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How to sing “Happy Birthday” to Mother Mary
A scene I witnessed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City filled my heart with wonder. Among the hundreds of people milling about this most visited Catholic shrine in the…
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What is the fruit that ripens with silence?
Saint Teresa of Calcutta had an interesting business card. On the front, it simply said Mother Teresa, MC. No address. No phone number. No other contact information. On the back, she had a…
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New Additions to the Litany of Humility
Many Catholics form a love-hate relationship with the Litany of Humility. They love to pray it, but hate to be convicted by it. I’m guessing most people are like me. The first time through,…
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When the Holy Trinity Speaks in the Trees
I thought I would share one of my regular prayer practices. It might be something you want to try. I have a colloquy early in the morning with the Holy Trinity. Colloquy is…
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The Divine Prisoner is the Best Restorative Niche
In a recent pilgrimage to the shrines of Mexico, one of my three prayer intentions was to make this a great experience for my wife. This was our first big adventure after her…
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The Lord’s command: Be strong and courageous
“Don’t forget Laura.” That’s what several of the homeless people on my bus said as they pointed to a woman sitting alone in her walker in a distant parking lot. Because of her disability,…
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It is better to light one candle…
While walking around the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, I captured a photo of one solitary man praying before thousands of candles. It spoke something profound to me.…
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A beautiful echo from the prayers of the past
Last week, I was on a pilgrimage to the shrines of Mexico. As I prayed in each church, basilica, and cathedral, I discovered a new dimension of my faith. Several of these 500-year-old…
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A Happy Goodbye to a Faithful Friend
In 1995, the diocese gave me a gift: a one-volume Book of Christian Prayer. I was accepted into Aspirancy, a year to discern my call to the diaconate. The formation director said, “Deacons are…
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How to prevent spiritual erosion during the holidays
I’m spending the week on the coast of North Carolina with my family for Thanksgiving. I love being with friends and family, but it takes its toll on my spiritual life. It’s hard to…
