Columns
Gifford’s ‘Herod and Mary’ a study in contrast
A paranoid ruler feels so threatened by manipulative forces around him that he suspects his children are trying to overthrow him, leading him to torture and execute them. No, it’s not the plot of some new TV show. It’s a piece of history about King Herod, the man who ordered the murder of all boys under age 2 after hearing from the Magi that the king of the Jews was born in Bethlehem.
To create a culture of life, give abundantly
“I came so that they might have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) Jesus came to give us life. Have you ever stopped to ponder the effect of the Eucharist in your life, and the life it brings to each of us whether we are fed physically by the bread of life (Body of Christ) or sit in silence before the Eucharist?
Celebrating the Blessed Mother in October
October is a wonderful month to celebrate our Blessed Mother. Oct. 7 marks the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and Oct. 13 is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, two amazing celebrations that bring the Mother of God into focus as the triumphant queen of heaven and earth.
Celebrating our new chancery chapel
One of the most satisfying moments in my two years as bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester was the dedication and consecration of the gorgeous chapel in our new chancery office.
Jesus is waiting for you in the chapel
St. Jeanne Jugan, foundress of my community of Little Sisters of the Poor, was a woman of few words. She left behind no letters or other writings but she did impart little bits of advice to the young Little Sisters among whom she spent her final years.
Olympians and champions of Ordinary Time
In recent days, the eyes of sports lovers have been turned toward Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
Going off on a God-given adventure
If you’ve ever felt the impulse to break free from everyday life and give back to humanity in a meaningful way, here’s a story for you.
The Real Presence changes lives
The National Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis this past month might be considered the high point of the three-year National Eucharistic Revival that began in 2022 on the Feast of Corpus Christi and will continue throughout the church’s 2025 Jubilee Year. So, while we take joy in all that has happened up to this point, it’s important to remember our work is not yet done.
Loneliness, isolation in Ordinary Time
Four years ago, Pope Francis inaugurated the “World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.” He proposed that this day would be observed each year on the Sunday closest to the July 26 celebration of Christ’s grandparents, Ss. Joachim and Anne.