Whether priests, women religious, or mom and dad By George Valadie Well, I have to say it’s been quite the summer already, and the baby hasn’t even gotten here yet. Yes, in a week or so, our middle daughter, Meg, will experience the miracle of birth yet again when she …
Once upon a time: Keep cool and remain faithful
By Monsignor Xavier Mankel Although there are some vestiges of the summers of yesteryear still around, the pace that you and I face June, July and August differs measurably from yesteryear. Refrigerated air-conditioning is partially responsible for this. No matter how hot the temperature, we work, worship and relax at …
He dwells among us: Stand beside her
In the struggle against suffering, there is one sword we should all take up By Bishop Richard F. Stika July is always a special time when I give particular thanks to God for the gifts of life, of baptism and of our country. Mom gave birth to me on the …
Remember the Land Rover
A couple of weeks ago I was in a conversation with some couples and one of them recounted an incident that took place some time ago. The story had to do with a fairly expensive Land Rover sport utility vehicle. You could see the love of the SUV in the …
He dwells among us: Bucket lists
Joy comes from being the hands, the face and the heart of Christ to others Have you ever been asked, “What’s on your bucket list?” For those not familiar with the phrase, it is a list of things that a person wants to do before he or she dies. For …
Living the readings: What’s in the old closet?
There is much in store for us during the month Lent begins Most every house or apartment has a store-all closet into which all sorts of memories are relegated. Chances are that you recently put your Christmas items up in that same closet so they will be available next December. …
Once upon a time: Catholicism’s westward journey
Christ is as present today in Diocese of Knoxville as he was in early days of the Church It was the mid ‘60s of the first century of the Christian era. Our first Holy Father was well into his fourth decade as Christ’s vicar on earth. The Church was well-established …
Marriage enrichment: Showing caregivers a little love
Valentine’s Day is a good time to let them know how we feel Valentine’s Day is the day typically set aside for couples to express their love for each other. Although it is a special day for couples, the greeting card industry celebrates all forms of loving relations. When my …
Understanding the sacraments: Preparing for Lent
Looking at our campaign of Christian service as we anticipate the Easter celebration The opening prayer for Ash Wednesday describes Lent in striking military language—we are embarking on a “campaign of Christian service” in which “we take up battles against spiritual evils” and arm ourselves “with weapons of self-restraint.” A …
He dwells among us: The journey to Bethlehem
‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light,’ and St. Joseph is our sure guide With the beginning of Advent, the Church marks the start of a new liturgical year, a full month before we celebrate the beginning of a new calendar year. And this seems fitting …
Living the readings: An epic unfolds
The Christmas story is another example of God speaking to us Thanks to the timing of Advent, with its First Sunday in November, the message of Christmas unfolds before us as an ancient epic might. Back in antiquity, classic writers would start their stories of great events and great people …
Once upon a time: Sharing stories of Christmases past
There was a time when midnight Mass was a 5 a.m. liturgical celebration Midnight Mass hasn’t always been held at midnight. One of Pope Pius XII’s last great gifts to the Church was the beginning of the restoration of Easter Vigil (time of day and language). By the time the …
