Since the Second Vatican Council, the Popes have never shied away from proclaiming the Doctrine of Mercy. Beginning with Pope John XXIII, who on October 11, 1962, during the opening address of the Second Vatican Council, said, “The Church prefers the medicine of Mercy rather than that of severity: ‘Today, however, Christ’s Bride prefers the balm of mercy to the arm of severity. She believes that present needs are best served by explaining more fully the purport of her doctrines, rather than by publishing condemnations.’”
Put Out into the Deep
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, the seventh Bishop of Brooklyn, has led the Diocese since 2003. He is a forceful voice on behalf of migrants and immigrants, whose causes he has worked for through most of his priestly ministry. Complete Bio
Welcome the Strangers
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, As we begin the Advent season, we prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has used the term “Flesh of Christ” in several ways to describe the poor, and, in particular, the refugees in our world who today are more numerous than ever.
Thanks for Giving
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, The origins of Thanksgiving Day come to us from Colonial times when tradition has it that the Pilgrims and the Native Indians rejoiced after a plentiful harvest. There are various interpretations of this tradition, however, I always say that the fact is that is the way it should have been. If it was not that way, it is unfortunate.
Our Hope Is in Eternal Life
The role of religion in society or the issue of Church and State are well controverted these days. Perhaps the example of the issue of assisted suicide may help us to clarify our thinking on this and other important matters.
Steps to Strengthen Marriages
Family life is beautiful and important. It is in a family that a child comes to know that he or she is loved and first learns to love others. It is in the family where a child first recognizes the gift of faith and the obligations of charity. While beautiful and important, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, also reminds us that no family is perfect.
Joining Saints in Setting Example
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, On Oct. 12, when I was reviewing the Columbus Day Parade in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, I had an opportunity to take a good look at the restored bronze doors, which, by the way, were restored in our Diocese in Long Island City. The doors are now polished so that the images of those highlighted are now clearly visible. Of course, there is St. Patrick, but there is also St. Frances Cabrini, St. Isaac Jogues and St. Kateri Tekakwitha. What do they have in common? They were all missionaries. Missionaries in different ages with the common thread that they brought the faith to those in need.
Missions Have Universal Appeal
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, Last week, we celebrated the Feast of St. Ignatius of Antioch, one of the early Bishops of the Church who was ordained a bishop by the Apostles themselves. He was born in the Year 50 in Syria, and he died in Rome sometime after the Year 100 as a Martyr
Protecting Our Children from Abuse
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, October is child abuse prevention month and gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of how we can and how we are working together in our Church to keep children safe in their homes, schools, in our Church and our communities.
The Beauty of Family Life
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, As we begin Respect Life Month, we can hardly forget the great witness to life that Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, gave on his visit to the United States. In a simple and direct way, he touched the heart of the issue when it comes to preserving life from beginning to end. It is the family that preserves life. It is the family that is responsible for giving life, nurturing life from its beginning to its end. His wonderful talk to families, on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia during that Saturday Prayer Vigil for the Festival of Families, was truly remarkable.
Reflections on Being With the Pope
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, This article is written just following our bidding farewell to our Holy Father, Pope Francis. It is my hope that this account will be an upfront and personal witness to what I, myself, experienced these past few days. On, Tuesday, Sept. 22, I traveled, along with my […]