Easter is considered the most important feast in the church year, but i admit to having more of a "soft spot" in my heart for Christmas. Not the lights or the trees, not the carols or the gifts, but the thought of God taking on the form of a helpless baby.Imagine that.God - the all-powerful, the Creator of the universe - became an embryo, totally dependent on Mary for his very life blood. The Lord of Lords, born in a manger because there was no room for him. The King of Kings, relying on his ... Read Full Story

I posted this back in April, but after being at the bedside of a dear relative as she died, it seems appropriate to share it once again.I apologize for the length of this post, but this story deserves to be told - and heard - in full. Some time ago, I read a short but interesting novel called "The Five People You Meet In Heaven", by Mitch Albom. It starts with the unexpected death of a guy named Eddie, a man who works in an amusement park repairing rides. He sees a ride malfunction, and part ... Read Full Story

Next fall, when you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in the ‘V’ formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way.As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in the ‘V’ formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily... Read Full Story

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, g... Read Full Story

This week's contest has a Thanksgiving flair.Can you think of a caption for this picture?Use McLinky to share your suggestions. Winners will be announced next week.Happy Thanksgiving!____________________________________And here are last week's winners for the contest found here.____________________________________A special All Souls remembrance:Click here throughout the month of November to offer prayers in memory of loved ones who have preceded us in death.____________________________________ Read Full Story

I ran into a title for Mary the other day that I’d never heard before: Our Lady of the Chain. I did a bit of research and found some interesting background.This devotion began in the 14th century in Palermo, Italy. Three young men were condemned to death by hanging. They were being led to the gallows under heavy guard when the skies grew dark and a terrible storm arose. The guards, the condemned men, and the people who had gathered to witness the execution sought shelter in the Church of St. ... Read Full Story

There are times when the grass seems greener on the other side... even in a spiritual sense.A person best suited for a life of service may wish to lead the life of the contemplative. A married man may regret that he didn't become a priest. A young mother may yearn for the hermitage. But we need to use the talents we've been given in the circumstances in which we find ourselves.No one should desire means of serving God that he now lacks but rather should diligently use those he actually has. ... Read Full Story

I've stood upon a mountaintop,But could not touch the sky,And stood in awesome wonder thereAs clouds kept rolling by.I've wandered through a woodlandin Autumn's golden days,And knelt in silent splendor thereTo offer God my praise.I've strolled along a seaside pathAs the sun began to set,And the beauty of that momentI never shall forget.I've seen fields of golden poppiesAnd gargens in full bloomAnd the magic of red rosesIn a hospital room.I've seen hills become cathedrals,All crowned with flak... Read Full Story

The November 8, 2009 issue of Our Sunday Visitor gives some interesting statistics. Between 1994 and the end of 2007, there has been significant growth in the Catholic church in Africa. While the African population has grown by 33%, the number of African Catholics has grown by 60%. There has been a 49% increase in the number of African priests, and a 94% increase in the number of Catholic lay missionaries.I'd love to be able to include statistics that show the rate of change for other faiths ... Read Full Story

I recently read a quote from Cardinal Wilfred Fox Nepler. He said:Spiritual or religious things are not reported, unless they are controversial.This quote brings to mind the extensive coverage of sexual abuse by some priests as compares to the lack of coverage of the good things done by so many. (For just one example, read this post). But this tendency to focus on the negative or the sensational isn’t limited to the media, and it isn’t limited to talk about priests.Most of us are guilty of sp... Read Full Story