On Tuesday, December 7, I had the blessing, along with another 40 Hispanic leaders for the Diocese of Brooklyn, to participate in the Synod process, under the auspices of the Diocese of Brooklyn Office of Hispanic Concerns.
Up Front and Personal
Mary, Italy, and the NYPD and FDNY
This week on Dec. 8, the Roman Catholic Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most important feast days of the liturgical year. It is also probably the most misunderstood.
Peace Begins In The Womb
On Dec. 1, the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This case challenges the constitutionality of a law enacted in Mississippi which prohibits abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The case is big, and the Justices’ decision has the potential to overturn Roe v. Wade.
A Note of Thanks In Ordinary Time
In this season of Thanksgiving, my heart is turned again toward what makes me deeply grateful—beginning with the chance to celebrate a national holiday devoted to thanking God for so many blessings. Prayers of gratitude toward God quickly become prayers of gratitude for all the people in my life who are His great gifts to me.
Reminder: Holiday Season Is Not All About You
Remember last year when we wanted nothing more than to celebrate with family and friends like usual? Now we’re on the brink of a holiday season with hopes as bright as Christmas lights. But with the return of traditions, travel and time together, we may also encounter the gripes, grudges and jostles of family gatherings.
Honoring a Storied Past, Working Toward A Blessed Future
Servant of God, Sister Thea Bowman, taught us we can be truly Catholic and authentically black. I bring my blackness, songs, dancing, time, talents, and love to a Church that hasn’t always loved me.
Forgiving Vandalism Takes Hate Off Pedestal
Violence against Catholic churches, statues, and religious objects, in particular, has increased greatly during the past year. Since May 2020, there have been more than 81 confirmed attacks on Catholic churches in 25 states, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Vandals have toppled, defaced, destroyed, and set fire to Catholic schools, churches, offices, convents, monasteries, statues, and devotional objects.
‘Haiti Never Stops Dying’: A Priest Mourns the Scene
Haiti never stops dying. It’s the sad truth. The people in the streets say this, and according to my little experience in Haiti as a Catholic priest, Haiti is dying.
Honoring an Irish Priest’s Love For an African American Flock
I would like to recommend that the Great Irish Fair make Msgr. Bernard J. Quinn, Servant of God, the posthumous honoree next year. “Father Quinn,” as he was fondly known to everyone, wholeheartedly embraced the downtrodden lot of African Americans as an Irish American priest.
Vibrant Ministries Make Big Impact on Campuses
As a recent college graduate and now as a seminarian, I cannot help but reflect on the importance of Catholic campus ministries, Newman Centers, and Newman Clubs serving students around the country.
