St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622), bishop and Doctor of the Church, is often remembered for his deep gentleness and wise spiritual counsel. Living in a time of fierce…
Monthly Newsletter
Lord, I begin this new year with a heart of thanksgiving. Thank You for carrying me through the past year, with all its joys, struggles, and lessons. Thank You that in
The story was simple and brief. One afternoon many years ago in Masinloc, a small town in the Philippines, Fr. Tom was hearing confessions. The young girl parted the…
As a new year begins, we are reminded of Christ’s Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). The Christian mission begins with a…
With the birth of the child Jesus a new adventure in faith begins. On this Christmas Day we are invited to share the message of hope. We are invited to take our own place…
On New Year’s Eve 1982, a few minutes before midnight, a group of young men and women waded waist deep into a river pool. They joined hands and sang a hymn. They pulled…
The sad reality of the beautiful scenic Philippines and its kind and friendly people is that too many live in man-made poverty. If you have survived and overcome poverty…
The reliance of the world economy on the burning of fossil fuels, oil and gas continues to drive up global temperatures. Every year is hotter than the year previously.…
The Olympics and World Cup are probably the two greatest international sporting events. Some features of Western culture stand out in them. The intense competitive spirit…
It is a joy that bursts forth despite the pain expressed by the prophet Isaiah (40:1-11) as he reflects upon how his people have gone astray. But they paid for their…
In the first reading from Ephesians 3:8-12, Paul, while admitting that he is the least of the apostles, claims that he has been given a special grace which enabled him to…
In the early 1980s, I tried a social experiment. Could ethnic prejudice be diminished through an experience of living in another community? The seminary pastoral year…
