The memory of God’s love and mercy always triumphs over sin and its memory By Bishop Richard F. Stika One hundred years ago, as the horrors of the First World War were in their final weeks, an even more terrible scourge than modern warfare was beginning to ravage the globe …
He dwells among us: ‘My sacrifice and yours’
Every day should be a series of offertories where we offer ourselves to Christ By Bishop Richard F. Stika “No one shall appear before [the Lord] empty-handed” (Exodus 23:15). To those who say, “I don’t get anything out of attending Mass,” Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen would answer, “It’s because you …
He dwells among us: Come Creator Spirit
Beautiful hymn also serves as a prayer to the Giver of Life, who makes all things new By Bishop Richard F. Stika The Easter season that culminates with Pentecost Sunday, which this year falls on May 20, is a season also for the celebration of the sacrament of confirmation. As …
He dwells among us: Do not be afraid of God’s mercy
Ensure that the suffering Jesus underwent in His Passion has its Easter triumph in our hearts By Bishop Richard F. Stika Easter is so special that the Church celebrates it over eight days—an octave—culminating on the following Sunday, which we call “Divine Mercy Sunday.” To understand why this second Sunday …
He dwells among us: Beautiful cathedral, holy priesthood
The work of beautifying our soul must be a holy endeavor that continues throughout our mortal life By Bishop Richard F. Stika Since the dedication of the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on March 3, so many have commented to me how beautiful our new cathedral is. …
He dwells among us: Becoming cathedrals of God
Cooperate with the Holy Spirit as he builds you into a beautiful sacred dwelling of his love By Bishop Richard F. Stika I rejoiced when they said to me, “Let us go to the House of the Lord.”And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. — Psalm …
He dwells among us: Builders of God’s dwelling
With the help of St. Joseph, let our eucharistic Lord transform you into a beautiful cathedral By Bishop Richard F. Stika “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, God of Hosts!” (Ps 84:1) The opening verse of this psalm, which is one of my favorites, echoes more and more in …
He dwells among us: Silent heart, holy heart
Silence is not noiselessness but the condition for receiving what God wishes to give us By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart.” — Luke 2:19 The season of Advent is a special time of preparation to reflect upon the mysteries …
He dwells among us: Eternal friends
As a people of God, we need the help of our friends on earth and in heaven, and to be friends to those in need By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing …
He dwells among us: Where heaven and earth meet
May your heart’s temple truly be God’s cathedral, where his presence dwells By Bishop Richard F. Stika The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. –Luke 1:3 These words of the archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the annunciation …
He dwells among us: Teachable moments
The Holy Spirit educates us on all things, and the Church is His schoolhouse, where we must always be open to learning or risk becoming spiritual dropouts By Bishop Richard F. Stika Another school year has begun, and we pray for the safety and success of our teachers, school administrators, …
He dwells among us: Saints don’t run away
They keep their eyes on Jesus, learning to see His eyes in those of our brothers and sisters By Bishop Richard F. Stika “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere …