Seasons of Grace
You just never know what’s going to happen. Easter giggles from America’s Funniest Home Videos. Read more
You just never know what’s going to happen. Easter giggles from America’s Funniest Home Videos. Read more
This week in theaters across America, people are hearing–many for the first time–the dramatic story of young Colton Burpo, the son of a Nebraska pastor, who nearly died and who visited heaven while on the operating table. Three-year-old Colton had suffered a burst appendix; but since his sister had the flu at the same time, his parents and doctor didn’t realize how sick he was. It was five days before the doctors diagnosed the problem and rushed him into surgery.... Read more
On April 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan delivered a radio address to the nation. He spoke of the faith of Jews, celebrating the Passover, and of Christians, on the occasion of their high holy day of Easter. He spoke of courage and dedication. What a blessing this man was to our nation. Read more
For the first time since the Reformation, a man has been ordained to the Catholic priesthood in Norway’s Nidaros Cathedral, which is built over the burial site of St. Olaf, Norway’s patron saint. Built from 1070 to 1300, the Romanesque and Gothic Nidaros Cathedral is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world. It was a Catholic cathedral until 1527, when it was taken over by the Lutheran Church during the Reformation. Bishop Bernt Ivar Eisvig, the Catholic bishop of Oslo,... Read more
Poland is one of the most pro-life countries in Europe. While a staggering one-third of pregnancies in Europe end in abortion, Poland has become increasingly anti-abortion, with 76% of Poles between the ages of 15 and 24 favoring a total ban on abortion. I knew that (sort of)–yet it took this map to really focus my attention on the stark contrast between Poland, with its majority Catholic population, and the surrounding nations. Poland, with an abortion rate below 1.9%, is... Read more
WHAT?!! Foot washing as political theatre? Nancy Pelosi, that darling of the Left who boldly declares her catholicity while fighting the Catholic Church’s teachings on abortion, contraception and “reproductive rights”, has gone a step further: The California Democrat participated in the Holy Thursday foot washing at an Episcopal church, St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in San Francisco. Not by offering her own feet–but by helping Bishop Marc Andres to wash the feet of two children. Holy Thursday services are... Read more
It was my privilege this year to attend the Chrism Mass at Detroit’s Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Holy Thursday. It’s at that Mass, on the day on which the Lord instituted the priesthood, that priests of the Archdiocese renew their commitment to priestly service. Also during that Mass, the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of the Catechumens and the Sacred Chrism are each presented to the Archbishop and blessed. As each oil is processed to the... Read more
In Indonesia, a Good Friday pilgrimage has turned to tragedy when a boat loaded with people capsized in high waves. Early reports list at least seven dead, including three children and a nun, and dozens missing. The fishing boat was transporting a statue of the Virgin Mary from Flores island to another when it sank. The boat, which was designed to hold only 30 people, had more than 70 aboard when a 6.5-foot wave crashed into it, causing it to... Read more
Finally, work has begun to repair the iconic steeple atop St. Josaphat Catholic Church. The steeple, which dates from 1901, was twisted and severely damaged in a windstorm in November 2013. The city of Detroit, fearing possible injury to worshippers, ordered the church closed until repairs could be made. Parishioners of Mother of Divine Mercy Parish, the combined cluster parish which includes St. Josaphat’s, were asked to attend one of two nearby cluster churches: Sweetest Heart of Mary or St.... Read more
Courtesy of the U.S. Bishops: One of the most helpful descriptions I’ve seen for the events of the Easter Triduum–the holy days which begin with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, and ends on Easter Sunday evening. Thank you to the USCCB for this comprehensive explanation of the coming weekend, and thank you for giving permission for dioceses and others to reprint this Q&A. When does the Triduum begin and end? The Easter Triduum begins with... Read more
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