Some mornings, I feel the glow of my mother’s faith shining through me. In those moments, I know without a doubt that she went to heaven.

When I first drove into Queens two summers ago, filled with memories of the last two years in missionary life, I knew the borough would become an important part of my journey, yet I could not have known I would be invited to stay.

May this World Youth Day inspire us all to walk together in hope, building a Church not only for our youth but with them; a Church alive with faith, compassion, and joy.

Let us continue to pray for our children, that the seeds of faith we sow today will eventually grow into lives rooted in love for God and service to His Church.

So: Humans have undeniable dignity, there are important truths that can’t be captured in surveys, and we must trust the Holy Spirit. Yet we’re called to be good stewards of our resources and the environment.

At JFK Airport, a simple prayer on the runway turns into a moment of grace. Father Cezariusz Jastrzebski, chaplain of Our Lady of the Skies Chapel, reflects on blessing a traveler’s final flight.

Sin breeds poverty, hunger, and grave socioeconomic disparities. Remedies for this sickness cannot include that which violates God’s laws and his design for human flourishing; rather, they must include the upholding of the Gospel. 

We should choose one event from the day and the feeling associated with it, and pray from it. You’ll likely choose a big feeling — positive or negative — which will necessarily be a significant one. Finally, look toward the next day. What are your feelings? Should you pray for help? For healing? For peace?

If you or someone you love is experiencing mental illness, there is hope. Cling to Jesus and the sacraments, find consolation in the Blessed Mother and the saints, pray for one another, and remain grounded in the knowledge that God will not allow suffering to be in vain.

Burnout is discussed a great deal these days. Thank goodness. We have to address it, as many people are burned out due to their jobs.