Saint John XXIII

John XXIII, who was made a saint on April 27, is remembered by many for his warmth, simplicity, social conscience and sense of humor. Pope Francis, who canonized “the Good Pope,” recalled his predecessor as being holy, patient and a man of courage, especially by calling the Second Vatican Council. “He was a man who let himself be guided by the Lord;” Pope Francis has said. But the Italian Pope John was also guided by his cheerful disposition and his simplicity. (Read more…)

Gestures at the Altar

When I’m standing up there at the altar, I sometimes wish I could take a time-out and explain what I am doing or why I am doing it, because so much of what we do has long forgotten origins.

One example would be kissing or””reverencing” the altar. I’m kissing the “altar” which has crosses cut into its corners and a silver dollar sized circle that covers a few bone splinters taken from the catacombs of Rome, a reminder of our ancient roots and the blood of the martyrs. (Read more…)