You probably didn’t realize that natives of Pittsburgh speak their own language, usually called “Pittsburghese.” Google the word “Pittsburghese” and you’ll get a wealth of information about this language – well known to residents of Western Pennsylvania but absolutely foreign to outsiders, or in Pittsburghese, “ahtsiders.” more

At the end of June, the Diocese of Providence will have the great joy of ordaining two outstanding young men as priests of the Lord Jesus. more

So, we shared a little good news recently, with the release of the October Sunday Mass Count numbers, indicating that from October 2009 to October 2010 Mass attendance across the Diocese increased by about two percent. “Not a big deal,” you say. more

It’s been awhile since I’ve written a “tidbits” column, a collection of personal thoughts and reflections on a variety of topics, so let’s get to it. I wasn’t especially caught up by the royal wedding of William and Catherine, but I was impressed by the homily given by the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres. more

(In light of the Beatification of Pope John Paul II this weekend in Rome, it seems appropriate to revisit his ministry and his enormous contributions to the Church and the world. The following is a slightly revised and updated version of a column that previously appeared in “The Catholic Exponent,” of the Diocese of Youngstown.) more

Christ entered in triumph into His own city to complete His work as our Messiah: to suffer, die and rise again . . . Let us remember with devotion this entry which began His saving work . . . and let us follow Him with a lively faith. more

For reasons that will become obvious, I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the parable of the farmer walking down a rural road who came across a tiny sparrow, lying along side the road on his back, with his little feet up in the air. more

For readers outside of the region, first, a little background. Cranston High School West, a fine public high school located in Cranston RI, has found itself in a bit of a pickle recently, a “prayer pickle” you might say. You see, there’s this prayer banner hanging in the school auditorium that says: more

Although you wouldn’t know it from the reporting of the secular and even the religious media, Pope Benedict’s book-length interview, Light of the World, contains some beautiful and impressive reflections on topics other than the use of condoms. more

You who are on the road Must have a code that you can live by And so become yourself Because the past is just a good bye. Teach your children well, Their father’s hell did slowly go by, And feed them on your dreams The one they picks, the one you’ll know by. more

So I was driving around one day recently, taking care of some errands, when I decided to stop in the local convenience store and buy a PowerBall ticket. more

Once again our nation has been rocked by a terrible act of senseless violence – the shooting in Tucson, Arizona in which several were wounded, including a member of Congress, and several others were killed, including a federal judge and a beautiful little nine year-old girl. more

So, our new Governor, Lincoln Chafee, decided to break with recent history and begin his inauguration day without participating in a public prayer service. This has caused some discussion, even consternation, around the state. more

I was making my annual Advent retreat at St. Edmund’s Retreat House on tiny Enders Island, Connecticut, when the winter storm developed. more

My dear Brother or Sister: In the spirit of the Advent and Christmas Season, and as the Diocese of Providence nears the end of its “Year of Evangelization,” I’m writing this letter to inactive Catholics of our Diocese – perhaps you’re in that category – to let you know that we miss you, we love you and we want you to come home to the Church. more

If our diocesan Year of Evangelization were a football game, we’d now be starting the fourth and final quarter. Even though the clock is ticking and time is winding down, however, remember that many a game is won or lost in those final moments. more

Perhaps it’s the melancholy of the season, with its falling leaves and fading daylight, or perhaps it’s the fact that I live in a cemetery surrounded by tombstones, or maybe because I’ve officiated at a number of funerals in the last few weeks, but recently I’ve found myself wondering about the circumstances of my own death, musing over when and where and how I’ll draw my final breath. 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

Someone said recently, and I’m sorry I don’t remember the source of the quote, “if your kid knows more about Justin Bieber than Jesus Christ, you’ve got a problem.” more

Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel! (I Cor 9:16) more