iPadre #203 – The New Translation – 1

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After a long and drawn out process, the new translation of the Roman Missal was approved by the Holy See.  Just  a week ago, Francis Cardinal George announced the date we will begin using the new translation in diocese of the United States of America.  Why a new translation?  There has been so much change in the last 40 years or so, can’t we just leave things alone?  We’ll talk about all that and more. [Read more]

iPadre #202 – Communication in the Church

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In this episode, I interview Fr. Cyril Sandou from the Archdiocese of Pondicherry in India.  Fr. Sandou was appointed the first director of communications by his Archbishop.  We also cover some great feedback.  The question was asked, “Is applause appropriate during the Mass?”. [Read more]

Pilgrimage

When was the last time you went on a pilgrimage? A few years ago, I decided to do something during the summer months to bring my parishioners together, and hopefully inspire their faith life and devotion. My plan was to organize Summer parish pilgrimages. I wasn’t sure how well it would work out, but we are now in our third year. The pilgrimages are only day trips to shrines within driving distance. So far we have traveled to the Shrine of the North American Martyrs, the National Shrine of Divine Mercy, St. anthony’s Shrine in Kennebunkport, ME, the Benedictine Monastery in Still River and St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer for vespers just to name a few. For many, we left early in the morning and I celebrated Mass at the destination, we pray together, have personal prayer time and usually stop for lunch or dinner together. We have ranged in numbers from 12 up to 35 people.

So why go on pilgrimage? The purpose of pilgrimage has always been to see a special favor through the intercession of a particular saint, the Blessed Virgin or from Our Lord Himself. However, pilgrimage is also to remind us that we are not in the world forever. We are “strangers and pilgrims in a foreign land”. Life is short and temporary. Whether we are on pilgrimage to Rome, Fatima or som small unknown shrine in our own neighborhood, our ultimate journey is to the Father house.

If you haven’t gone on pilgrimage in a while, why not gather a few friends and seek out God’s many graces by visiting a local shrine. Spend the day together in prayer and fellowship as we all journey to God’s kingdom!

Priestly Obedience

What is the problem with some of my brother priests?  I just can’t understand their reasoning!  In the past few days alone, I have read about two disobedient priests and one Archbishop.  All three are causing division in the Church.  One priest is leading a Catholic parish in St. Louis that is in open rebellion against the bishop.  A few years ago, Archbishop Burke tried to bring one of his parishes in his jurisdiction into conformity with diocesan and universal Church law.  When the parish refused the bishop’s pleas, a priest with a shady past decided that he was going to be a hero and jump in the scene.  Since then, Marek Bozek has been excommunicated and laicized.

When Bishop Richard Lennon decided to close a parish, Fr .Robert Marrone, formed a worship center and was joined by 325 parishioners of his former parish.  They have formed the community of St. Peter.  I’m sure St .Peter would have a word or two with Fr. Marrone.

And finally, the former Archbishop of Zambia, Emmanuel Milingo, who was excommunicated and is now laicized is being made patriarch of Africa by some sect.

Is there something I’m missing?  We were vowed to obedience, yet we can pick and choose what and who we want to obey, and if we don’t like it, we don’t have to obey it.  This is a major problem among “liberals” and “conservatives” who choose what they will accept and not accept.  Get real guys and live your vow of obedience, reconcile with the chief shepherd and stop causing fractions in the Church!

There is a common thread in the three above mentioned men and that is the same that was embraced by Lucifer at the fall, “I will not serve”.  Before the bishop layed his hands on out heads, in the sacred rite of ordination, we placed our hands in his and were asked: “Do you promise respect and obedience to me and my lawfully elected successors?”  to which we responded: “I do”.

Am I missing something?  Do these men know what they did on the day they were raised to Holy Orders?  I promised that I would give respect and obedience to my ordaining bishop and to his lawfully chosen successor.  There is no way that I can do the contrary in good conscience.  St. Paul wrote that there are some who have had our consciences “seared”.  The reality is, we know what is right and wrong, because the law “is written in our hearts”.

iPadre #201 – The Assumption of Mary

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Most Marian celebrations and dogmas are greatly misunderstood.  The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of those dogmas that people don’t understand in it’s proper context.  In this episode, I’ll share my homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption. We also go over some feedback. [Read more]

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