At most baptisms, I read a passage from the conclusion of the Gospel of Saint Matthew where Jesus gives final instructions to his apostles, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Within these words, often referred to as the Great Commission, lies imbedded a Christian paradox. This is that in order for... Read more
Hace algún tiempo estaba caminando por la calle en el centro de Savannah vestido con mi ropa de sacerdote con un amigo cuando un caballero se nos acercó. Pensé que iba a pedir dinero, pero simplemente quería charlar con un sacerdote. Mientras la agradable y breve conversación llegaba a su fin, el señor me preguntó: “Padre, ¿podría darle una bendición a mi novia que es católica y está al otro lado de la calle?” Estuve de acuerdo y lo seguí.... Read more
How can Elijah walk for forty days without eating? That’s impossible, right? He would’ve become hungry after a few hours of walking. How can Jesus be the living bread that comes down from heaven? Sounds impossible! Even those who heard him say this asked one another, “is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother?” Is it possible to remove all bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling and malice from us, as Saint Paul... Read more
Some time ago, I was walking down the street in downtown Savannah in my priestly clothes with a friend, and a gentleman approached us. I thought he may ask for money, but he simply wanted to chat with a priest. As the pleasant yet brief conversation was drawing to a close, he asked, “Father, could you give a blessing to my girlfriend who is Catholic and is over on the other side of the street?” I agreed and followed him. ... Read more
The National Eucharistic Congress hosted in Indianapolis is off to a start. Catholics in the United States has waited since 1941 to gather for an event such as this one. Organized within the context of the National Eucharistic Revival, this Congress hopes to foster deeper devotion to and a greater understanding of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The initial experience of the Congress for many pilgrims was rather difficult. Lines to receive the necessary credentials wrapped around... Read more
“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” You can almost hear the tone of voice of the apostles when they ask this. Can’t you hear the fear, along with profound pain, that they feel, as their friend sleeps, apparently indifferent to the terrible situation? They would’ve asked, “Jesus, have you forgotten us?” When my father’s illness took a turn for the worse, and his death was imminent, by mother called me on the phone, it was a few... Read more
Imagine a group of boys playing soccer in the neighborhood. One of them kicks the ball, and the next thing you hear is broken glass. An upset mother walks out the front door after thirty seconds fuming, going toward the boys who are standing there stunned, silent, because they had been told to play in the park, and not near the houses. The mom, visibly upset asks, “who did this? Who broke the window?” The boys just look at each... Read more
In the year 107, Ignatius was arrested in the city of Antioch in the Roman province of Syria, and was condemned to death for not renouncing his faith in Jesus Christ. He was eventually sent to Rome to die, where he was thrown into the Circus Maximus to be devoured by beasts – a common practice at that time to execute prisoners. During his journey to Rome in the year 110, less than 80 years after the death and resurrection... Read more
I first wrote this article titled “Who Will Milk the Cows?” in 2013 and unfortunately, the issue it addresses is as pertinent today as it was eleven years ago. On May 1st, Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia signed a bill into law that will force local sheriff and police departments to check the immigration status of detainees, a job of the federal government. A person without a criminal record, if pulled over for a busted tail light, could end up... Read more
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National Eucharistic Congress: Day two
The second day at the NEC in Indianapolis was packed. I spent several hours in the hall where there seems to be an endless number of vendors. The expected big Catholics names are there: Knights of Columbus, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Benedictine College, Our Sunday Visitor etc. There are also quite a number of artists selling amazing Catholic art – including Catholic legos. Countless ministries from throughout the country are represented, along with religious communities and many Catholic media companies.... Read more