The next week and a half is kind of a “sweet spot” during the season of Lent. In the next ten days we get not just one but two solemnities – St. Joseph’s Day (3/19) and the Annunciation (3/25), both of which provide a welcome respite from the disciplines of Lent. It’s also a great time for the Irish, for those of Irish descent, and for the countless multitudes who wish they were. St.Continue reading “The Green Desert “
Category Archives: Spirituality
The Passion of Jimmy Lai
When he was 8 years old, Jimmy Lai got a job carrying luggage to earn money after his mother was arrested by Chinese Communist Party officials and sent to a labor camp. One day, a customer tipped him with a half-eaten chocolate bar. After tasting it, Lai was desperate to know where the man was from. “Hong Kong,” the man said. Three years later, in 1960, Lai escapedContinue reading “The Passion of Jimmy Lai “
“Follow My Voice”
This weekend, a historic event took place not far from where we live. Archbishop Ronald Hicks was installed at St. Patrick’s Cathedral as the 11th Archbishop of New York, taking over from his immediate predecessor, Timothy Cardinal Dolan. Cardinal Dolan served in that role for almost 17 years, one year longer than another great man of the Church, John Cardinal O’Connor, who served as Archbishop ofContinue reading ““Follow My Voice” “
To Whom Do We Belong?
As anyone who follows current events knows, the city of Minneapolis has been at the center of conflict between the federal government and local officials over the enforcement of federal immigration laws. In the past few weeks, two protesters have been shot and killed by federal law enforcement officers, incidents which have brought tensions there to a boiling point. The conflict is inflamed byContinue reading “To Whom Do We Belong? “
Heis-Mendoza
This Monday night (1/19), the Hoosiers of Indiana University will be playing the University of Miami Hurricanes in the college football national championship game. The player to watch is Indiana’s starting quarterback, a young man named Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza has had an outstanding season, leading Indiana to an undefeated regular season and to the cusp of the school’s first national championship in football. He also received the 2025 Heisman Award,Continue reading “Heis-Mendoza “
Practicing the Presence of God
During a recent in-flight press conference, Pope Leo XIV mentioned a book of spiritual reading that was important to him. The Practice of the Presence of God, is a compilation of letters and sayings from a 17th century French Carmelite friar named Brother Lawrence. Pope Leo explained that the work “describes a type of prayerContinue reading “Practicing the Presence of God “
The Parish of St. Cecilia-St. Gabriel 