Bishop Thomas J. Tobin
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Like lots of other little kids, when I was growing up I had some pets at home. I have to confess, though, that I wasn’t very creative in naming them. In fact, I was pathetic. I had a little black … more
None of us lives as his own master and none of us dies as his own master. While we live we are responsible to the Lord, and when we die, we die as his servants. Both in life and death we are the … more
“Keep me in your prayers.” Those are words my mom used all the time, especially as she got older, at the end of one of our visits, or in the cards and notes she sent to me. In fact, they are the … more
Perhaps you remember a catchy little song from the 1970s, by the British band 10cc, called “The Things We Do for Love.” The whimsical tune describes some of the crazy, unpredictable things … more
My little dog Annie is a great companion and a constant source of joy. And she’s always very happy to see me. When I return home from the office or from running some errands, she’s always at the … more
After a ceremony in one of our parishes, I went to the social hall to meet people, moving table to table to do so. Some of the folks very respectfully stood up to greet me, a gesture sincerely … more
In seeking to imitate Christ, we often look to the saints as models. The liturgical calendar in this season gives us three outstanding examples of holiness in Saint Vincent de Paul (September 27), … more
Even casual football fans know that a “Hail Mary” pass is a last minute, desperate attempt to score points before the time runs out. It’s what a team does in a hopeless situation, when there … more
Of happy memory. It’s a beautiful little phrase often used to recall, fondly, the life and legacy of a recently deceased loved one. And it’s the phrase that has come to mind these days as I’ve … more
Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” So they went off in a boat by themselves to a deserted place. (Mk 6: 31-32)Without a doubt, summer is … more
While hearing confessions recently, I had a few quiet moments awaiting the next penitent. I picked-up the official Rite of Penance in the confessional and began reading through the introduction. … more
In the fall, we celebrate the harvest of the summer season, but we also begin moving toward that season of dying. The plants give up their abundant life. The days grow shorter, and it is a time of … more
Recently I came across a survey sponsored by psychologists from Cornell University that reported on the biggest regrets that people have in life. The survey said, “It’s not the things you … more
I have a framed, printed blessing hanging in my home, a gift from a religious sister in Ohio many years ago. It begins with these words: “May you be steadfast on your journey, powered by the … more
One of the traditional practices of Catholics is to “give up” things, to fast and abstain from material comforts and personal attachments. Although it should happen throughout the year, … more
I have a working fireplace at home, a comforting convenience in the cold, dark days of winter. It’s not used often, but mostly during the holidays or when I have visitors. A few weeks back, when … more
My mom, God rest her, was a gentle, peaceful soul. She avoided confrontations and disliked arguments, even friendly family arguments about crazy things. And conversely, she had a keen awareness of … more
Perhaps prompted by the beginning of a new school year, recently I’ve been remembering my elementary school days, and some of the routines we had and the things we learned. And one of them was … more
Whenever I pray the Holy Rosary, and come upon the first of the Sorrowful Mysteries, the Agony in the Garden, I stop to think how lonely, how abandoned, Jesus must have felt in that moment. Think … more
Whether it’s for a football player stricken during a Monday night game, or for an ailing pope at the Vatican, or for a persecuted cardinal in China, or for the restoration of peace in Ukraine, … more
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