By Fr. Winfried Wermter, C.PP.S. Although the chalice is one of the most important instruments used in celebrating the Eucharist, it is still an instrument. In an emergency it can even be dispensed with. Yet the chalice is so close to the Blood of Christ that it...
Today, the third Sunday of Advent, is known as Gaudete Sunday. We are getting closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas. The first reading from Isaiah gives rise to the sentiment of joy. He tells us, “The desert and the parched land will exult; the...
In today’s readings, we hear stories of people standing in front of the authorities of their day, and having to speak their truths no matter what the cost. The family in Maccabees spoke their truth and were tortured for it. They showed unflinching bravery in the face...
As a child and teenager, I gradually drifted away from the sacrament of confession. I thought: One can alone get rid of ones sins and faults with the love of God. Why do I need to go to a priest? Why do I need confession? Why must I confess my sins to another person?...
My mother died five days before Christmas last year. This past Independence Day, I went to my brother’s home to pick up the remnants of my parents’ estate. I unpacked Dad’s footlocker from his Air Force days, which contained Mom’s afghans, his anniversary watch from...
In the month of October, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops invites us to renew our call to “cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end.” As Missionaries of the Precious Blood, this call is woven...
