terra orta est!” – “Truth has sprung out of the earth” (Ps 85:12). Dear brothers and sisters in Rome … Continue reading →

Posted in General Interest, Popes | Comments Off on Holy Father’s Urbi et Orbi Message

Nativity Scenes – St. Francis’ Influence Even Today

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Deacon Bob

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with making popular the Nativity Scene in 1223, when he used live figures to teach the locals about the Incarnation. Many parishes to this day use live creches for the same purposes. No doubt, … Continue reading →

Posted in General Interest | 1 Comment

A Christmas Message from Cardinal Pell from Australia

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney,  Australia, has recorded his Christmas message to the people of that continent, and made available to the world via Vatican Radio. He speaks of St. Francis,, the child Jesus, and peace. Christmas Message from … Continue reading →

Posted in General Interest | Comments Off on A Christmas Message from Cardinal Pell from Australia

The Holy Father’s Christmas Message to the Cardinals, Curia and Governorate

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Dear readers, I would ask that you take the time to read carefully the Holy Father’s message below. There is a lot in it. He addresses the New Evangelization. He addresses the nature of family, the unity of the human … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Development and Life, Marriage and Family, Popes, Theology of the Body | Comments Off on The Holy Father’s Christmas Message to the Cardinals, Curia and Governorate

Quote for the Day

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Deacon Bob

“Pope Benedict XVI: There is also a need to acknowledge and promote the natural structure of marriage as the union of a man and a woman in the face of attempts to make it juridically equivalent to radically different types of union; … Continue reading →

Posted in Marriage and Family | Comments Off on Quote for the Day

Deacon Bob’s Homily for 4th Sunday of Advent – Cycle C

Posted on December 22, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Here is my homily for this Sunday. Happy Advent! Audio:   4th Sunday of Advent – Cycle C  (New page will appear. Click on link, “4th Sunday of Advent – Cycle C.”) Text: 4th Sunday of Advent – Cycle C December … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Deacon Bob’s Homily for 4th Sunday of Advent – Cycle C

Fr. Jay Jackson

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Deacon Bob

My last post mentioned a friend of mine in Rome, Jay Jackson. I have never forgotten him largely because he believed in me at a time when I was discombobulated and because he played guitar very well. Fr. Jay died … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Fr. Jay Jackson

December 18, 1978

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Thirty-four years ago today, I walked out of the North American College (NAC) in Rome to head back to the United States. The vice-rector of the college, Fr. Charles Kelly along with Msgr John Strynkowsi accompanied me to Fiumicino airport where … Continue reading →

Posted in General Interest | Comments Off on December 18, 1978

Quote for the Day

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Deacon Bob

“It is necessary to be strong to become great: this is our duty. Life is a struggle from which we cannot draw back, but we must triumph.” — St. Padre Pio, OFM Cap.

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

Violence Against Christians in Syria

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Deacon Bob

I read this article in Fides this afternoon. Christians in Syria are caught in the cross-fire between rebels and government forces. Please keep them in your prayers. Here is the article. Tartus (Agenzia Fides) – About 150 thousand Christians live … Continue reading →

Posted in Church News, Religious Freedom | Comments Off on Violence Against Christians in Syria

Papa Luciani: An Audio Tribute

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Vatican Radio has put together a wonderful little audio report on the papacy of Pope John Paul I – Papa Luciani – in which you will hear him speaking in English, and you will be able to listen to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Papa Luciani (Pope John Paul I), Popes | Comments Off on Papa Luciani: An Audio Tribute

Sunday TV Mass – December 9, 2012

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Here is last Sunday’s TV Mass, thanks to the diocese of Winona. http://youtu.be/AfwnyTDnrQ0  

Posted in TV Mass | Comments Off on Sunday TV Mass – December 9, 2012

Authentic Democracy

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Here is something our elected leaders need to remember. “An authentic democracy… is the fruit of a convinced acceptance of the values that inspire democratic principles: the dignity of every human person, the respect of human rights, commitment to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Social Doctrine of the Church | Comments Off on Authentic Democracy

A Reflection on the Meaning of Death

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Deacon Bob

I am reflecting on the meaning of death in recent days. In our parishes this past week there have been many individuals who are either on hospice, were recently diagnosed with serious illness, or who have died. I have also … Continue reading →

Posted in General Interest, Human Development and Life | 1 Comment

The New Look

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Deacon Bob

After 1667 posts and nearly 660,000 visits, I have decided to change the theme page on this weblog. Thanks to WordPress, Catholic Faith and Reflections now has a new header depicting the baldichino and altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, a place dear … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The New Look