A Marvelous Book

Having learned that a priest I greatly admire had written a book, I eagerly looked forward to obtaining and reading a copy. When Msgr. Dennis M. Regan’s “Free and Holy Where You Are: The Daily Life of a Catholic” arrived in the mail, my first reaction was that I wondered if the book had a good title. The format of the book is a collection of two- or three-page essays, a format that I usually don’t find attractive, and so I was concerned that I might not like the book. My concerns disappeared quickly as I read the text. Msgr. Regan has written a marvelous book, and the title is perfect.

Sister Mary Carmel DeSantis, R.S.M.

Sister Mary Carmel DeSantis, R.S.M., a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Mid-Atlantic Community for 71 years, died July 19 at the Mercy Center, Dallas, Pa. She was 95.

Sister Janet Lee, R.S.M.

Sister Janet Lee, R.S.M., a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Mid-Atlantic Community for 57 years, died Sept. 6 at Maria Regina Residence in Brentwood, L.I. She was 88.

‘Arcángel’ in Brooklyn

Cándido Arcángel opens the basement of his shop to homeless men so that they will have a warm and safe place to sleep at night. He is a Catholic from the Dominican Republic who attends Mass at St. Catherine of Alexandria in Borough Park.

Sister Grace Agate, R.S.M.

Sister Grace Agate, R.S.M., a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Mid-Atlantic Community for 53 years, died Oct. 14 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Savannah, Ga. She was 71.

Sister Barbara McKenna, R.S.M.

Sister Barbara McKenna, R.S.M., formerly Sister Mary Grignion, a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas for 58 years, died Oct. 24 at Maria Regina Residence, Brentwood, L.I. She was 76.

A Moment of Deep Grace

Back in October, on a sunny Sunday morning, I had a very moving and beautiful experience of grace. I was in Chicago with one of my brothers-in-law, running in the marathon.

The Many Blessings We Should Remember This Holiday

Thanksgiving Day is the closest we come to having a “religious” secular holiday. Although it is a government-proclaimed holiday, it is a time for prayer and for reflection on all the good things that we enjoy as Americans. It is a time when we can legitimately thank God for all the good that He has bestowed upon this nation.

A Bright Christmas: Sharing Is The Best Way to Give Thanks

This past Thursday, we celebrated one of the most beautiful holidays on the calendar. It is a day dedicated to giving thanks for the blessings and graces we have received in the preceding year. Gratitude is indeed the highest form of courtesy.