Tearless Compassion

by Father Robert Lauder Recently, I gave a talk on compassion. In preparing the talk, the first thing I did was to look up a definition of compassion in a dictionary. I read the following: “sorrow for the sufferings or trouble of another or others, accompanied by an urge to help; deep sympathy; pity.” The […]

No Criminal Wrongdoing for Ex-St. John’s President

JAMAICA, N.Y. (CNS) – An independent investigation by St. John’s University found “no criminal wrongdoing” on the part of its recently retired president, but “errors in judgment” by top university officials over financial conflicts of interest and lack of disclosure to the school’s board of trustees. Vincentian Father Donald J. Harrington retired at the end […]

Priest Continues Path on Life’s Marathon

Running a marathon is no easy task. Even with years of training, it’s still a grueling test of perseverance and stamina. In many ways, the journey of life is synonymous with a marathon. It may involve some challenging times that we think we cannot overcome, but if we just keep pushing forward, an end to […]

Gabriel Marcel: My Second Favorite Philosopher

by Father Robert Lauder   First in a Series MY FAVORITE philosopher is St. Thomas Aquinas. Of course, Thomas was primarily a theologian, but within his writings, there is a great deal of philosophy. When I studied undergraduate philosophy in the seminary, all the courses had a Thomistic emphasis, and this was also true of […]

Ramadan Fast Highlights Shared Religious Practices (with slideshow)

As part of the month-long celebration of Ramadan, the Turkish Cultural Center (TCC) of Queens hosted its annual interfaith Ramadan Iftar Dinner July 24 at the Woodhaven Manor. Its purpose was to break bread after a long day of fasting. During Ramadan, which lasted this year from July 8 through Aug. 7, Muslims refrain from […]

Fiction and Faith

by Father Robert Lauder BECAUSE THE READING of them has played a large role in my own education, I have been trying for the last 25 years to encourage people to read Catholic novels. By a Catholic novel I mean a novel whose theme is based on some Catholic dogma, or some Catholic sacramental principle or Catholic […]

St. John's Nadirah McKenith (Photo by Diana Colapietro, The Torch / St. John's University)

St. John’s To Compete in New BIG EAST

The NCAA’s BIG EAST Conference will keep the name “BIG EAST,” but it will have the feel of a new conference heading into the fall sports season. Effective July 1, operations of the BIG EAST officially commenced. St. John’s University, Jamaica, remains in the conference as one of 10 member institutions: Butler University, Indianapolis Creighton […]

Slideshow: ACBL Hosts USA Military for All-Star Game

The Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League (ACBL) played host the the U.S.A. Military baseball team in an All-Star Game played June 29 at Jack Kaiser Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University, Jamaica. The game was competitive the whole way, but the ACBL hung on for a 5-3 victory. However, the true purpose of the […]

ACBL to Host US Military For All-Star Game

The Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League (ACBL) is hosting the U.S. Military in an All-Star Game to be played Saturday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Jack Kaiser Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University, Jamaica. Come out to support our troops and see a competitive game of baseball. Tickets are $10 for adults and […]

Local Catholic School MLB Draftees

The MLB Draft took place June 6-8 and featured the best baseball talent from around the country and beyond. A handful of current and former local Catholic school players were selected and will be given the opportunity to pursue their baseball dreams. The following players from the N.Y.C. area were drafted: Colin Moran, 3B No. […]