Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration

I admit that I have not yet read the entire "Doctrinal Note on Some Marian Titles Regarding Mary’s Cooperation in the Work of Salvation" (read here: Mater Populi Fidelis) but I am sure that it contains many helpful teachings on Mary's intercessory power for Christians and the world at large. From heaven Our Lady prays … Continue reading Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration →

Celebrating the Cross

Here are a few words and thoughts I hastily put together for the Saint Josemaria Institute's podcast. Really, nothing you don't about already, but reflection on life's meaning in the Cross of Jesus is what our desperate world has always needed, maybe more now than ever in the face of tragic current trends and events. … Continue reading Celebrating the Cross →

The family that cruises together…

Nantucket Harbor... Summer 2025 has been really busy. Among other many things, I stayed a few weeks at the Opus Dei conference center called Arnold Hall, preaching and doing a lot of catch-up administrative work. Arnold Hall is about a half-hour south of Boston, but If you go opposite to Boston, south on Route 3, … Continue reading The family that cruises together… →

Easter Morning and mourning

Pictured above is an Easter card I received from Pope Francis (R.I.P.) in 2013, the first Easter of his lengthy pontificate and now a chapter of history. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ triumphant over suffering and death is, in the words of St. Paul, "of first importance" (1 Cor 15:4) in our life of faith. … Continue reading Easter Morning and mourning →

Retreat musings…

"When I was a child I had a fever..." sings Pink Floyd in "Comfortably Numb" from the 1979 concept album, The Wall. This week I've been on a silent retreat in Indiana, during which I celebrated silently my 60th birthday. I couldn't help reflecting on the strange time of childhood, when everything is received, and … Continue reading Retreat musings… →

Wait for it …

Celebrating the feast of the Presentation of the Lord on a Sunday is always a great joy, because more Catholics everywhere are reminded of and confirmed in the joy of the Savior's presence, as well as our mission to make Jesus known as "light to the nations". I particularly like the mysterious appearances of Simeon … Continue reading Wait for it … →

Our Christmas journey

When I was young (a long time ago) Journey was one of my favorite bands (that is, the real Journey, pre-"Don't Stop Believin'"). I saw them in 1980 on their "Departure" album tour, and it always struck me as a great record title for a band called Journey. For to take any journey you first … Continue reading Our Christmas journey →

Summer Camp Doctrine

One doesn't usually associate Summer camps with intense intellectual life. At least I never did. Camp is usually time of making new friends and having a great time with them in lots of fun activities, contests, and, of course, sports. At Camp Bluebonnet for girls I served as chaplain for Mass and Confessions, but also … Continue reading Summer Camp Doctrine →

Sacramentals and us

Ash Wednesday is the annual entry into the holiest seasons of the Church's Liturgical year. We are guided through Lent through the practices of voluntary prayer, penance (mortification), and acts of generosity so that we are prepared for the Holy Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, culminating in the Easter Vigil and … Continue reading Sacramentals and us →

Margarita Message

Many rock stars have by now passed into eternity, this time, Jimmy Buffett. Like for many of "My Generation" contemporaries, Jimmy Buffett's passing has been a little harder than others. Jimmy Buffett really seemed like a kind of older brother (a bit wilder than my actual older brother) or street-wise uncle figure for us. He … Continue reading Margarita Message →