George Cardinal Pell was a faithful, formidable, and fearless prince of the Church who lived a remarkable life… as a seminarian in Rome during Vatican II, as a reformer of Australia’s seminaries, in his years in China (in disguise!), at the Secretariat of the Economy (where he uncovered 1billion euros off the books), and the years spent wrongfully imprisoned before his acquittal and vindication…

Tess Livingstone has written a wonderful biography of the rugged and resilient Australian, and she joins Bishop Caggiano to talk about Cardinal Pell (who Bishop also knew!)…

I really enjoyed listening to this conversation and learning about His Eminence, who passed away just over two years ago.

Also, please allow us to highlight two important (and fun) events coming soon to our area: 1) Mark Schultz concert at Fairfield University on Fri, March 14th to benefit Malta House and 2) March for Life in Hartford on Wed, March 19th

LINKS Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/

Tess's Book: https://ignatius.com/george-cardinal-pell-gcpbh/

Malta House Event: https://www.maltahouse.org/event/2025-mark-schultz-concert-to-benefit-malta-house

CT March: https://marchforlife.org/connecticut/

Sacrosanctum Concilium says "the liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the font from which all her power flows"...

Abbott Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, literally wrote the book on what happens at Mass, and the more we can understand the Mass... the better and more actively we all can worship. Father Abbott also serves as a member of the Dicastery for Divine Worship, having first been appointed by John Paul II, and then renewed by Benedict XVI and then Francis.

This is an excellent discussion which just scratches the surface, but Bishop Caggiano asks Father Abbott questions like: What is monastic life like? What is liturgy? What should the homily do? And how should music be during Mass?

I'm obviously neither a bishop nor a liturgical expert, but it seems like a few simple elements would really elevate our worship at Mass... distinct periods of silence, use of chant & polyphony, some prayers in Latin, lots of incense, communion at the altar rail, and the priest facing ad orientam...

On Saturday, April 12th, Kitty Cleveland is coming to St Matthew Parish to help present a conference for women of all ages and stages to refresh their hearts. The theme, inspired by John 4:10 & John 7:37-39 is "A Spiritual Spa", an invitation to be renewed and refreshed in the Living Waters.

Kitty joins Bishop Caggiano on Let Me Be Frank to talk about her life as a singer & songwriter, her Broadway dreams giving way to the Lord, and how the Divine Mercy carried her through her life – even when she didn’t realize at the time.

This was a fantastic conversation, and the women’s conference promises to be a wonderful event!

LINKS

WINE: https://catholicvineyard.com/

Kitty's book: https://kittycleveland.com/

Veritas Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/

Life, for young adults these days, is full of unique challenges that previous generations didn’t have to navigate.

To help, Anna Moreland has co-authored The Young Adult Playbook, drawing on her years of experience teaching college students at Villanova University and her background in theology. Undergraduates, she says, are “overprepared for academics yet underprepared for questions like ‘Who am I?’ and ‘Who do I want to become?’”.

She’s our guest this week on Let Me Be Frank, as she talks to Bishop Caggiano about guiding young people through work, leisure, and love.

LINKS

Veritas Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/

It’s just Bishop Caggiano and me this week on Let Me Be Frank, and we’re talking about… well, stuff.

There are a few feast days on Bishop’s mind this month: the Presentation of the Lord & Candlemas, Our Lady of Lourdes, and the Chair of St Peter. Our Lady of Lourdes relates to World Day of the Sick, and Bishop Caggiano points out that both days remind us that this life is not going to be easy.

On the topic of suffering, may I humbly present to you this short video on suffering we (Veritas) released last year?

I’ll also mention that, on Feb 11th, the Order of Malta is hosting a Mass and blessing at St Aloysius for Our Lady of Fatima & World Day of the Sick.

We wrap up this week’s discussion with thoughts on Catholic schools and how to make them even more effective for students & families. And then Bishop Caggiano’s tip for evangelization.

LINKS

Veritas Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/

Why should we read Scripture? And how should we read the Bible? And, as the Ethiopian eunuch asked Philip in Acts 8, how can we understand unless someone guides us?

A team of Biblical scholars, led by Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, have put together the Ignatius Study Bible – with notes, context, themes, and more – to help us understand the grand arc of salvation history as the Lord unveils it to us through Scripture.

Curtis Mitch, who worked on this project for 21 years, joins Bishop Caggiano on Let Me Be Frank to talk about the Bible and seeing the metanarrative of Scripture.

It’s the first mailbag of 2025!

On Let Me Be Frank this week, Bishop Frank answers questions like:

…what do think has been the greatest accomplishment of your ministry so far?

…can a transgender person be ordained a priest?

…how do you choose whose feet to wash on Holy Thursday?

And… do you like cheese?

Tune in to hear Bishop Frank’s answers to these, and many more, questions!

In this episode of 'Let Me Be Frank,' Bishop Frank Caggiano and Steve Lee discuss their holiday celebrations, reflections on hope, and the significance of the New Year and Epiphany. They delve into the theme of hope in the context of the upcoming Holy Year, the importance of vocational discernment through the 'Called by Name' program, and the role of fasting as a spiritual practice. The conversation also emphasizes the need for evangelization and sharing faith stories with the younger generation.

Bishop Frank and Steve explore the significance of sharing biblical stories, the lives of various saints, and the lessons they impart. They delve into the inspiring life of St. André Bessette, the humble miracle worker, and St. Anthony, the father of monasticism, highlighting their sacrifices and devotion. The discussion also covers St. Sebastian's martyrdom and the importance of standing firm in one's faith. Finally, they address the protocols surrounding the Eucharist, emphasizing the responsibilities of both clergy and laypersons in safeguarding this sacred element.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

As the calendar flips to 2025, here’s a practical book that you should definitely buy and use – it’s A Year of Daily Offerings, featuring a short but insightful reflection for you to begin each day. The daily meditations help you offer your day – your works, prayers, sufferings, and joys – to the Lord… getting each new day off on the right foot.

Bishop Caggiano talks to the book’s author, Fr James Kubicki SJ, who is a spiritual director for seminarians and retreat director… and also has years of experience working with Lakota Sioux populations in South Dakota. Fr Kubicki tells Bishop Caggiano about what he’s seen in those communities and what he’s learned from them.