February 18th is Ash Wednesday, the day that marks the beginning of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection leading up to Easter. The day gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on one’s head as a celebration and reminder of human mortality and as a sign of repentance. Through the placing of ashes on our heads, we are reminded of the frailty of life, God’s call to follow, and the good news that comes at Easter — that good conquers evil, that life triumphs death. (Read more…)

This weekend, during all Masses, we will celebrate World Marriage Day to honor the husband and the wife as head of the family – the basic unit of society; and to salute the beauty of their faithfulness.

The annual observance of the marriage day takes on new meaning these days as the sacrament and institution and meaning of marriage are facing crucial new challenges from within and without.

More than ever, couples are experiencing problems arising from a widespread mistaken understanding of what marriage truly is; and unity and indissolubility are being replaced by personal fulfillment. (Read more…)

Monday we celebrate the Feast of the Lord’s Presentation, commemorating the time when the infant Jesus was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph 40 days after His birth.

This feast is often referred to as “Candlemas Day,” for part of its celebration includes the blessing of candles used in worship throughout the year. We remember the words of Simeon, who took the Holy Child in his arms and praised God for revealing in Him “a light to the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel.” (Read more…)

Sometimes, what we care about most gets all used up and goes away…never to return. So…  While we have it… it’s best we love it.… And care for it…. And fix it when it’s broken…. And heal it when it’s sick.

This is true. For marriage…. And old cars…. And children with bad report cards…. And dogs with bad hips…. And aging parents…. And grandparents. We keep them because they are worth it, because we are worth it. (Read more…)

This week we are celebrating Respect Life Sunday. The National Rights to Life Committee (NRLC) estimates that 63,459,781 abortions have occurred in the United States since the 1973.

 I wonder how many of those children would have grown up to be doctors, priests, teachers … Would one of those children have been the scientist to cure Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes or cancer? Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta said that: “Probably the scientist who would have cured AIDS was killed through abortion.” (Read more…)

Today’s Feast of the Baptism of the Lord brings to a close the Church’s Christmas Season. It is a day I would like to offer a few observations on our celebration of baptism. Do you know your baptismal date? The parish in which you were baptized? Your sponsor(s)? The priest or deacon who baptized you?

Pope Benedict has said that if we were to take fully in account the gift of baptism, “our lives would become a continual “thank you,” it is a gift, a joy, but also a responsibility. (Read more…)