Updates + News

Greetings, readers. A few things to point out:

Pope Francis has declared the coming liturgical year the Year of St. Joseph. I am very pleased about this, as I love St. Joseph. Some say that after Mary, he is the most important human in the Church (there is a more elegant way to put that, but you know what I mean). He has names like Guardian of the Word Incarnate (that’s Jesus), and Terror of Demons. Amen!

Also, I recently watched a movie about Polish priest Fr. Jan Zieja, called Truth Makes Free. Watch it if you have the opportunity! His story has a very JPII feeling, though I think he was a bit older. In the film description, he is described as being a “rebel” priest, but one thing is clear - he took his calling and vocation seriously, he loved God with all his heart, and he desired for others to know God. He was famous for condemning all forms of killing (while having to fight himself in the various Eastern European conflicts in the early 20th century), chose poverty, and dedicated the latter years of his active life to fighting communism. All worth knowing about.

My church is doing a nice thing now, during Lent: every Tuesday after noon Mass is adoration. So I go, and pray for people I know, and all the strangeness going on in our world. That’s really all there is to that story; it’s just a nice thing.

May your Advent continue to be bright and reflective.

Guadalupe Radio interview from Monday, November 23

Today is the first day of Advent. O come, o come, Emmanuel!

On Monday this week, I had a grand ol’ time speaking with Mike and Joe on Washington, DC’s Guadalupe Radio/WMET show, “Catholicism on the Beltway.” I talked about my faith journey back to the church, thoughts on keeping Advent, and more.

You can listen to the audio in the player here:

https://www.grnonline.com/en/listen/listen-again/234-catholicism-on-the-beltway

Select November 23 in the player, and my part begins at 30:12.

This was recorded in person, which added to the fun. Guadalupe is also housed within the EWTN studios, so I also got to check out Raymond Arroyo’s set and even met Ed Condon, co-host of one of my favorite podcasts, CNA Editor’s Desk, who happened to be at work that day. So, a super fun day, and I hope to be back soon.

Speaking of Guadalupe - I would like to remind you that the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is on Saturday, December 12. That means her novena starts on December 4, which is this Friday. Just letting you know! You can find various version of her novena online.

Today started the Immaculate Conception novena, by the way. Whatever your intentions, I feel any prayer directed toward Mary always does well to include a prayer for peace in our world, and especially our country.

Lastly, I have another 20-minute spot on Morning Air at 7 am eastern tomorrow (Monday) morning. Theme: saints who waited, building on the Advent discussion from a few weeks ago. It seem waiting (as we do at Advent) is part of the Christian life, and there are many saints who modeled waiting well. You can tune in and listen online using the player here.

Be well and may your Advent season be full of light!

Advent: Giving 2020 Back to God

Did you know that the beginning of Advent is precisely one week away? Hoowee!

I wrote an article for Catholic Stand called Advent: Giving 2020 Back to God. My motivation was I began to see myself looking to the end of the year and thinking, oh, what’s the point? Of keeping traditions, I mean. Then I thought more about it and began to see Advent as a time and place to push back against - against the darkness, against desolation. Advent is traditionally a time for waiting, watchful hopefulness, anticipating the birth of Christ. Well, we certainly have gotten very good at waiting this year. And so this year, Advent is an invitation to continue on in the faith, and give the year and all its weirdness back to God. Here you are, Lord, you may have it.

One announcement: tomorrow I will be on Guadalupe Radio. A couple posts ago I made the same announcement but we had to move it. I still don’t know what time it airs, though! I think 2 pm eastern-ish. Anyway, it will be fun.

Thanksgiving is this week. Have a good one!