Columns

By Fr. Jack Peterson, YA
March 24 — Mk 14:1-15:47 St. Paul’s famous canticle in the letter to the Philippians offers the phrase “he emptied himself” to proclaim the beauty, meaning and mystery of Jesus’ mission on this earth. The notion surely applies to Jesus’ most humble entrance into this world. But it applies in a focused way to our …

He emptied himself Read More »

3/23/24
Reading Time 3 min
By Sr. Constance Veit, LSP
Pope Francis has focused our attention on one of his familiar themes — the problem of loneliness in our contemporary culture. The pope has written about this issue in his messages for the World Day of the Sick, for Lent, and for this year’s World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to be celebrated July …

Did Mary suffer from loneliness? Read More »

3/21/24
Reading Time 3 min
By Msgr. Charles M. Mangan
Especially during this moment of the National Eucharistic Revival throughout the United States, the approach of Holy Thursday, March 28, is a welcome catalyst for further meditation on the glorious mystery of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Jesus Christ gave to us his body and blood under the appearances of bread and wine. The magisterium, also …

Sacrament of sacraments Read More »

3/21/24
Reading Time 3 min
By Mary Beth Bonacci
I’m seeing a meme on social media that quotes Pope Francis as discouraging fasting, recommending “eat whatever you want” and instead seek “a better relationship with others” during Lent. The quote, as far as I can tell, is false. I can find no evidence that the Holy Father said any such thing. However, somebody said …

Fasting brings grace Read More »

3/21/24
Reading Time 4 min
By Elizabeth Foss
Sometimes, I begin Lent with the intent to clean all the things. I’m going to examine my conscience and confess my sins and clean out the pantry and donate half the contents of my closet to a worthy cause. I’m going to super clean, and when I get to Easter, I will shine with splendid …

Transformation Read More »

3/21/24
Reading Time 3 min
By Lucia A. Silecchia
This past weekend, side by side in the grocery store, lay both bags of salt to pour on icy sidewalks for winter’s last hurrahs and bags of topsoil to spread in flower beds to welcome spring’s first blooms. This juxtaposition perfectly represents the unique place of March in the cycle of the year. Some say …

Easter March Read More »

3/21/24
Reading Time 3 min
By Fr. Joseph M. Rampino
Jn 12:20-33 Mar. 17 In this last Sunday Gospel before the beginning of Holy Week, Christ combines in a powerful and seemingly paradoxical way his humble suffering and his overwhelming glory. In this moment, responding to the desire of certain Greeks to see him, even though they stand outside of Israel’s promises, he calls out …

Passion paradox Read More »

3/16/24
Reading Time 3 min
By Fr. Richard Miserendino
Jn 3:14-21 Mar. 10 It’s been said that sunlight is the best disinfectant. Though a modern chemist or doctor might dispute that, the general thrust is still true: A great deal of the world’s ills are healed by exposing them to the light of truth. That message tracks with our Gospel theme, as we celebrate …

Let light in Read More »

3/9/24
Reading Time 3 min
By Christina Capecchi
I was a first grader when I made my inaugural trip to Disney. Last month — decades later — I returned with a first grader and a fresh set of eyes. So much came back to me. My favorite ride then remained my favorite ride now: Pirates of the Caribbean. I remembered not only the …

Faith that endures Read More »

3/7/24
Reading Time 3 min

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