The celebration of Pentecost this year brings with it the eve of an important event in the life of the Church and in the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. On May 25, the day following Pentecost, the first encyclical of our Holy Father will be published at an elaborate press conference in Rome. Usually, the presentation of a new encyclical takes place at the Vatican press room with a small group of selected officials and invited guests who answer questions about the document. This time, Pope Leo himself will be present for the announcement of the encyclical, which will be presented by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez and Cardinal Michael Czerny, the heads of two significant Vatican dicasteries, along with a number of theologians and lay speakers. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, will then speak some words, concluded by an address and blessing from Pope Leo himself. The title of the new encyclical is Magnifica Humanitas, Magnificent Humanity.
As I reflected in last week’s column, the month of May is dedicated to Mary. For us in the Diocese of Palm Beach, this is especially significant since our patroness is Mary under her title as Queen of the Apostles.
As we enter the month of May, we look to Mary to whom this month is devoted as we are reminded of her role as the Mother of God, the Mother of the Church and our Mother as well.
April 21 marked the first anniversary of the passing of Pope Francis. This anniversary has reminded us of the many ways in which Pope Francis blessed the Church and reminded us all of what really matters in life, which is our call to holiness.
What we commit ourselves to at Easter and profess each week in the Creed is lived on a daily basis. Our love for God and His Church is lived in our commitment to the celebration of the Eucharist, our daily prayer, our reception of the sacraments, our giving of ourselves to build up our parish communities, and our love and concern for each other, especially the poor and the vulnerable.
Like Dante and Frost, we find ourselves at a midway point, that of our journey through Lent. Sunday, March 15, marks that midway point on what is traditionally called “Laetare” (Rejoice) Sunday.
We live in a world that is filled with words spoken to us through instant communication. These words are aimed to communicate a particular message and are, many times, confusing and conflicting. Of all the words that are presented to us, none are more important than those of the Lord spoken to our hearts in the Scriptures. Lent offers us good time to spend in silence with the word of God and to listen to His voice.
During this month of February, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day and begin the season of Lent, may we know more fully the love of God in our hearts. May that love help us to give ourselves more completely to God and to each other so that we may experience the promise of our Lord, “I have told you this so that my joy might be yours and your joy might be complete” (Jn 15:11).
Ordained to be a Minister of Joy
It is good to remind ourselves, as priests, that making small promises regarding gestures of understanding and kindness, especially to those who offend us, intentionally or not, support, in a concrete fashion, the promise we make to imitate the Lord in all things.
United in Faith and Community
United in Faith and Community is the theme for this year’s Catholic Schools Week. It reminds us that Catholic schools are a place of learning, but it’s always in the context of our faith and in communion with one another.
Love is the Soul of Holiness
Centuries, backgrounds, cultures, nationalities and lifestyles separate Francis de Sales and John Bosco. Yet, their outlook on life and their ability to reach people with the message of Christ was exactly the same. So much did St. Francis de Sales influence St. John Bosco that the Salesian Community, founded by Don Bosco, was named after this patron and model.
We Welcome the Migrant
At the present time, our nation is experiencing a great deal of division in regard to the matter of immigration. While we must secure our borders, and justified progress has been made in this regard, we cannot lose our identity as a land of immigrants open to all for the freedom and bounty it provides.
Each Day is a New Life
In his homily for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, New Year’s Day, Pope Leo XIV expressed, “Thus, at the dawn of the new year, the Liturgy reminds us that for each of us, every day can be the beginning of a new life, thanks to God’s generous love, His mercy, and the response of our freedom.”
One in Mind, Words and Heart
Whenever we profess our faith, it is important to realize that we are articulating truth that we believe. We do so, as formulated by the Council of Nicaea, in a formal manner. This articulation of truth is always one that corresponds to our mind as an affirmation of faith.
Journeying Together Toward the Kingdom of God
Like Mary, the Church is also our mother, and very much plays a role similar to Mary in handing on Christ to us. Just as Christ became flesh through Mary, Christ becomes flesh to us today through the Church.
