I don’t watch a whole lot of television. In the morning I’ll check out the news and weather while I’m having breakfast. And in the evening, after I’ve settled in, I’ll … more

Several years ago in another diocese, as one of the seminarians was being evaluated, he was criticized by a veteran priest who said that he was “too idealistic.” When told of the concern, … more

Recently I went for my annual eye exam and the doctor followed the regular routine, a routine you probably know. Pushing the optical instrument up to my face, and flipping various lenses in front of … more

After a long break for the coronavirus shutdown and the regular summer slowdown, I’m ready to reclaim my spot in the Rhode Island Catholic and resume writing “The Imitation of … more

If there’s one thing the coronavirus pandemic has reminded us is that as members of the human family, we are all connected. The virus started apparently with one person in faraway China who … more

A few years back, I was travelling to a bishops meeting, dressed in clerical attire, seated next to a very nice young lady who engaged me in conversation. (Usually I avoid talking to people on … more

I have great love for St. Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength. On my table I have an image of St. Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church. Yes! We … more

It was the headline I never expected to see: “Beware of Falling Iguanas.” And yet that was the local, even national, news story that appeared while I was on a brief vacation in Florida at … more

There’s a parable about a man and his young son who set out from their tiny village to go into town to buy provisions. When they started their journey, accompanied by their little donkey, the … 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