Fr. John's Blog

Today I am writing about Saint Óscar Romero. I am going to base my remarks about him on the short biography published in the English edition of Osservatore Romano on October 19, 2018.

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord which marks the end of the Christmas season. We return to Ordinary Time until Ash Wednesday, which will be on March 6, 2019.

Greetings on the Solemnity of the Epiphany. This is a rich and complicated Feast Day, which actually originated in the East. In Eastern Christianity, the emphasis was on the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22). Epiphany was introduced into Western Christianity in the fourth century. The word epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “appearance” or “manifestation.”

Pope Francis has made several observations about good politics being at the service of peace in his message for the World Day of Peace. In talking about the challenge of good politics, Pope Francis notes that “Political office and political responsibility thus constantly challenge those called to the service of their country to make every effort to protect those who live there and to create the conditions for a worthy and just future. If exercised with basic respect for life, freedom and dignity of persons, political life can indeed become an outstanding form of charity.

I want to talk about what is probably the most reprinted editorial in any newspaper in the English language. In 1897, the New York Sun received a letter to the Editor from Virginia O’Hanlon, who was eight years old and a resident of New York City. Her letter was only a four sentences long: Dear Editor: I am eight years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says: “If you see it in THE SUN it’s so. Please tell me the truth: is there a Santa Claus? Virginia O’Hanlon. 115 West Ninety-Fifth Street.

Two years ago I wrote about the importance of hospitality since we will have many more people attending Mass to celebrate Christmas with us. Here are ten ideas on making visitors feel welcome that I got from the website of the International Catholic Stewardship Council (http://catholicstewardship.com/). Let me share their ten ideas with you now. They are just as valid now as they were in 2016! I have adapted them slightly for our situation.

A few weeks ago I wrote about Saint Paul VI. I want to continue writing about these newly canonized saints. Today I am writing about Vincenzo Romano. I am going to base my remarks about him on the short biography published recently in the English edition of L’Osservatore Romano.

A few weeks ago I wrote about Saint Paul VI. I want to continue writing about these newly canonized saints. Today I am writing about Nazaria Ignacia March Mesa. I am going to base my remarks about her on the short biography published recently in the English edition of L’Osservatore Romano.

On Sunday, October 14, 2018, Pope Francis canonized Blessed Paul VI, Blessed Oscar Romero, Blessed Vincent Romano, Blessed Francesco Spinelli, Blessed Nazaria March Mesa, Blessed Nunzio Sulprizio, and Blessed Katharina Kasper. A few weeks ago I wrote about Saint Paul VI. I want to continue writing about these newly canonized saints. Today I am writing about Saint Francesco Spinelli. I am going to base my remarks about him on the short biography published recently in the English edition of L’Osservatore Romano.

On Sunday, October 14, 2018, Pope Francis canonized Blessed Paul VI, Blessed Oscar Romero, Blessed Vincent Romano, Blessed Francesco Spinelli, Blessed Nazaria March Mesa, Blessed Nunzio Sulprizio, and Blessed Katharina Kasper. A few weeks ago I wrote about Saint Paul VI. I want to continue writing about these newly canonized saints. Today I am writing about Saint Nunzio Sulprizio. I am going to base my remarks about him on the short biography published recently in the English edition of Osservatore Romano.

On Sunday, October 14, 2018, Pope Francis canonized Blessed Paul VI, Blessed Oscar Romero, Blessed Vincent Romano, Blessed Francesco Spinelli, Blessed Nazaria March Mesa, and Blessed Katharina Kasper. A few weeks ago I wrote about Saint Paul VI. I want to continue writing about these newly canonized saints. Today I am writing about Saint Katharina Kasper. I am going to base my remarks about her on the short biography published recently in the English edition of Osservatore Romano.

I usually write my column a week before you pick up the bulletin in church. I am very saddened and troubled by the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh. Eleven people were killed and six were wounded, including four police officers. It is considered the deadliest attack against the Jewish people in the history of the United States. I am copying below statements from three American Bishops that bear a timely message on this ghastly shooting.