When my son was three he discovered the Tabernacle. He asked, “Mommy, what is that gold box?” To make it understandable to him, I answered, “That’s where Jesus goes night-night.” That seemed like a good choice of words until the next weekend when my son questioned, “Mommy, who stays with Jesus when He goes night-night?” … Read More Keeping Jesus Company
When I was in second grade, the pastor at our family’s parish invited me to be one of the 12 folks to participate in Holy Thursday’s foot washing. (I think I was invited because spring vacation coincided with Holy Week that year, and my mom had taken me to daily Mass a few mornings during… Read More Holy Thursday: Radical Call to Be Served and to Serve
The liturgical pharisees are about to go nuts. According to Vatican Radio, Pope Francis will break norms and be the first pope ever to wash the feet of women at a Holy Thursday Mass. At a youth prison in Rome, Francis plans to wash the feet of ten men and two women (further reports are… Read More Breaking News: Pope Washing the Feet of Women at Holy Thursday Mass
Earlier this month, Maryland voted to abolish the death penalty. Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley took to the pages of Politico to explain and defend this decision. His article provides a succinct and compelling case for abolishing a practice that should no longer exist in this nation. His main points include: The death penalty is not… Read More Why the Death Penalty is Worthless and Unjust
Pope Francis led his first Wednesday General Audience in St. Peter’s Square this morning. Speaking only in Italian, Francis began his address with his now trademark greeting: fratelli e sorelle, buongiorno! (English: “brothers and sisters, good morning!) In his remarks, Francis encouraged the faithful to follow Christ this Holy Week by going to the streets and… Read More Francis to faithful: Go to the streets this Holy Week, be with those who suffer
A recent front-page New York Times article called Pope Francis a “pragmatist” on LGBT issues, detailing his support of civil unions while cardinal in Argentina. Along with many Catholics, I hope our new pope brings that pragmatic streak to Rome as the worldwide leader of the Catholic Church. Michael O’Loughlin of the Religion News Service… Read More With a ‘pragmatist’ pope, LGBT hope?
There he goes again. In a nearly two week papacy full of surprises, Francis has once again turned Vatican protocol on its head. Today, it was announced that Pope Francis will not live in the apostolic palace, but will instead live in a Vatican guest house in community with lay people, men and women religious and… Read More Breaking News: Pope Francis Rejects Apostolic Palace, Will Live In Guest Apartment (Updated)
