Now that he’s about to get the red hat, Archbishop Timothy Dolan is getting a closer look — and it sounds like a new book about him may be a good introduction: Cardinal-designate Timothy M. Dolan of New York is becoming the most visible Catholic churchman in the Western Hemisphere. He is also a down-to-earth pastor – a clavicle-crushing six-foot-three teddy bear of a man whom you meet for the first time and, ten minutes later, feel you’ve known for... Read more
This year is only a few days old, but Pope Benedict has already posted his prayer intentions for 2013. Two that strike me as especially interesting: September General: That people today, often overwhelmed by noise, may rediscover the value of silence and listen to the voice of God and their brothers and sisters. October General: That those feeling so crushed by life that they wish to end it may sense the nearness of God’s love. Take a look at all... Read more
An issue that is often overlooked in many parishes is now getting renewed attention — thanks, in part, to a deacon candidate from Chicago: After Stuart Heyes was diagnosed with celiac disease last year, he learned that a gluten-free diet would prevent the pain he experienced after meals, which he described as “like the food is having a battle in your gut.” But his diagnosis threatened to create a battle in his soul: The hosts used for Holy Communion at most churches... Read more
Hot on the heels of this story, about a couple who left millions to the church, comes this item, which may be even more surprising: A former bookkeeper has left $7.5 million to Aquinas Catholic Schools in La Crosse — the largest donation in the schools’ history. James Kiffe was a 1942 graduate of Aquinas and died in October at age 87. Kiffe worked at Northern Engraving and was a savvy investor. He belonged to the Coulee Investment Club for... Read more
Seriously: The Rev. Britto Berchmans’ upcoming one-man show, “Centennial Chuckles,” is no joke, but the pastor of Park Ridge’s St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church hopes his comedy act produces plenty of laughs. “For too long people have thought church is kind of heavy and boring,” Berchmans said. “No, church is wonderful, and my theory is, if you do not laugh in the Father’s house, where will you laugh?” Berchmans will be encouraging his flock to look at the... Read more
Several years ago, while I was on retreat at Thomas Merton’s old monastery in Kentucky, his former secretary Br. Patrick Hart mentioned to me that some movie people were going to be dropping by for a visit. He was bemused and thought they might be wanting to discuss a movie version of “The Seven Storey Mountain.” The idea resurfaces every few years, he said, but nothing ever comes of it. Well. If anyone is still mulling that idea, and looking... Read more
“Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. That’s why Jesus says, “Love your enemies.” Because if you hate your enemies, you have no way to redeem and to transform your enemies. But if you love your enemies, you will discover that at the very root of love is the power of redemption.... Read more
Some may recall the story of Fr. Michael Rodriguez, from the Diocese of El Paso, who was promptly reassigned last fall after making some strong public statements — and taking out newspaper ads — condemning homosexual activity. Now there’s more, and it’s getting ugly: In a rare move, Catholic Bishop Armando X. Ochoa and Monsignor Arturo Bañuelas on Wednesday sued a controversial priest and his brother, alleging they mishandled thousands of dollars in church money. The suit, described as an... Read more
And he’s hoping the cardinal-designate will soon be a lesser man. Details: Weight-loss guru Dr. Howard Shapiro tells us that Dolan, 61, has dropped approximately 25 pounds since he became a patient at his upper East Side practice in February 2011, and, he adds, he’d like to see the holy man double that figure in the coming weeks. The Vatican announced on Jan. 6 that Dolan, who has headed the the Archdiocese of New York since 2009, will be elevated... Read more
Given the readings, “Here I Am, Lord” is a natural. We sang this at my place. How about you? Here’s one of the prettiest versions I’ve heard, from a boys choir. Read more
The Deacon's Bench
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