Just over three weeks ago, I traveled to Lima, Peru, at the kind invitation of my online Spanish teacher, who lives in this beautiful and historic South American capital city, and offered to show me around his city before he relocates. This trip emerged after I randomly expressed to him that I had a dream that I was flying in an airplane and had a bird’s-eye view of the spectacular ruins of Machu Picchu, a place on my bucket list.

I can never forget the first baptism I celebrated. I was a transitional deacon assigned to a parish in the Archdiocese of Boston (I attended Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts). The little baby girl who presented for baptism was of Southeast Asian descent and precious to behold. I was so nervous about celebrating the sacrament and unsure of myself that I asked my pastor supervisor to stand next to me in the event I did not do something correctly.

I was recently saddened to learn that the kind man who has been teaching me Spanish is an agnostic. This past year, I have talked about many personal topics with him in my nascent Spanish — my priesthood and discipleship in Jesus Christ, my strong support of the pro-life movement, and my passion for upholding
the culture of life in my preaching and life as a priest; the passing in October of my brother, Dr. Joseph Panicali, from pancreatic cancer at age 65 — and all manner of topics religious, spiritual, and cultural.

In 2022, the book “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain was banned from many school districts because some found the language offensive. I can understand that sensitivity, but I think the critics of this book missed the greater picture. The offensive word that was used in the book reflects the language of the time and place – it does not condone or approve of it but simply represents it with historical accuracy.

According to Wikipedia, in 1984, Mark Lowry wrote the words for the modern Christmas classic, “Mary, Did You Know?” It was put to music by Buddy Greene in 1991. Although its lyrics are not the most theologically profound, it poses simple questions asking Mary if she knew at his birth the things Jesus would later do

St. Luke is unique among the Evangelists. Matthew, Mark, and John were all Jews — all familiar with the promises of the Old Testament. They will see John the Baptist as the forerunner, the proclaimer of the nearness of the Messiah, and the one who challenges us to prepare His way.

Most people can remember at least one teacher who had a profound effect on their life. Teaching is a noble and honorable profession because teachers shape the minds of the future and prepare students for the responsibilities they will have later in life. Its success, of course, also depends on the openness its students display towards the process of learning. The purpose of exams is to measure the success of the learning process.

Today is the last Sunday of the liturgical year. It is on this Sunday that the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe. It is one of my favorite solemnities. The Church gives us this powerful image of Christ as King, ruling over all the earth.