Everyone agrees with Jesus, “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” (Mark 10:9) When a marriage case comes before any diocesan tribunal, the question before the chief judge is this: Was this marriage joined together by God, or not? In other words, the presumption of validity can be challenged. If the presumption […]

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote: “Most of us reflect our surroundings. However, men (and women) with quiet minds cannot be perplexed or frightened; they carry on in times of fortune or misfortune at their own private pace, like a clock during a thunderstorm.” I love that quote, but I must admit, I do not always have […]

Father’s Day has come and gone. Was it a pleasant experience? Have you ever tried to take a grandparent out to a nice restaurant, only to meet strong resistance? “I don’t want to go out!” You may find yourself reacting inwardly: “How ungrateful can you be!” It’s human for you to react that way. Brush […]

A legacy is defined as something handed down by a predecessor. When I think about the concept of spiritual joy, I see it as a legacy handed down to us by the Lord himself. Jesus wants you to receive his joy and pass it along to others. St. John Paul II said, “Go therefore and […]

A woman wrote to me recently: “Father I was wondering if you could offer me some suggestions? I am trying to trust in Our Lord, but I tend to be anxious, sometimes to the point of having anxiety attacks. I want to trust God, but I get so frightened.” I answered her right away, “St. […]

Don’t trust your pessimistic feelings. There was a great outpouring of elation from the laity and the clergy in 1959 when Pope John XXIII announced plans to convene the Second Vatican Council. He was 68 years old, and was considered too old to take on such a gigantic task. His optimism frightened the cardinals who […]

We celebrate the birthday of the church on Pentecost Sunday, 50 days after Easter. The Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles, and transformed them from the frightened men they had become after the crucifixion into the courageous Apostles of Jesus Christ, who fearlessly faced martyrdom. At every Confirmation ceremony, the bishop invokes the same Holy […]

I wish you a Happy Easter, and I send you this blessing with my love and prayers. May the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the merits of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints — and whatsoever good you do or suffering you endure — cleanse you of all your sins […]