WORDS TO THE WHYS
The stronger the claim, the calmer the voice.
Pastors Help Us Become Saints
- Reverent liturgy, including well-prepared homilies firmly rooted in biblical wisdom made accessible. We really and truly meet Jesus and the saints in the sacred Liturgy. Rendered beautifully, mindful of the connection between the earthly and the heavenly Liturgy, we are formed by the Eucharistic Jesus for an eternity with him.
- Confession: supply formation to assist the examination of conscience, refinement of judgement, clarity of purpose, development of virtue, and dependence on God's grace. God provides the medicine of mercy through Holy Mother Church to help us grow in holiness. We need what the Holy Ghost provides: perspective. Without the grace of God, we can flounder in scrupulosity or wander in indifference. The Light of God is necessary for us to remain vigilant and ready to repent of our sins. If we become full of ourselves, there is no room for God in our lives.
- Fellowship and a rich devotional life: study and discussion groups that support formation for mission, evangelization, and works of mercy; Rosary; Divine Office; Adoration and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus drew around himself his apostles and disciples, witnesses to his life, death, and resurrection. Before Scripture was the community of the redeemed, the Church, with Peter as the visible head of Christ's Church, that handed on the Faith undefiled.
- Publish bulletins and other modes of communication that explain liturgical worship and propose authentic leadership for mission. Social media can be used to great effect to "get the word out," to support evangelization, and to build community by inviting people to "come and see." Social media, beyond pitching bits and pieces of upcoming events, can be used to establish a conversation among parishioners that, with the right guidance from pastors (e.g., homiletic content, Advent and Lenten lectures), can intensify commitment and foster the realization of spiritual and corporal works of mercy that bring Christ to those in most need of his mercy.
Popular Posts
Laudate Deum propter aedificia pulchra! Let's draw attention to a couple of projects that are worthy of note. 1. Incarnation Catholic Church, Orlando, Florida. https://www.incarnationcc.org/building/ A project in the works since a couple of fires destroyed the former church, the new building promises to be a fitting temple for the worship of Almighty God. https://cosmatiarchitects.com/ 2. The (New) Cathedral of Our Lady Of Walsingham, Houston, Texas. A very handsome new building will replace the beloved neo-gothic structure that has served for a decade as the cathedral for the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter. - from the Cathedral website: The parish of Our Lady of Walsingham, established in 1984 under the Pastoral Provision of St. John Paul II, was the first Catholic parish in the United States dedicated to Our Lady under this title and was a parish of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston until 2012. The Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter was established on ...
Against the Empire of Lies When lies spread through a community, workplace, family, or church, the damage extends far beyond the false statements themselves. Lies distort reality, erode trust, and place innocent people in conflict with one another. Confronting lies and liars, therefore, is not merely a matter of defending one's reputation; it is an act of defending truth and preserving healthy relationships. The first principle in confronting dishonesty is to remain anchored in facts. Anger may be understandable, but emotional reactions often create more confusion. A calm statement such as, “That is not what happened,” is usually more effective than a heated accusation. Truth has a quiet strength of its own and does not require exaggeration or retaliation. When possible, it is wise to document important communications and verify information before responding. Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight. At the same time, confronti...
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The ministry of exorcism itself inhabits a delicate space within the life of the Church: it deals with extraordinary phenomena that naturally attract public attention, yet it is intended to direct attention away from itself and toward Christ. While formal restrictions on exorcists are relatively uncommon, the Church has intervened when exorcists acquire an unusually high public profile. Fr. Chad Ripperger (United States). In 2026, Archbishop James Golka of Denver requested that Fr. Ripperger undertake a year-long withdrawal from public speaking and interviews. Reports also indicate that restrictions had previously been imposed concerning his public statements on mental health and psychiatry. Whatever the underlying reasons, this is one of the clearest modern examples of a bishop limiting the public profile of a well-known exorcist. Msgr. Stephen Rossetti (Archdiocese of Washington). Cardinal Robert McElroy removed Rossetti from his role as exorcist for the Archdiocese of Washington in ...
Becoming more literate in Christian mystery is somewhat different from becoming knowledgeable about a subject. It involves learning, certainly, but also learning how to contemplate. The mysteries of Christianity are not puzzles to be solved so much as realities that can be entered into ever more deeply. A few practices help: Read Scripture slowly and repeatedly Read entire books for context, but also linger over individual passages. Ask not only "What happened?" but "What does this reveal about God?" The ancient practice of lectio divina is particularly valuable: read, meditate, pray, and contemplate. Learn the language of symbol and typology Christian mystery is often expressed through images, patterns, and correspondences. The Passover lamb points toward Christ. The Ark points toward Mary. The Temple points toward Christ and the Church. Learning these connections greatly enriches one's perception of Scripture and Liturgy. Attend closely to the Liturgy The Chu...
When the Sacred Liturgy is celebrated reverently and beautifully, it "respirates" in much the same way a living body breathes. There is a rhythmic exchange between heaven and earth, God and His people, gift and response. One might say that the Sacred Liturgy has two lungs: 1) the inhalation of divine grace and 2) the exhalation of human worship. In the Liturgy, God first breathes upon His people. Through the proclamation of Scripture, the sacramental signs, the prayers of the Church, and supremely through the Holy Eucharist, divine life is communicated to the faithful. The assembly receives. It listens, adores, wonders, repents, and is nourished. Then the Church exhales. She offers praise, thanksgiving, sacrifice, song, intercession, and self-oblation to the Father through Christ in the Holy Spirit. Having received God's gifts, she returns them transformed into worship. When liturgy is celebrated carelessly, this rhythm becomes constricted, like shallow breathing. The act...
Divine Worship, the liturgical expression of the Ordinariates, is a profound gift to the Church, grounded in the spiritual, literary, and musical heritage of the English Christian tradition. Through its reverent language, scriptural richness, and deeply prayerful ceremonial, it fosters confidence, charity, and wisdom among the faithful, equipping them to live with steadfast faith in a world often marked by uncertainty. The Ordinariate Liturgy complements and enriches the Church’s other liturgical rites, through which Catholics offer worship to God. O put thy trust in God; for I will yet give him thanks, which is the help of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 43 (The Prayers of Preparation / Prayers at the Foot) First, the Ordinariate Liturgy fosters confidence by directing hearts and minds toward the sovereignty of God. Its prayers are marked by a serene certainty that God governs all things according to His providence. The faithful repeatedly hear and pray texts that proclaim divine m...
POPE LEO XIV Magnifica Humanitas
Even in the darkest nights, the Lord raises up men and women who refuse to give up, who persevere in doing good, who protect the vulnerable and open pathways to reconciliation. The memory of the saints, righteous people and the oft-forgotten peacemakers, show us that grace does not magically eliminate conflict, but instead it inspires active resistance to evil and an astonishing creativity in doing good (paragraph 211).
MARCUS AURELIUS
If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
I doubt not then but innocence shall make false accusation blush, and tyranny tremble at patience.
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