Introduction: Belonging It is often said that we human beings are social animals. Some of course are more outgoing than others but almost no one wishes to be isolated. The truth is, almost everyone desires to have a sense of belonging. And isn’t it so that, we often identify ourselves as members of a group,...Read More

Introduction A few days ago, I met with a physician who works in a Catholic hospital. We were discussing a document called The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care, nicknamed the ERD’s. It is published by the Bishops’ Conference as a resource, to help bishops ensure that Catholic hospitals follow the Church’s teaching...Read More

Introduction Currently, I am a member of a search committee charged with finding a new president for Mt. St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD. In that capacity, I expected to work hard but sadly, did not expect to be inspired. I was wrong. One of the candidates was asked how best to advance the Catholic...Read More

This weekend, our church celebrates World Day for Consecrated Life. As the name suggests, it is a time to highlight those who have consecrated themselves to God and to their countless good works “by the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience.” Though I am not a member of a religious institute, nor a member of an...Read More

Introduction When I was growing up, my parents went through a lot of trouble to point out things that I should notice. Sometimes they said, “Look, your shoes are untied” – or “look out” when I knocked a ceramic platter to the floor. Dad knew I liked old cars, so when I was in the...Read More

More than 4,000 people provided more than 60,000 comments and responses to the nearly 40 questions contained in the document issued by the Vatican in preparation for the Extraordinary Synod on the Family, called for by Pope Francis to be held this October. The pope called for the synod, whose theme is “Pastoral Challenges to...Read More

Introduction Some years ago, I was on a flight to New York. When we took off, the plane encountered turbulence. I happened to be praying my Breviary and was very aware that the passenger in the next seat was watching me. As the plane bounced around, he said, “Pardon me, Father, are you praying because...Read More

Pope Francis recently reaffirmed that religious freedom is “a fundamental human right” and warned against the impulse to “relegate [religions] to the enclosed precincts of churches, synagogues or mosques.” The freedom of religion cannot be reduced to the freedom of worship. This resonates with the rich tradition of religious liberty in our country, which has...Read More