On March 19, 2016, Pope Francis published his apostolic exhortation “Amoris Laetitia” – The Joy of Love. Following not just one, but two successive synodal gatherings of bishops, theologians, married couples, and experts on various aspects of family life, Francis wrote
Living in Quebec, we think of this weekend as “La Fete Nationale”. And if you’re not particularly into Quebec nationalism, it also falls around the summer solstice: long beautiful sunny days, and bonfires by night! It seems that no one even mentions St. John the Baptist anymore. So much so that not long ago, during one of our confirmation retreats, we had a category in our “Jeopardy” game entitled “Famous Saints”. When I gave as the answer “I am the cousin of Jesus, and my feast day is June 24th,” no one came up with the correct question: “Who is John the Baptist?” (Note to self: ask catechists to please spend a bit more time on the saints!)
That’s what wounds are for - places to enter each other’s lives.
Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V.April 8, 2018
As we complete our Easter octave, today’s Gospel presents us with the encounter between the Risen Christ and the Apostle Thomas. I have always liked Thomas. I can relate to Thomas. I have even joked that if ever I became Pope (a long shot, to be sure!), I would choose to be called Thomas. Having a science background myself, I appreciate Thomas’ inquisitive nature: his need to know, to understand, to test the evidence, to see for himself.
The liturgy of the Triduum which began last night continues today and will culminate on Easter with the beautiful Easter Vigil (which I encourage all of you to attend). The Triduum is a symphony in three parts, each part understandable in the light of the other two parts.
One of the great men of the 20th century was a Belgian priest named Father Damien. Damien was a missionary priest who ministered in the South Seas, eventually being sent to the Hawaiian Islands, which were not yet part of the U.S.. Although we may immediately associate Hawaii with lu
Good morning. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” And so, Jesus begins his mission. “The time is fulfilled” because Jesus has come among us with the blueprint, God’s plan for us. He, in Himself, brings the kingdom of God.
Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Often referred to as “Little Christmas,” Epiphany is in fact just as important as Christmas, as our brothers and sisters in the Eastern Christian churches know only too well.
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