Today we celebrate the second Sunday of Lent. Lent is the time, approximating forty days, of reflection and penance leading up to Easter. Pope Francis stated, “Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.” He said that Lent is meant to wake up Christians and to help them see that God can give them strength to change their lives and their surroundings.

One of our leading Catholic scholars has described Lent as the desert time in the Church year. (Read more…)

On Ash Wednesday we started the Season of Lent with the imposition of ashes on our heads. It is meant to remind us of our identity and relationship with God. First, it means we belong to God. We are his children. Second, as his children, we have the responsibility to make Jesus’ presence felt and experienced in this world. Third, given the identity and relationship that we have with God, as His children, we are constantly called to holiness of life. (Read more…)

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…)