During the next couple of months, many of us may find ourselves piling into our proverbial station wagon, or other vehicle of our choice, and undertaking a kind of journey that is in many ways iconic of the American summertime: a road trip. The purposes and destinations of these journeys are manifold, …
Loving, and Hating
Monday marked the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Loving v. Virginia case that redressed the violation of rights of Mildred and Richard Loving who were imprisoned for marrying each other. They were arrested for violating the state’s anti-miscegenation law that prohibited interracial marriage, …
A Comey Splice
As of this writing, former FBI director James Comey is scheduled to testify today before Congress about his conversations with President Trump. Both political friends and foes of the president are concerned about the nature of his testimony, hoping for cause to either exonerate our leader from, or indict him for, wrongdoing. …
“Ask not what your church can do for you. Ask…”
This past Monday marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late President John F. Kennedy, our nation‘s first and only Catholic president. The election of a Catholic president was a milestone for the church, as many wondered if we had finally arrived at the point where we could influence the nation, …
Graduation
At this time of year, school gyms, concert halls, and ballrooms across the country are abuzz with festivities leading up to a momentous event in many young lives: high school graduation. While attempting to keep pen on paper in the final few days of exams, adolescent minds are undoubtedly drifting away from…
Sacrament of Healing for Communal PTSD
The First 100 Years
With all the hype over President Trump’s first 100 days that fell within this Easter season, perhaps a reflection on the first 100 years of the church is in order. The experience of the early church is important for us, for it provides a norm for how we are to live and grow both as disciples and a church…
Oh, Brother!
Tonight at a banquet hall near center city Philadelphia, Father Judge High School will induct the newest members into its Hall of Fame. Many schools have such ceremonies to honor famous and successful alumni for their contributions to their profession, the church, society, or the school itself. When Bro. Jim…
Mustard Seed Faith: Size Doesn’t Matter
Seeds of the Word
Spring is known as the season of the emergence of new life from the dreariness of winter. New shoots bravely rise above the soil to face the sky above. Young birds courageously crack open their shells, crying out to their mother for the first time. Very often, this breaking forth of vitality happens invisibly; one needs to…
Suffering: No Escape
Today, we begin the Holy Triduum, the high holy days of the Christian tradition. The movement from betrayal, fear, and anxiety to suffering, humiliation, and death, to ultimately joy, hope, and new life is marked on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter. Intense experiences to consider during an essentially long weekend. Or, perhaps these are the deep moments of…
Fistbump as Peace Pump
A long time ago athletes would congratulate each other with a handshake. Later, high fives became the norm; both hands if there were cause for real celebration. Now, it is common to fistbump, where two people touch the fingers’ long side of each other’s clenched fist. As the prophet Isaiah exhorted violent weapons of swords to be turned into plowshares and the…
A Bid to Love
John Gottman knows what makes a marriage succeed. He can even predict which young marriages will last with 91 percent accuracy. He has studied marriage and the challenging and delightful dynamics between spouses for years. In The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, he discusses a host of behaviors that fortify or threaten this all-important relationship. …
Watch the Presentations from 14th Annual Live Jesus!
The 14th Annual Live Jesus! morning of recollection was held at St. John Neumann Church on Saturday, March 18, 2017. More than 800 disciples gathered to share faith, fellowship, and prayer as they were inspired to live Jesus, in the example of Sts. Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal. Click on the watch the three major presentations from the event.
Memorial Mass 2017
Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 2 pm
followed by reception and food
Register: nmyron@oblates.org
From Fonzie to Friends
Bruce Springsteen’s praise of Chuck Berry, who died on Friday, as “rock’s greatest practitioner, guitarist, and the greatest pure rock 'n' roll writer who ever lived” prompts pause for members of several generations. Other iconic musicians have called Berry the founder of the genre. An earliest memory…
Making the Cut
At this time of year, finding an empty sports field is a difficult task. With winter sports winding down, the tryout season has begun for sports such as baseball, rugby, lacrosse, and track. Students endeavor to show their skills and make the team, and to share in the camaraderie, adrenaline, and hope for victory…
The Simplicity of Offering
Johann Pachelbel, the great composer of the now-famous score that accompanies many brides down the aisle, died 311 years ago today. Popularly known as Pachelbel Canon in D, this piece of music evokes an ethereal wonder that can lift the ear, mind, and heart to contemplate beauty and love. No wonder it is…