If Pope Francis sees the church as a field hospital after battle, then his annual Christmas address to the Roman Curia often looks like the triage tent, with him holding the charts.
Month: December 2015
Jesus, Mary and Joseph: No Ordinary Family
ONE OF THE most beautiful Christmas cards I have seen is a play on the typical picture of the Holy Family. In this particular scene, Mary is asleep on a cot made of hay and Joseph is walking while cradling the Infant in his arms. It is a tender scene of the healthy love of a father for his son which, I must admit, makes me very jealous. I have often said that if I have any regrets about my vocation, the regret would be that I will never have a son. So, I find the image of Joseph holding his newborn baby boy quite touching.
Papal Teaching Develops
(Seventh in a series) ANYONE WHO has been reading this series of columns on Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’” knows how enthusiastic I am about the letter and also about Pope Francis.
The best essay that I have read about the encyclical was written by Anglican Archbishop Rowan Williams, a theologian and poet, who served as archbishop of Canterbury, England, from 2002 to 2012.
Immersing Others in A Pool of Love
A wise priest once told me that mercy is where love meets suffering. That’s a pretty profound definition. I’ve pondered it often, even meditated on it, but I’m not sure I really understood it until I recently saw a letter from Calvary Hospital in the Bronx.
Youth Urged to Evangelize Via Digital Media
Digital media offers the Catholic Church another opportunity to spread the good news of the Gospel, which is what faith calls Catholics to do, Vermont Bishop Christopher J. Coyne recently told a national gathering of young adults in Indianapolis, Ind.
Intergalatic Saga Satisfies Fans, Attracts Next Generation
With “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (Disney), the most popular series in film history resurfaces after a 10-year hiatus. Like its predecessors, it’s essentially a family-friendly piece of entertainment, with only interludes of peril and combat barring endorsement for all.
Christmas in St. Peter’s Square
The Christmas tree and Nativity scene decorate St. Peter’s Square during a lighting ceremony at the Vatican.
For Filipinos, It’s Time of Prayerful Preparation
Nearly 400 people filled the pews and hallways of Ascension Church in Elmhurst to participate on the fifth Mass of Simbang Gabi, a nine-day novena of Masses to the Blessed Mother.
Mexican Priest: It’s Okay to Fight Back
COALCOMAN, Mexico (CNS) – Father Emiliano Mendoza Magana, pastor of the St. James the Apostle Parish in this town of timber cutters, recalls parishioners coming to confessions in past years with questions about grabbing guns and fighting back against a marauding drug cartel.
Annual Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon
The Bishop’s Christmas Luncheon, Dec. 16 at Russo’s on the Bay, Howard Beach, raised nearly $750,000 which included money contributed from matching scholarship funds. The proceeds will benefit the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund and youth evangelization programs.