FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
We all know that Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd. We hear him do it again in today’s Gospel. But, what do you know about shepherding sheep? If you’re like me, probably very little. One of the interesting things to know about shepherding sheep, as opposed to herding cattle, is that, unlike cattle, who are best moved along from behind, sheep prefer to be led. And, in our Lord’s time, almost all families had a little flock of sheep, along with a plot of land where they would […]
St. Martin de Porres Visit/First Communion Class/Deacon David
We’re happy to have Fr. Wilfred Emeh, the parochial administrator of our sister parish, St. Martin de Porres, celebrate our 5:00pm and 9:30am Masses this weekend as we continue our 45-year tradition of sharing our faith with our sister parish. And, as they have done for many years, members of St. Martin de Porres parish will join us at the 5:00pm Vigil Mass. This year, their parish choir, along with members of our adult choir, will lead us in lively song! We will then host our sister parishioners for dinner […]
Reflection of Pope Leo XIV at the Vigil for Peace
Reflection of Pope Leo XIV at the Vigil for Peace
Last Saturday, 11 April, Pope Leo XIV led a Vigil for Peace. I offer you his reflection during that Vigil for your prayerful consideration:
Dear brothers and sisters,
Your prayer is an expression of that faith which, according to the words of Jesus, moves mountains (cf. Mt 17:20). Thank you for accepting this invitation to gather here at the tomb of Saint Peter and in so many other places around the world to pray for peace. War divides; hope unites. Arrogance tramples upon […]
Second Sunday of Easter
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
Shalom: peace be with you! This greeting appears three times in today’s Gospel. When Jesus offered his peace to his frightened disciples, he was not just offering a pleasantry; he was offering his mercy. You will recall that the English word “mercy” derives from the Latin word “misericordia.” The second half of that word – “cordia” sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Our English word – “cardiac” – comes from that word, speaking of things pertaining to the heart. But, when we think of heart, besides that vital organ, […]
Divine Mercy Sunday
WELCOME BACK, DEACON DAVID!
As quickly and unexpectedly as he left, we’re delighted to announce that Deacon David has returned. You will recall that, due to the challenging situation between China and the Vatican, his ordination to the priesthood here in Philadelphia remained uncertain. Then, at the invitation of the Diocese of Orange, California, he left us on 2 February with the idea that he would be ordained there and serve the Chinese community in that diocese. In the intervening two months, however, an arrangement has been made between […]
Easter Sunday
Alleluia! Do you know what that word means? We have purposely avoided using it throughout Lent and now we proclaim it over and over again. As you will read in my Parish Bulletin article, it’s a combination of two Hebrew words: “hallelu” – the plural imperative of “hallel” – which means “praise” and “yah” the first half of the Hebrew word for God: “Yahweh.” So, it literally means, “Everyone, praise God!” And, indeed, we praise God in a special way today as we gather on this Easter Sunday to celebrate […]