On this Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan religious orders, let us pray that we may be instruments of the Lord’s peace. Let us embrace the sick, the hungry, the homeless. Let s bring the Holy Gospel to life in all we do. Today I offer prayers for my family and…
When my sister and I were kids, I liked to dress as Batman and she was always by my side as Wonder Woman. I had no idea then that Shauna would come to embody her childhood superhero title. Decades since we donned capes and magic bracelets, my sister has no super powers. She doesn’t fly…
Note: I sent a similar letter to Senator Toomey and Congressman Marino. Senator Robert Casey 393 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Casey: Today I write to you as a fellow Catholic, a fellow native of northeastern Pennsylvania, a Franciscan, and a deeply concerned American citizen whom you represent in our country’s…
Today I had the joyful experience of leading my second First Holy Communion retreat alongside Sr. Donna Cerminaro, MPF of the Religious Teachers Filippini. Sr. Donna and I worked with two teachers, one staff, and 25 children as they prepare for the sacrament. The children of SS. Anthony & Rocco Parish in Dunmore, Pennsylvania were…
“Who are you?” It is a question – perhaps the definitive question – of identity. In The Power of Identity Manuel Castells defines identity as “people’s source of meaning and experience” (Castells 6). On a superficial level, the identity question is one question that has many answers; it is a situational question of meaning and…
Pittston, Pennsylvania — Alongside three other candidates for profession, and surrounded by friends and relatives who have supported him throughout his life and in his formation, John Baldino, OFS, made his lifelong profession to the Secular Franciscan Order on Sunday, February 21. The profession took place during Holy Mass in the Chapel at St. Joseph…
It is common knowledge that the Catholic Church and other Christian churches teach us to live a life of forgiveness, love, and respect for the dignity of others. It is part of the foundation of Christian beliefs. Here are some biblical references to this point: Stop judging, that you may not be judged.For as you judge,…
On Tuesday, June 9, 2015, my grandfather completed his journey on earth. Reflecting on the weeks leading up to his death has deepened my faith, and opened my eyes to his living example. My grandfather and I had many conversations during his final weeks. They often centered around God’s will. “Why doesn’t the Lord just…
For our pope, bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated religious and secular religious, that their ministries will be guided by the hand of God … I pray to the Lord. For all pursuing or discerning a call to the priesthood, deaconate, religious life or secular orders, that God’s grace will help them respond to His call ……
Many of the teachings, traditions and practices of the Catholic Church are in contrast to the beliefs, habits and norms of modern American society. The Church’s teachings are rooted in sacred scripture and philosophy and theology developed over the past 2000 years. While these teachings have evolved with science and society, many of those who…
In His time of greatest suffering and greatest need, Christ was abandoned and even denied by those closest to Him. At the times when we suffer our greatest and deepest pains, are we as misunderstood as Christ was? Are we, in an earthly sense, alone? Christ is with us in our sufferings, but often He…
