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Frank Silecchia was a New York native and an excavation laborer — a pick-and-shovel guy. When his city begged for search-and-rescue volunteers after the 9/11 attack, he stepped up. … more
“Familiarity breeds contempt.” That old Roman proverb, echoed in Augustine and Chaucer, stills rings true today. One exception, though, may be Scripture. Here, our … more
This article centers on the one thing above all else that relates to our Salvation: The Eucharist, the consecrated bread and wine that becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus. The Eucharist is the … more
Last Thanksgiving, we visited our son and extended family in California. “Mom,” my daughter-in-law said, “no little children at the dinner. Young people are not having … more
Christ our Emmanuel models for us The Paschal Mystery (suffering/death/resurrection), which in some way is the most significant experience we can know of God’s love and mercy on this side of … more
A cake, ablaze with candles toasting the shredded coconut at their feet, was no subtle reminder that another year had passed. In that piercing light, I could not deny that I had reached the … more
“I gave them the Beatitudes, and all they do is quote Leviticus...” I can see Jesus saying this, sighing and sadly shaking his head. Leviticus, of course, is part of the Torah, … more
Raw. Bitter. Numbing. Brutal. Take your pick, because this cold wave requires an adjective — an added word to communicate the life-threatening effects of sub-zero temperatures and … more
This is the sixth in a series of teachings and reflections offered by the moderator of spiritual formation for the Jefferson City diocese: We learn in the exquisite creation stories from our … more
I don’t know if you noticed it, but another year has passed. It saddens me in some ways. I remember when it arrived, full of hope and promise. And then suddenly, it was gone, quietly … more
The Catechism of the Catholic Church instructs that there are four senses of Sacred Scripture. It is crucial to understand this, so as to dive deep into their sacred meaning ... into the wisdom … more
To the world Christmas, may seem to begin way before Dec. 25, so celebrating Christmas is just a one-and done event. But Christmas is surely so much more than just one day. It is an entire … more
As the Christmas Season of 2023 draws near, many people will find themselves traveling. They will be traveling to a place they call home. Home is often viewed as a special place where they … more
No Christmas pageant would be complete without a young girl in white dress and veil playing the role of Mary. Remember, though, that, unlike the men of the gospels, Mary was not allowed to take … more
Advent. From the Latin  adventus,  meaning coming or arrival. What is coming? Christmas. Incarnation. Emmanuel, the dwelling of God with us. What is coming? The Parousia, the … more
There’s a story of the Irish writer Samuel Becket on a walk with a friend in Paris on a beautiful spring morning. “Doesn’t this just make you feel happy to be alive?” his … more
The Desert Ammas and Abbas (Mothers and Fathers) were the precursors of what we call Monks today. These dedicated disciples of Christ fled into the deserts of Egypt and Syria in the Third … more
Going through the mail the other day, I found a check for $905.45. Apparently, some overfed algorithm inferred that a retired couple of former Church workers could use extra cash. It was a … more
During a recent trip to the Republic of Korea (South Korea), I visited a cemetery located high on a hill overlooking a river valley. Standing amid the graves on this hill, one could see into … more
“In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by His death and resurrection, has broken the chains of … more
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