In the context of our continued observance of October as Respect Life Month, this week’s topic reflects the title and contents of the United States Bishops’ document: “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.” This document complements the teaching of bishops in…

One of the saddest phrases in all of Scripture is spoken by Pontius Pilate. He is questioning Jesus and he knows in his mind and heart that Jesus is innocent. He weakly tries to find a way to release Him…

You may have heard of a book written by the Servant of God, Father Walter Ciszek, S.J. (1904‑1984), titled “With God in Russia” (Ignatius Press, 1997). After his ordination to the priesthood in 1938, Father Ciszek, a Pennsylvania native, served…

We know that the City of Philadelphia has many historical reminders of our country’s history. Many tourists come to view our historical sites and artifacts, especially during these summer months. One of these historical exhibits that is less well known…

The liturgical celebration of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, is of great significance to Catholics throughout the world as well as to those of us here in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, where our Cathedral bears their names. These…

In the course of the long history of the human race, there has only been a comparatively brief period in which fatherhood has been celebrated with a holiday. In the United States, the first modern Father’s Day celebration was held…

This week, we continue our brief Lenten series addressing the three principal themes of this liturgical season: prayer, almsgiving and fasting. Last week, we reflected on prayer and this week we continue with the theme of almsgiving.

All three of these concepts are expressions of the basic purpose of Lent, which is a turning to God, a conversion of heart. In this context, we are not necessarily speaking about a major conversion from a life of sin or the process of entering the Church or coming into full communion with her. For us conversion is the response to the constant challenge of the Christian life to turn away from sin and turn towards our loving God. We meditate on this call to conversion in a special way during Lent and remind ourselves that conversion takes place in relation to God, to others and to ourself. Prayer calls us to conversion to God by an increased communication with Him, which always leads to greater fidelity. Next week, we will discuss fasting, which aids our interior personal conversion. Almsgiving, which we address this week, highlights conversion towards our neighbor. It is an opportunity to practice charity which, as the Scriptures tell us, "covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8).

What is almsgiving?

After centuries of waiting and preparation on the part of the Chosen People, God sent the Savior into the world to bring us peace, to take away our sins, to teach us how to live in justice, harmony and love:…

One of the characteristics of Christianity from its earliest days has been the fact that it is embraced by both rich and poor. This is, of course, according to the preaching of our Lord Jesus Christ, who offers His salvation…

Mission Mandate

At the end of the Gospel of Saint Matthew, we read a passage of especially great importance. Having seen Christ, risen from the dead, the disciples at last become fully aware of who Jesus is: the Messiah, in whom…