Many of us have seen movies with donkeys as sidekicks to cartoon characters. Some of these donkeys are pranksters and able to speak — sometimes in sarcastic … Read More
Foundations of Faith
A walk to seven churches
What started as a picnic to counter a Mardi Gras atmosphere in Rome has become a beloved Holy Thursday tradition. The Seven Churches Visitation started in Rome … Read More
It didn’t start with a guitar Mass
How do you handle the “sign of peace” at Mass? Do you shake hands, wave a two-finger peace sign, or chat with friends? For some, the sign … Read More
Beans and bread at Joseph’s Table
Did St. Joseph love a good meal? Nothing in the Scriptures mentions this about Joseph. But given a tradition that started in Sicily and spread even to … Read More
Jesus and the wild animals
“Lions and tigers and bears, oh my.” OK, Jesus may not have dwelt with tigers, but lions and bears lived in the Judean wilderness where he fasted … Read More
The psalm that starts Lent
Each Lent begins with the same psalm at Ash Wednesday Mass: Psalm 51, known as the Miserere. Its first words are, “Have mercy on me, O Lord. … Read More
Numbering on stone tablets
In the Gospel this weekend (Mt 5:17-37), Jesus mentions the Ten Commandments in his teaching. Have you ever looked at images of the Ten Commandments and wondered … Read More
A Catholic’s book of superheroes
We all love stories about superheroes. Who doesn’t like — and secretly want — special powers and abilities well beyond what mere mortals seem capable of doing? … Read More
Simeon was ready to say ‘good-bye’
That’s it; I’m ready to go.” This weekend, on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we hear similar words from St. Simeon. He actually said, … Read More
Remembering the holy spouses
How often do you think of the marriage of Mary and Joseph? While it was never universally celebrated, for a long time parts of the church celebrated … Read More
