The day before Holy Thursday is traditionally known as “Spy Wednesday” — when Judas “spied” for an opportunity to betray Jesus. (The 13th century fresco above shows him being paid his 30 pieces of silver.) This day comes complete with its own traditions and customs: Wednesday is known as Spy Wednesday because on this day Judas made a bargain with the high priest to betray Jesus for 30 silver pieces (Matt 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:1-6). In Poland, the young people... Read more

You won’t see it widely reported, but it’s worth noting:  The Muslim Brotherhood strongly condemns the terrorist attacks Tuesday (March 22) at a Belgian airport and a subway station in the capital Brussels, which left dozens of innocent people dead and injured. The group denounces these heinous crimes, whatever the nationality of the perpetrator, based on its principles which sanctify innocent human souls, that according to God’s commands must not be taken without good cause, and which all divine laws... Read more

From Vatican Radio: Pope Francis has a sent telegram to Jozef De Kesel, Archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels following the attacks on Tuesday morning in the Belgian capital Brussels. In the telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis prays for the victims, the injured and their families and again condemns “blind violence which causes so much suffering.” Please find below a Vatican Radio translation of the Pope’s telegram. Learning of the attacks in Brussels, which have affected... Read more

Some background, from the man who composed this year’s prayers: When he told Pope Francis that writing the meditations for the papal Way of the Cross service was tough, Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti of Perugia-Citta della Pieve said the pope told him, “Remember, you aren’t doing it for me, but for the church.” The Good Friday service, which takes places at night at Rome’s Colosseum, is broadcast around the world. Tens of thousands of people gather with the pope around the... Read more

This is cool, from the CUA website:   Stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan and his wife and creative partner, Jeannie Gaffigan, will address the Class of 2016 at The Catholic University of America Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 14. Gaffigan’s humor revolves largely around fatherhood, personal observations, and food. He has received Grammy nominations for his successful comedy specials, including Mr. Universe and Jim Gaffigan: Obsessed, and he is the author of two books, his memoir Dad is Fat and Food:... Read more

Tom Hoopes gets it: Holy Week does one thing better than any other event each year: It describes what hope looks like in the most desperate of times. It is the perfect antidote to election-year despair. And he mentions something in particular which should be near and dear to the heart of deacons everywhere: On Good Friday we will watch Jesus suffer the most complete defeat in the history of the world: The Second Person of Trinity as man will... Read more

Today marks World Down Syndrome Day. At a moment when more children with Down Syndrome are being lost to abortion—by one estimate, it’s more than 90%—it’s worth honoring and remembering the gifts they bring to our world. From The Washington Post:  Laura Lee took pride in her résumé. On it, separated by bold lettering and bullet points, she listed one achievement after another: She graduated from George Mason University. She worked at the World Bank. She volunteered at a food... Read more

It was packed at the Masses today at my parish—and people wasted no time grabbing their palms. [img attachment=”95682″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_5089″ /]   [img attachment=”95683″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_5096″ /]   [img attachment=”95684″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_5098″ /]   [img attachment=”95685″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_5095″ /]   [img attachment=”95686″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_5091″ /]   [img attachment=”95687″ align=”aligncenter” size=”full” alt=”IMG_5103″ /] There’s always a line for the pastor, Bishop Paul Sanchez, as people wait for special blessings after Mass. He never says no. [img attachment=”95688″... Read more

This slays me. Moments after this young woman received a cochlear implant, her boyfriend proposed. Just watch. Kleenex required. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6QWSBz2sys Read more