Category Archives: General Interest

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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

Maranatha! The Holy Father’s Words at the Beginning of Advent

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Advent is upon us once again and we with expectant hope look for the coming of Jesus into our hearts and our world. He comes, most assuredly just as he came to us in the flesh  over two thousand years … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Deacon Bob

“… peace is much more than the simple absence of war; it represents the fullness of life.” — Catechism of the Catholic Church #489

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Kim Seidel: Christian parents face tough issues

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Deacon Bob

I found this excellent article today in the La Crosse Tribune written by a Catholic mom, and the challenges Christian mothers have in discussing the faith with their children in today’s social environment. You’ll love it. Kim Seidel: Christian parents … Continue reading →

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The Mustard Seed of Faith

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Today’s Gospel is the well known account of Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed, its smallness in size yet the manner in which it grows and produces a tree capable of welcoming various birds to its branches. It is an … Continue reading →

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Quote for the Day

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Deacon Bob

“We must live according to what we think, otherwise we end up thinking according to how we live” — Paul Bourget, in  Le demon du midi (How true this is, dear readers! So many in our world today relegate right … Continue reading →

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Invisible Hunger in Our Midst

Posted on September 22, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Fides (www.fides.org/index.php) reports the following: Washington (Agenzia Fides) – The Christian organization Bread for the World has just released its annual study on hunger and poverty in the Latino community living in the United States, which shows that Latino families … Continue reading →

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The Law and Life

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Our Gospel readings at daily Mass the past week and a half have been an intense series of confrontations rendered by Jesus. The first part of last week, Jesus confronts demons and casts them out of people. Then he turns … Continue reading →

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Words of Condolence from the Holy Father regarding Cardinal Martini

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Deacon Bob

The Holy Father last Friday, after hearing of the death of Cardinal Martini, wrote the following words of condolence. (My translation of the Italian original.) I have sadly received notice of the death after a long illness of Cardinal Carlo … Continue reading →

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RIP, Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini

Posted on September 2, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Two days ago, Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, Archbishop of Milan, Italy died at age 85 years. Many people liked to call him a “progressive” in the Church, and he was considered to have been a likely successor to Pope John … Continue reading →

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Raging Against God

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Deacon Bob

One thing that happens frequently is an individual begins to rage against God when something unexpectedly painful and unjust occurs. Commonly, when someone whom one loves is tragically taken because of accident or illness, the surviving spouse or family member … Continue reading →

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If It Happened in Vermont, It Could Happen in Minnesota

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Deacon Bob

Take a look at what happened to a Catholic couple who owns an inn in Vermont, and who refused to book a “wedding reception” for a same-sex couple. In short, they were sued and had to pay $30,000 in fines … Continue reading →

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