When their baby is born, the hearts of many parents beat with the joyful hope that he or she will help to make their home, school, neighborhood, and the world a better place. Like St. John Paul II, they believe that the young are the hope of the future.
Tag: Fr. Donald Lange
Respect life at every stage of development
In 1972, Respect Life Month was initiated by the American Catholic bishops. It is observed yearly during October in United States Catholic dioceses and stresses the value and dignity of human life.
Mary’s assumption invites us to follow her
On August 15, we celebrate Mary’s assumption into heaven.
In no. 966 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church it says, “The Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death.”
Shows us how to love
Mary’s assumption can motivate us to reflect upon events that led to her being assumed into heaven as a reward for her faithfulness.
Let’s remember chaplains on Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May.
On Memorial Day, we honor military personnel who died in the service of our country, particularly those who died in battle or from wounds sustained in battle.
This includes military chaplains.
St. Joseph was an instrument of God’s mercy
A friend sent me a Christmas card that he proudly created. It featured a picture of Mary lovingly holding the infant Jesus. Under the picture were the words, “Who is Missing?”
The answer is St. Joseph, who as the head of the Holy Family, was there to support Mary as she gave birth to Jesus on Christmas. We honor him as a great saint because he was the foster father of Jesus who with Mary guided young Jesus as he grew in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge.
Role as protector
Joseph exercised his role as protector of Mary and Jesus discreetly, humbly, and silently. He did so with an unfailing presence and fidelity, even when he found it difficult and confusing.
Lent has surprisingly modern appeal
Christians around the world mark Lent’s beginning by celebrating Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10 this year.
Lent has a surprising modern appeal. Some pastors say that next to Christmas, more people come to church on Ash Wednesday than on any other day, including Easter.
Facing a basic truth
The ashes help us face a basic truth that we may try to avoid, namely death. When we receive ashes, the priest or deacon says, “Remember, you are dust and unto dust, you shall return.” They may also say, “Repent and believe the Good News!”
Combined, the words remind us that we will die and return to dust; therefore, while we’re still alive, we are to repent and believe the Good News!
Let’s continue to speak for the unborn
Have you ever seen a speaker weep when giving a talk on abortion? I have.
When I taught high school religion, a pro-life doctor gave a talk to my classes. As he described the tragedy of aborted babies, he wept.
Never before or since have I seen anyone weep while talking about aborted unborn babies. His tears convinced me that he truly believed that unborn babies were human persons and aborting them destroyed human life.
Responsible fathers are compassionate and good examples for their children
After Bubba Watson won the 2014 Masters, his two-year-old adopted son, Caleb, waddled onto the green to be embraced by his father.
He reminded me of John F. Kennedy Jr., saluting his father’s casket. Bubba Watson’s wife followed Caleb, and the entire family basked in the moment of glory.
Bubba Watson’s dad nicknamed him “Bubba” after former NFL player Bubba Smith, who was a good role model.
He said that his son Caleb is teaching him how precious life is. “He puts life in perspective,” he said. “Golf is a game. When I play bad, he doesn’t care. When I play great, he doesn’t care. All he cares about is, ‘Daddy give me a hug. Daddy pick me up.'”
Besides his family, another influence on Watson’s game is his faith. “Looking at my son, I want to be as Christ-like as possible,” Watson said. “I’ll never be perfect. I’m always going to mess up, but my whole goal is to be the role model for my son.”
Marking 150th anniversary of Venerable Father Mazzuchelli’s death
To the editor:
During 2014 we celebrate the sesquicentennial commemoration of the Venerable Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli’s death. On February 23, 1864, after a sick call near Benton, Father Mazzuchelli died as he lived — bringing Christ to others.
Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli: an inspiration in the Year of Faith
Carlo Gaetano Samuele Mazzuchelli was born on November 4, 1806 in Milan, Italy. He died in 1864 as pastor of St. Patrick’s, Benton. Years later, as pastor of St. Patrick’s, I walked the parish grounds, presided at Mass, and visited his rectory and grave. My knowledge and admiration of him deepened. He certainly is an inspiration in this Year of Faith.