With those historic words, North America’s youngest bishop — 40-year-old Thomas Dowd, of Montreal — yesterday tweeted the happy news of his ordination. In fact, throughout the day, the cheerful blogger (whose site is called “Waiting in Joyful Hope”) used Twitter to update the world on the biggest day of his life. “Off to the sacristy for the final stretch,” he tweeted at one point. “The next time I check in I’ll be a successor of the apostles.” Unless I’m... Read more
I asked a similar question a few weeks back, around Memorial Day, and got some interesting responses. Here’s what happened at my parish at the 5 pm Mass Saturday night. Following the prayer after communion, the leader of song invited everyone to remain standing to sing our national anthem. Not “America” or “God Bless America.” They sang the official anthem of the United States. And when the congregation finished, they applauded. I felt like I was at a baseball game. Read more
Firefighters line up outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, on September 10, 2011, for a memorial mass paying tribute to the 343 members of the FDNY who died on 9/11. Photo: Paul Peluso/Firehouse.com Read more
From Fr. Michael Duffy, OFM, delivered on 15 September 2001. A snip: You know when you step back and see how my friend Mychal died, I’m sure that when we finish grieving, when all this is over and we can put things in perspective, look how that man died. He was right where the action was, where he always wanted to be. He was praying, because in the ritual for anointing, we’re always saying, Jesus come, Jesus forgive, Jesus save.... Read more
Details from Philly.com: On Wednesday, Curtis Condell, 41, of Magnolia, was arrested during a meeting with authorities, Evesham Township Police Lt. Walt Miller said. Condell, a drywall worker, has been charged with nine counts of criminal mischief and nine counts of bias intimidation, police said. He was held on at least $100,000 bail at the Burlington County Jail. That may be increased with the addition of Cherry Hill’s charges, police officials said. On his Facebook page, Condell described himself as... Read more
[Click here for the readings] Anyone who saw the 2002 Super Bowl saw something unforgettable. And it had nothing to do with sports. It was held in New Orleans, in the Super Dome. The half time entertainment was Bono and U-2. There must have been 100-thousand people in the stadium, cheering wildly. Bono stepped onto the stage and the lights dimmed and the crowd roared and the band began to play. If you watch video of that performance, you can... Read more
From Fr. Michael Duffy, OFM, delivered on 15 September 2001. A snip: You know when you step back and see how my friend Mychal died, I’m sure that when we finish grieving, when all this is over and we can put things in perspective, look how that man died. He was right where the action was, where he always wanted to be. He was praying, because in the ritual for anointing, we’re always saying, Jesus come, Jesus forgive, Jesus save.... Read more
[Click here for the readings] Anyone who saw the 2002 Super Bowl saw something unforgettable. And it had nothing to do with sports. It was held in New Orleans, in the Super Dome. The half time entertainment was Bono and U-2. There must have been 100-thousand people in the stadium, cheering wildly. Bono stepped onto the stage and the lights dimmed and the crowd roared and the band began to play. If you watch video of that performance, you can... Read more
I got hit tonight with a huge pile of spam comments. I’m shoveling out now. Until further notice, all comments will be moderated. Meantime, thanks for your patience… UPDATE: Okay. I think the problem has been addressed. I’ve put a few filters in place to block spam — flagging certain key words and such — and adjusted the comment policy so that only those who register and have an email can comment. Let’s see what happens. Read more
Archbishop Dolan’s office released this letter from Pope Benedict today: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! On this day my thoughts turn to the somber events of September 11, 2001, when so many innocent lives were lost in the brutal assault on the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the further attacks in Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania. I join you in commending the thousands of victims to the infinite mercy... Read more
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