In 1978, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
Category: Seeing with Jesus’ Eyes
Reducing stress can help us survive the pandemic
Stress seems a unique modern problem; but, it is not. In Mark 6:31, Jesus said to the apostles,”Come away to a deserted place by yourselves and rest a while. For many were coming and going in such great numbers that it was impossible for Jesus and his apostles to even eat.”
The quiet blessing of ministry to retired priests
This year, five of us priests were honored for serving 50 years in the priesthood. Barring a cancellation because of the coronavirus, we will be honored again at the Priests Assembly.
Living ideals in Declaration of Independence
Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, also known as the Fourth of July.
Remembering those who died for our country
Navy Chaplain Curtiss Dwyer stated that Memorial Day originally was known as Decoration Day.
Earth Day and Laudato Si’
A parishioner asked his pastor, “Father, it seems that every time I read a Catholic newspaper, I read about taking care of the environment. Shouldn’t we Catholics be more concerned about taking care of the world’s bigger problems such as war, hunger, and sickness?”
The priest responded, “Haven’t you heard about Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on ecology? It is the first encyclical in Catholic Church history to focus on ecology and care for creation. In this encyclical, Pope Francis makes a connection between care for the environment and war, hunger, and sickness.”
The Annunciation is a very important feast
We celebrate the feast of the Annunciation on March 25. The American Catholic Church will probably never add another Holy Day of Obligation in my life time, but if it does, it could add the feast of the Annunciation.
On this feast day, we celebrate the good news that Mary conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.
It certainly is a holy day, but presently not of obligation.
A season to receive Sacrament of Reconciliation
An unemployed man unsuccessfully tried to find work. His wife nagged him for his failure. He explained that he was trying his best and he needed the understanding and support she promised to give him in their marriage vows.
Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli inspires us
Carlo Gaetano Samuel Mazzuchelli was born on November 4, 1806, in Milan, Italy. He died on February 23, 1864, at St. Patrick Parish in Benton, where he was pastor. Years later, when I became pastor of St. Patrick’s, my knowledge and admiration of him deepened.
Father Samuel accomplished so much that I get tired just thinking about it. One parishioner appropriately called him “our steam engine missionary.” It would take books to completely cover his many accomplishments and gifts, so I will focus on just a few areas.
A mysterious occurrence
On October of 1863, according to Sr. Nona McGreal, Father Samuel rode to St. Matthew Parish in Shullsburg to celebrate Confirmation conferred by Milwaukee Bishop John Henni.
Valentine’s Day invites us to be thankful for friends
Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 14.
Originating as a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early saints named Valentinus, Valentine’s Day is recognized as a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romantic love and friendship.