The Baptism of Our Lord has long been celebrated within the Catholic community. But for many centuries its observance was shared on the feast of the Epiphany with the arrival of the Magi at Bethlehem … more

A lingering cold forced me to my bed, but at a very appropriate time. A “Law & Order” marathon, all 587 shows, was being featured on a cable channel. During the first episodes all six main … more

The American Thanksgiving holiday and the quickly approaching universal festival of Christmas have become and perhaps always have been opportunities for giving. In late November parish halls are … more

The ancient Jews, and today’s Jews as well, are certainly God’s chosen people. St. Paul rightly praises the divine selection of the Jews when he writes of his Jewish people, “theirs is the … more

Ah yes, Advent! As sure as leafless trees, pine wreaths, and snow shovels enter the home scene, the liturgical season of Advent arrives annually in late November and early December. The four weeks of … more

Ecumenism and inter-faith activities were in their hay-day in 1960s and 70s. Father Edward Flannery, Father Thomas Trepanier, and, of course, Father Edward St. Godard were Roman Catholic pillars … more

Many Catholics nowadays are no doubt unaware that for many centuries the Pope was the independent ruler of a large territory in central Italy. The Papal States extended roughly from Florence on the … more

Although Napoleon Bonaparte is often recalled as a French military celebrity, the Emperor was no Marshall Foch or General deGaulle. If fact, the Corsican usurper was more like Attila the Hun than … more

St. Charles Borromeo, honored with all the heavenly elect on this Solemnity of All Saints, could have taken great advantage of his family’s prominent position in society and in the Church. His … more

The 21st century is not the first era to be scandalized by the reprehensible conduct of some clergy. In 1517, Martin Luther visited Rome as a young, pious, Augustinian priest and monk. Author Eric … more