Browsing the 2014 archive of Blog

Rediscovering the Martyrology

Posted by Bob Herz on 11/15/14

The Catholic Church began compiling “martyrologies”—lists of saints, typically martyrs—during the first centuries after Constantine. In the pre-Vatican II breviary, a reading from the Roman Martyrology, or what we might call the Catholic Book of Witnesses, was an integral part of the Office of Prime, the “hour” recited after ... Read More »

Seminarian with terminal brain cancer 
responds to Brittany Maynard

Posted by Bob Herz on 11/11/14

 by Philip G. Johnson—10/22/14

Last week I came across the heartbreaking story of Brittany Maynard, a 29-year- old woman who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer one year after her wedding. When doctors suggested that she might only have six months to live, she and her family moved from ... Read More »

Pope Francis Homily: HOLY MASS FOR THE OPENING OF THE EXTRAORDINARY SYNOD ON THE FAMILY

Posted by Bob Herz on 10/12/14

HOMILY OF POPE FRANCIS Vatican BasilicaSunday, 5 October 2014 Video

  Today the prophet Isaiah and the Gospel employ the image of the Lord’s vineyard.  The Lord’s vineyard is his “dream”, the plan which he nurtures with all his love, like a farmer who cares for his vineyard. Vines ... Read More »

Pope Francis Homily: MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE EQUIVALENT CANONIZATION OF TWO CANADIAN SAINTS

Posted by Bob Herz on 10/12/14

Vatican BasilicaSunday, 12 October 2014 Video

 

We have heard Isaiah’s prophecy: “The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces…” (Is 25:8). These words, full of hope in God, point us to the goal, they show the future towards which we are journeying. Along this path the ... Read More »

Marriage - from the Bulletin

Posted by Bob Herz on 10/12/14

The struggle in defense of traditional marriage is not over. The court rulings virtually guarantee a stream of additional lawsuits as federal benefits for same-sex married couples come into potential conflict with state laws and constitutions banning same-sex marriage, and as those couples move from state to state. The ... Read More »

A Universal Synod on the Family Begins October 5, 2014

Posted by Bob Herz on 10/04/14

If there’s one thing we can be sure of regarding the upcoming extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, it’s that the eyes of the entire world will be upon it. Already the gathering has garnered attention from the likes of Time magazine, The New York Times and others, ... Read More »

Mons Yennock Homily: File Room - Twenty sixth Sunday of the year sept. 28, 2014

Posted by Bob Herz on 9/29/14

In the second reading St. Paul, reflecting on his own sinfulness, reminds us that Jesus emptied himself, took the form of a slave, and humbled himself when he became obedient to the point of death on a cross to redeem us of our sins.  

 Today we are going ... Read More »

Mons Yennock Homily - Pope Francis in South Korea Aug. 14 to 18, 2014

Posted by Bob Herz on 9/23/14

Pope Francis in South Korea Aug. 14 to 18, 2014

A 22 yr. Old Korean girl who overcame anorexia asked Pope Francis if she could come to lunch with him when she’s in Rome. He didn’t hesitate for a moment before saying yes. That’s a sample of how comfortable ... Read More »

Untangling the Catholic Web

Posted by Bob Herz on 8/16/14

Untangling the Catholic Web

The Vatican vatican.va  You'll find enough here to keep you busy for hours on end. On the home page is a handy way to find all the recent writings, activity and news relating to Pope Francis. You can check out photos and follow his current ... Read More »

History Feast of Mary — The Assumption

Posted by Bob Herz on 8/15/14

 THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY:

A BELIEF SINCE APOSTOLIC TIMES

The Assumption is the oldest feast day of Our Lady, but we don't know how it first came to be celebrated.

Its origin is lost in those days when Jerusalem was restored as a sacred city, at the time of ... Read More »