The “door of faith” (Acts 14:27) is always open for us, ushering us into the life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. To enter through that door is to set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime. (Pope Benedict XVI, “Porta Fidei”) more

Answer: God made the world. Question: Why did God make you? Answer: God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in heaven. Question: What is a Sacrament? Answer: A Sacrament is an outward sign, instituted by Christ to give grace. more

I probably would have written this article anyhow, so distressed was I. But then I received an invitation to attend a fundraising luncheon for presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani, and that absolutely confirmed my decision. The fundraiser is scheduled for Providence next week. For $500 I could attend a reception with the former New York City Mayor. For $1,500 I could attend a reception with a photo op. The first thought that came to my mind is that I’m not charging enough for my Confirmation photos! more

I have a friend who’s fond of saying that I have a profound grasp of the obvious. You might agree with that observation when I suggest that our nation and our state are sorely divided these days. more

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You’ve probably heard the famous story about the priest who was hearing the first confessions of some second graders. “Bless me father, for I have sinned,” began the earnest young man. “I disobeyed my parents, I fought with my brothers and sisters, and I committed adultery.” more

It’s very fitting that Holy Week occurs in the springtime since both speak to us of new life. While we welcome the new life that nature will soon bring, at the same time we celebrate the new life that comes to us through the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord. more

We stand in front of our future which closes and opens at the same time . . . Return to each place where a man has died; Return to the place where he was born. The past is the time of … more

This year on January 22nd we observed a truly sad milestone – the 40th anniversary of the day on which the U.S. Supreme Court issued its infamous decision, Roe v. Wade, that opened the floodgates of abortion in our nation. Since then it’s estimated that 55 million abortions have been performed. more

So, today I begin a new series of articles entitled, “The Imitation of Christ.” That, of course, is the name of a beloved spiritual classic, a collection of beautiful reflections, dating to the … more

Why, then, do you fear to take up the cross when through it you can win a kingdom? In the cross is salvation, in the cross is life . . . There is no salvation of soul nor hope of everlasting life … more

For reasons that will become obvious, I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the parable of the farmer walking down a rural road who came across a tiny sparrow, lying along side the road on his back, with his little feet up in the air. more

Bishop Tobin is pleased to share once again this year his favorite column about Christmas.My mom loved Christmas. Each year it quickened her step and lifted her spirits, creating a lot of activity in … more

Last week New York Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez finally had his day of reckoning. Facing 200 reporters in Florida, A-Rod admitted to taking a “performance-enhancing drug” from 2001 to 2003. In a deliciously ironic declaration, he said “I’m here to take my medicine” and then went on to explain, in a thirty-minute interview, some of the details of his steroid use. more

Pentecost is often called the “Birthday of the Church” since on that day the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and brought them together in a new and marvelous unity; on that day they became the Body of Christ. more

In many places of the world it’s not good being a Christian these days. Or, I should say, it’s not easy being a Christian these days. It’s open season on Christians in many countries of the world; Christians are suffering and dying for their faith in unprecedented numbers, at least in the modern era. Consider the following. more

Singing indicates that the person is passing beyond the boundaries of the merely rational and falling into a kind of ecstasy. (That is why overly rational people are seldom tempted to sing.) Now singing finds its climactic form in the Alleluia . . . In fact, we are dealing here with something that cannot be translated. The Alleluia is simply the nonverbal expression in song of a joy that requires no words because it transcends all words. (Pope Benedict XVI) more

I was making my annual Advent retreat at St. Edmund’s Retreat House on tiny Enders Island, Connecticut, when the winter storm developed. more

It is into us that the lives of grandparents have gone. It is in us that their history becomes a future. (Charles and Ann Morse) more

So we learned early last week that Annette Funicello had passed away. If you’re above a certain age, perhaps 50, you recognize the name Annette Funicello instantly, and with great fondness. more