stceceliastgabriel

Living Rosary

Last Sunday we hosted a living rosary in our beautiful Marian Garden in anticipation of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (10/7). The living rosary devotion involves a group of at least 60 people (we had about 80), with each person representing one of the “beads” of the rosary. The group’s progression throughContinue reading “Living Rosary “

Loving Our Little Plot

Last weekend at the cathedral, Bishop Frank Caggiano conferred the St. Augustine Medal on over 170 people in recognition of their exceptional service to parishes, schools, and Catholic Charities throughout the Diocese. Among the recipients of this year’s award was Eden Huang, who I’m sure is very upset with me as she reads this. IfContinue reading “Loving Our Little Plot “

The First Tablet

A few months ago, I was at a (non-parishioner’s) wedding reception and found myself in a conversation with a group of people I knew, but not very well. The conversation took place at that point in the evening when guests suddenly feel relaxed enough to freely share their opinions on politics and religion. In dueContinue reading “The First Tablet “

Seeking Saints

In a recent reflection on the feast of St. Gregory the Great (Sept. 3), Bishop Erik Varden writes about the saintly pope who served as Bishop of Rome from 590-605 A.D. One of the pope’s many accomplishments was a work entitled the Dialogues, in which he authored biographies of various saints, including a very famousContinue reading “Seeking Saints “

Chasing Immortality

In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Naveen Jain summed up his life’s goal: “I want to make aging optional.” The tech billionaire is one of a growing number of ultra-wealthy entrepreneurs chasing immortality, including famous innovators such as Sam Altman and Peter Thiel. The article reports: “Thiel’s quest for longer life spans nearly aContinue reading “Chasing Immortality “

Pier Giorgio & Luigi

In the early hours of December 4, 2024, United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot in the back and killed while walking to a local coffee shop in midtown Manhattan. Following a four-day manhunt, police arrested 26-year-old Luigi Mangione. The photogenic son of privilege was quickly hailed online by a large number of admirers asContinue reading “Pier Giorgio & Luigi “

Summer Rest

This Tuesday (7/29) we celebrate the feast day of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, a family of siblings who were close friends of Jesus. Our Lord would often stay at their home in Bethany when He was visiting Jerusalem. In St. Luke’s gospel (Lk 10:38-42), we hear about one such visit. Martha is “burdened withContinue reading “Summer Rest “

Building Happy Marriages

What is the secret to a happy marriage? According to experts, going on dates (with one’s spouse) is very helpful. Unfortunately, most couples rarely enjoy a date night together. Based on a nationwide survey of over 2000 married couples, 52% of married couples report either never or seldom go on dates together, with 48% reportingContinue reading “Building Happy Marriages “

Apologetics

The term apologetics refers to a reasoned and systematic defense of a particular set of beliefs, and it has always had a place in the history of the Church. Many of the Church’s great saints engaged both fellow believers and non-believers in fierce debates over important questions of doctrine. St. Peter himself encouraged Christians toContinue reading “Apologetics “

The Catholic Founder

This weekend, people across this proud land will gather together to enjoy hots dogs, watermelon, and fireworks as a way of celebrating Independance Day, the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence 249 years ago. There are many household names among its signatories, such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and JohnContinue reading “The Catholic Founder “