The news in recent weeks has carried an unusual number of stories about awful tragedies that have occurred around the globe.I’m thinking of the sinking of the Indonesian submarine in which 53 … more

In celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation I’m often intrigued by, and sometimes bemused by, the names candidates take as they receive the sacrament.As you know, it’s customary, though … more

Unless you’re from Western Pennsylvania or are fluent in Pittsburghese, you’re probably not familiar with the word “nebby.” Although it has distant British roots, the word is … more

You’re probably very familiar with what happened to the two disciples of Jesus as they were walking to Emmaus on the day of the Resurrection. The event is recorded in St. Luke’s Gospel … more

A few years back, my nephew, who was still living in New England at the time, was coming to Providence to join me for dinner. Actually he was coming to Providence to cook dinner for me, because I … more

The world has need of this people, today as yesterday, who will dedicate themselves with humility, courage and perseverance to the service of the Redemption and give concrete form, in good Christian … more

In the traditional Stations of the Cross written by St. Alphonsus Liguori, Jesus falls three times as he carries his Cross on the road to Calvary. It’s a brutal, painful scene to contemplate. … more

Often in life, things happen whose meaning we do not understand. Our first reaction is frequently one of disappointment and rebellion. Joseph set aside his own ideas in order to accept the course of … more

Sometime ago, in an address to Church employees involved in communications, Pope Francis made some intriguing comments about the use of adjectives in public discourse. The Holy Father said that he is … more

Perhaps because I’m getting older, or maybe because I live in a cemetery, or maybe it’s the result of the coronavirus cloud lingering overhead – but I’ve been thinking a lot … more