by Father James Rodriguez FOR CENTURIES, Catholics have praised Christ as King through the arts. Just last summer, during the World Youth Day festivities in Rio de Janeiro, I heard an a capella masterpiece that continues to resonate with me, and unfailingly brings me to tears every time I hear it. “Crown of Thorns” by […]

by Father James Rodriguez In just under two weeks, our country will celebrate the joy of Thanksgiving Day. It is stressful, to be sure, especially for those who have to cook, but even this stress is worthwhile if the result is a delicious meal shared in good company. Families and friends come together, volunteers feed […]

by Father James Rodriguez If a chill runs down your spine during today’s first reading, then you were truly listening. While it is sometimes easy to be distracted during Mass, this gripping story of the martyrdom challenges us all to greater faith. These seven brothers, with their mother, were arrested and tortured for their refusal […]

by Father James Rodriguez Today, tens of thousands of people from all over the world will flood the streets of our diocese in one of the most famous footraces on earth. The N.Y.C. Marathon is a major annual event, not only for runners but for spectators at home and on the streets who cheer for […]

by Father William R. Dulaney When you speak, tell a story, or communicate in any way, you believe you have something important to say; hope your audience understands your message; and want your message to have an impact on and make a difference in your listeners’ lives. In speaking about the Bible, Vatican II said, “the […]

by Father William R. Dulaney Even though you’re not perfect, I hope you think of yourself as a good person. Isn’t it ironic many good people are apprehensive or filled with frustration and guilt because of prayer – something we hope will strengthen us and bring us peace? Throughout my priesthood, I’ve been approached by […]

by Father William R. Dulaney It happens to most of us. It can be gradual or sudden, but once it happens, our lives are never the same. You might remember when it happened to you – when you underwent a conversion that involved a profound change of heart that signaled a major turning point in […]

by Father William R. Dulaney HAVE I REACTED angrily or judged rashly before hearing the whole story, getting the full picture or thinking through a situation? Any one of us whose honest answer to this question is “yes” would be wise to approach today’s Scriptures with an open mind, giving their message a chance to […]

by Msgr. Joseph Calise ALTHOUGH THE EXACT facts are not completely clear, the date March 13, 1964 will always be a black mark on New York’s reputation. It was on that night that Winston Moseley attacked and killed Catherine “Kitty” Genovese. The early reports, which were later contested, said that her screams were heard by […]

by Msgr. Joseph Calise IT WAS DURING my first year on the teaching faculty at Cathedral Preparatory Seminary that O.J. Simpson was accused of the murder of his wife, Nicole. As an explosive news story that involved a former football hero, the students, as well as the rest of the country, were engrossed in the […]