Older Catholics will certainly be familiar with the concept of “Easter duty,” a phrase that describes the obligation of Catholics to receive Holy Communion at least once a year, specifically during the Easter Season. more

Without a doubt, Holy Week marks the high point of the liturgical year. It’s a very significant time for every Catholic, as we follow Jesus with a lively faith and strive to share once again in the fullness of the Paschal Mystery. As the Preface for the Passion of the Lord reminds us: “The days of his life-giving death and glorious resurrection are approaching. This is the hour when Christ triumphed over Satan’s pride, the time when we celebrate the great event of our redemption.” more

Depending on your point of view, it’s either the most significant archeological find in history, with enormous theological consequences, or just another fraudulent publicity stunt aimed at promoting a silly television program. I vote for the latter. more

You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world . . . Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. (Mt 5:13, 14, 16) When Jesus addressed these words to His disciples, He made it clear that He expected them to make a difference in the world. And so it is with us. If our faith is real, it touches every aspect of our life. And if our faith is real, we should share it with our family, friends and neighbors; we should live it to the hilt, in our homes, in our schools, in the places we work and recreate. Question: Do other people know you are a Catholic? Do they recognize you as a follower of Christ? more

Whenever I visit our Catholic schools, occasionally one of the students will ask me what my favorite Bible verse is. The answer varies, depending on which verse comes to mind first, for in fact I have more than one favorite. Some of them are as follows. (Part I – Old Testament) more

First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions and thanksgiving be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority. (I Tm 2:1) God’s fourth commandment also enjoins us to honor all who for our good have received authority in society from God. Those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God. (The Catechism of the Catholic Church.) more

During my recent illness and hospitalization I had a couple of brand new experiences. more

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer Had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it You would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer Used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolph Join in any reindeer games. Then one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to say: “Rudolph with your nose so bright Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” Then all the reindeer loved him And they shouted out with glee: “Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer You’ll go down in history!” more

It is said that every man has a natural desire to do three things: plant a tree, write a book and father a child. The particulars of the proverb aside, the point is that every person yearns to leave behind something of permanent value when he departs the earth. Bishop Thomas Francis Hendricken, first Bishop of Providence, certainly accomplished that goal - in a glorious Cathedral and in a spiritual heritage that lives on even now, 120 years after his death. more

During the Season of Advent, soon upon us, our thoughts and prayers focus on the Second Coming of Christ when, at the end of time, He will return in glory. Advent, then, is an opportunity to recall what the Church teaches us about the end times – Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, Limbo, the Second Coming of Christ and the Final Judgment. more

Give thanks frequently to God for all the benefits He has conferred on you, that you may be worthy to receive more. (St. Louis of France) Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to … more

By now you’ve probably noticed that the stores are stocked with Christmas items – cards, decorations, trees and gifts – a sure sign that Halloween is just around the corner! Of course the Halloween stuff has been on the counters since Labor Day so we should be well-prepared for our annual foray into the nether world. more

You’ve probably heard the story of the little boy who, with his family, was greeting the parish priest after Sunday Mass. “Father,” said the lad, “when I grow up I’m going to give you all the money I have!” “Well that’s very nice,” said the priest, “but why would you do a thing like that?” The boy responded, “Because my dad just said that you’re the poorest preacher we’ve ever had!” more

We often speak about a “vocation crisis” in the Church today, referring to the fact that we need more young men and women to enter the priesthood and religious life. And indeed it is one of the great pastoral needs of the contemporary Church. The fostering of religious vocations is the responsibility of the entire Church and we all have to work and pray harder for an increase of vocations in service to the Church. more

Last time I shared with you some of the details of our recent CRS trip to Egypt. Now I'd like to offer a few personal reflections from my time there. more

I'd like to tell you a little about my recent journey to Egypt, a trip taken in my role as a member of the Board of Directors of Catholic Relief Services. CRS, as you probably know, is the agency of the U.S. Bishops that provides charitable assistance and human development to poor and disadvantaged people around the world. On a regular basis Board members are asked to travel to countries where CRS is involved to visit the programs, promote accountability and offer encouragement to those who work there. more

Having had several opportunities to travel this summer, I've witnessed a growing and irritating trend - the increasing amount of "stuff" that passengers take with them onto the planes. more

In reviewing my files I see that it's been almost ten years since I've written about gambling. In light of the fierce debate now taking place in Rhode Island about a new casino, it's time to revisit the question. more

Dear College Student: Whether you are about to begin college for the first time or are returning to continue your studies, this is an important and challenging time in your life. On this occasion I'd like to share a few thoughts with you. I wish I could meet you personally, but that's not really possible. Nonetheless, I hope you will accept my reflections in the spirit they're given, a spirit of sincerity and love. more

A few years ago I visited a Hindu Temple to participate in an annual Interfaith Unity Day observance. Upon entering the building, all the participants were asked to remove their shoes. We remained shoeless throughout the day. Our Hindu guests explained to us their belief that the Temple is sacred space and the removal of shoes is to prevent any contamination from the outside world from entering into the realm of the sacred. more