The Solemn feast of the Epiphany of the Lord traditionally occurs on January 6 following the twelve days of Christmas. Epiphany commemorates three scriptural events: the visit of the Magi to the stable of Bethlehem following the nativity of Jesus, Christ's Baptism in the Jordan, and his first miracle at the wedding feast at Cana. This article focuses on the significance of the Magi or three wise men from the pagan east who follow the star in search of the King.

The Solemn feast of the Epiphany of the Lord traditionally occurs on January 6 following the twelve days of Christmas. Epiphany commemorates three scriptural events: the visit of the Magi to the stable of Bethlehem following the nativity of Jesus, Christ's Baptism in the Jordan, and his first miracle at the wedding feast at Cana. This article focuses on the significance of the Magi or three wise men from the pagan east who follow the star in search of the King.

Advent is a season of joy & hope.  Paul says to rejoice in hope.  But what is hope, anyway?  How does this theological virtue differ from faith and what does it have to do with rejoicing?

In the midst of the tragic Civil War that caused so much death and destruction in America, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed two special days: the last Thursday of April 1863 as a National Day of Prayer and Fasting, and the last Thursday of November as a national Day of Thanksgiving to God.  Here is the text of his Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, which established an annual holiday not of "Turkey Day," but of Thanksgiving to God.

In the midst of the tragic Civil War that caused so much death and destruction in America, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed two special days: the last Thursday of April 1863 as a National Day of Prayer and Fasting, and the last Thursday of November as a national Day of Thanksgiving to God.  Here is the text of his Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, which established an annual holiday not of "Turkey Day," but of Thanksgiving to God.

September 11 is the anniversary of one of most brutal acts of terrorism of all time.  Three days later, on September 14, the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation, and triumph of the cross of Jesus Christ. This reflection brings out the link between 9/11 and the victory of the cross and helps us understand why the cross, an instrument of torture in the hands of brutes, becomes a tree of life in the hands of the Savior.

September 11 is the anniversary of one of most brutal acts of terrorism of all time.  Three days later, on September 14, the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation, and triumph of the cross of Jesus Christ. This reflection brings out the link between 9/11 and the victory of the cross and helps us understand why the cross, an instrument of torture in the hands of brutes, becomes a tree of life in the hands of the Savior.

Christians are called to be not just believers, but intentional disciples who make a conscious decision to follow Jesus and him alone.  But discipleship can't be a one-time decision.  As in a marriage, the commitment must be renewed daily.  For the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, cycle B.

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary (called the Dormition in the Christian East) has been celebrated as a solemn feast on August 15 since ancient times.  What is the meaning and basis of the dogma and the Solemnity?

I once asked a college theology class if anyone could explain the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary.  A student replied, “yeah, that’s the teaching whereby the Catholic Church ‘assumes’ that Mary is in heaven.”

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary (called the Dormition in the Christian East) has been celebrated as a solemn feast on August 15 since ancient times.  What is the meaning and basis of the dogma and the Solemnity?

I once asked a college theology class if anyone could explain the doctrine of the Assumption of Mary.  A student replied, “yeah, that’s the teaching whereby the Catholic Church ‘assumes’ that Mary is in heaven.”