I”ll be speaking at a Faith on Tap event here on Long Island on Monday. The topic for the evening is “Living the joy that comes from knowing and following Christ …. The Center of the New Evangelization.” Its quite a wide ranging topic. Well, it seems it just because even wider and more intense. As everyone knows by now, Pope Francis gave a very lengthy interview to the world’s jesuit journals. It can be read here. I say my... Read more
Apparently someone thought to attach a GoPro video camera to the back of an eagle. The incredible video is found below. The words of the popular funeral song “On Eagles wings” will never be the same again! Read more
The Anchoress just posted again the story and video of Nathan telling Pope Francis that he wants to be a priest. It’s incredible moving. And its a story that is my own as well. You see, the same thing has happened to me. Twice. The first time, it happened in October of 2002. I was just a senior in High School. I was at this point in my life pretty sure I wanted to be a priest. But, I also... Read more
A lot has been made recently of Archbishop Parolin’s comments about the church’s discipline of celibacy. Take a look at what Fr. Dan Beeman had to say about it. The Secretary of State for the Vatican actually did say something that is true. But it’s being misunderstood. He said: Priestly celibacy (that a priest makes a promise not to marry and thus to remain a chaste celibate) is a discipline required by the Church in most of the world. It is not... Read more
This is what praying for peace as a priest looks like. The Roman Missal has so many different options for Masses. On a day when no other obligatory memorial or feast is to be said, any of the Masses in the Missal may be used. As of the recommendations of the diocesan Office of Worship I said this Mass on Saturday morning – In Time of War or Civil Disturbance. The prayers were haunting and powerful. Read more
Sunday afternoon was one of the most moving and encouraging moments of my priesthood yet. As you all know, Pope Francis called for prayer and fasting to occur on Saturday (1-5pm Eastern) to pray for peace in Syria. Unfortunately, with the way that most parishes are arranged it was impossible to arrange anything to occur during those hours here at my parish. After talking with my pastor we decided that we would instead offer some time of quiet prayer in... Read more
One of the great blessings of being a priest is being able to offer Mass on the birthdays and anniversaries of family members who have died. Today my Great-grandfather Richard would have been 103 years old. I made a visit to his grave and left him some red roses – his favorite. I also offered a simple Memorial Mass for him. Gramps as we called him taught me a great deal about being a priest even though he died... Read more
This week the focus of the Catholic Church is on Rio for World Youth Day. Pope Francis arrived yesterday to a very enthusiastic (sometimes too much so) crowd. Parish duties prevented me from attending WYD this year, but I have been to two World Youth Days in the past – Toronto and Cologne. Bishop DiMarzio of the Diocese of Brooklyn spoke of the impact of WYD on vocations to John Allen from the National Catholic Reporter: You talked about vocations.... Read more
One year ago today I was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ by Bishop William Murphy for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. I celebrated the 11am Mass this morning here in my parish with the parishioners and many friends and family present. I’ve told people that this year has been the best of my life. It has been the most challenging as well, but the best. Everything I have done this year has been a first: my first funeral,... Read more
With spring comes wedding and First Holy Communion season. Here in my parish we have five large sessions of First Communions and we have at least three weddings every saturday for the foreseeable future. These celebrations are among the best of the year. It’s always so beautiful to see children receiving Our Lord in the Eucharist for the first time. Getting to know a couple and witness their vows... Read more
Fr. Michael Duffy
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