As you may recall, I was the chancellor of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem before I was assigned here in 2011.  In that previous position, I had the privilege of working with this international Catholic organization that supports the Christians living in the Holy Land, most particularly in the West Bank and Gaza.  We would raise approximately $10 million annually to support parishes, schools, orphanages and hospitals operating in the West Bank and Gaza.  This support was essential for the Christians who are trapped there due […]

It’s not very often that we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent one day and Christmas the next.  The last time this occurred was six years ago in 2017 and it won’t happen again until 2028.  As I have heard from so many, it seems that Christmas has come much sooner, even though it’s on the 25^th of December, as it is every year.  As we end the Advent Season and jump right into Christmas, allow me to reflect on the significance this time has for all of us.

Last Sunday, […]

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.  As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.” (Mark 1:1-2)

As we enter into this new liturgical year, we hear again today from the Gospel of Mark.  As I mentioned in last week’s article, we will be hearing almost all of Mark’s Gospel over the course of this year since it is year B in the liturgical calendar.  As we begin to hear from this, […]