The first day of Latin class in seminary we translated a few simple sentences from the great Roman philosopher and politician Cicero, among them the opening line of a letter to his wife: “Si vales valeo” which means “if you are well, I am well.” Not only does this example show the brevity of the Latin language to express ideas that require many words in modern languages, but it also portrays an aspect of a sentiment which I oftentimes encounter... Read more
La Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro en Jerusalén es el lugar más sagrado de la fe cristiana. Su tejado acoge los lugares más importantes relacionados con la vida y la muerte de Jesús. Al ingreso del antiguo edificio, a la derecha, unas gradas estrechas permiten ascender al Gólgota y rezar en el mismo lugar donde estuvieron la Virgen María, María Magdalena y San Juan al pie de la cruz. Un agujero pequeño debajo del magnífico icono de la crucifixión permite tocar... Read more
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem is the holiest site of the Christian faith. Its roof encloses the most sacred places linked to the life and death of Jesus. As you enter the ancient building, to the right, tight steps allow you to ascend to Golgotha and pray on the same ground where the Virgin Mary, Mary Magdalene and Saint John stood at the foot of the cross. A small hole beneath the magnificent icon of the crucifixion... Read more
Today we hear the most sacred prayer of the Jewish faith, first in its original iteration in the Book of Deuteronomy, and then from the lips of Jesus: Shema Israel, adonai eloheinu, adonai ehad “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This prayer is known as the Shema Israel, which is recited twice daily by observant... Read more
At most baptisms, I read a passage from the conclusion of the Gospel of Saint Matthew where Jesus gives final instructions to his apostles, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Within these words, often referred to as the Great Commission, lies imbedded a Christian paradox. This is that in order for... Read more
Hace algún tiempo estaba caminando por la calle en el centro de Savannah vestido con mi ropa de sacerdote con un amigo cuando un caballero se nos acercó. Pensé que iba a pedir dinero, pero simplemente quería charlar con un sacerdote. Mientras la agradable y breve conversación llegaba a su fin, el señor me preguntó: “Padre, ¿podría darle una bendición a mi novia que es católica y está al otro lado de la calle?” Estuve de acuerdo y lo seguí.... Read more
How can Elijah walk for forty days without eating? That’s impossible, right? He would’ve become hungry after a few hours of walking. How can Jesus be the living bread that comes down from heaven? Sounds impossible! Even those who heard him say this asked one another, “is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother?” Is it possible to remove all bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling and malice from us, as Saint Paul... Read more
Some time ago, I was walking down the street in downtown Savannah in my priestly clothes with a friend, and a gentleman approached us. I thought he may ask for money, but he simply wanted to chat with a priest. As the pleasant yet brief conversation was drawing to a close, he asked, “Father, could you give a blessing to my girlfriend who is Catholic and is over on the other side of the street?” I agreed and followed him. ... Read more
The National Eucharistic Congress hosted in Indianapolis is off to a start. Catholics in the United States has waited since 1941 to gather for an event such as this one. Organized within the context of the National Eucharistic Revival, this Congress hopes to foster deeper devotion to and a greater understanding of the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The initial experience of the Congress for many pilgrims was rather difficult. Lines to receive the necessary credentials wrapped around... Read more
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National Eucharistic Congress: Day two
The second day at the NEC in Indianapolis was packed. I spent several hours in the hall where there seems to be an endless number of vendors. The expected big Catholics names are there: Knights of Columbus, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Benedictine College, Our Sunday Visitor etc. There are also quite a number of artists selling amazing Catholic art – including Catholic legos. Countless ministries from throughout the country are represented, along with religious communities and many Catholic media companies.... Read more