I am writing this column on Oct. 7. I read an article this morning recounting some of the terror and atrocities in Israel one year ago and it was very difficult to read. It was a poignant reminder of the despicable acts we are capable of if we lose respect for humanity, or if we cease to see our neighbor as being made in God’s image and likeness.
How can we measure success in our stewardship efforts?
In today’s culture success is often assumed by our worldly possessions. However, the success of anything can only be measured if there is an end goal.
SELMA — Sr. Mary A. Cashman, C.D.P., the director of Edmundite Missions’ New Possibilities Youth Program in Selma, and her fellow students observed the “Season of Creation” in a special way.
Ever consider the permanent diaconate?
The Archdiocese of Mobile will conduct inquiry sessions beginning in January for those interested in entering the formation program. The series will consist of six Saturday morning sessions for the English-speaking cohort and six Sunday afternoon sessions for the Hispanic cohort throughout the archdiocese.
While many are able to celebrate Christmas in the comfort of their home or with family or friends; seafarers work for nine months of the year and only go home for Christmas if it fits their schedule.
Sister Mary Ann Wilhelm, RSM who served for decades in health care ministry, including as senior vice president and chief operating officer of Mercy Medical, passed away Sept. 29 at the age of 85 after an extended illness.
The Archdiocese of Mobile is once again participating in “Box of Joy,” a Cross Catholic Outreach ministry that sends small tokens of love and hope to some of the world’s poorest children.
Mercy Medical and the Sisters of Mercy’s legacy in Daphne is being recognized.
The first installment of a display for the Daphne History Museum honoring the Sisters of Mercy and their history in Daphne was unveiled during a ceremony Sept. 19. The display includes Mercy Medical’s history, newspaper clippings and other historical documents.
As I compose these words, I am preparing to depart for Rome for the second session of the Synod on Synodality. I was elected by my brother bishops two years ago as a delegate to this gathering, and I participated in the first round last October. As I shared with you a year ago, the synod is a lot of work! It lasts four full weeks, and we meet Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Today I would like to reflect on our consciences.
Most people who are from roughly the same era as I, have powerful images from Walt Disney that are not particularly helpful. We may recall that in the film “Pinocchio,” a benevolent figure gives Jiminy Cricket to be the “conscience” of Pinocchio. Jiminy Cricket then is set in the role of rule enforcer and guide to keep Pinocchio out of trouble. The story unfolds with Jiminy Cricket trying to get Pinocchio to do the right thing. Pinocchio knows right from wrong but is weak in character and often chooses to do the wrong or bad thing. Jiminy Cricket tries to stop him from doing wrong or at least to make amends.
It is not uncommon to hear people make statements such as: “I must follow my conscience.” “I must vote as my conscience tells me.” “I can’t do what you’re telling me because it is against my conscience.”
Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi will celebrate the annual All Souls Day Mass on Saturday, Nov. 2 at The Catholic Cemetery of Mobile, 1700 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Mass will begin at 10 a.m. behind the mausoleum. In the event of inclement weather, Mass will be held in the mausoleum chapel.
Deacon Robert Kirby faithfully served the Lord and served others until the very end.
The longtime deacon at St. Dominic Parish in Mobile had just completed leading a Eucharistic Adoration service for schoolchildren on Oct. 4 when he collapsed and passed away soon after. Deacon Kirby was 89.
While on the plane returning to the Vatican after a demanding 12-day trip to Asia, Pope Francis answered questions from reporters traveling on the plane with him. When asked about the presidential election in the U.S., the Pope answered, “One must choose the lesser of two evils. Who is the lesser of two evils? That lady or that gentleman? I don’t know. Everyone with a conscience should think on this and do it. To send migrants away, to leave them wherever you want, to leave them … it’s something terrible, there is evil there. To send away a child from the womb of the mother is an assassination, because there is life. We must speak about these things clearly.”
I think we have all had the experience of being bitten by a mosquito. In fact, we normally don’t even notice the bite in the first place, but later realize that we have been bitten. We don’t feel the bite because the mosquito numbs the area before the bite.
The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker ... Just like the Parable of the Talents, we are all blessed with unique gifts and talents. To fulfill God’s plan in our lives, we are called to work together using our gifts and talents to the best of our ability. How would we function as a society if we all had the same gifts? Think of all the career paths each of us have taken, this is because we are all blessed with unique gifts.
MONTGOMERY — As Sarah Rose Burden began her first year as an elementary teacher with Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, she was not overly nervous as most brand new educators might be about embarking on a brand new career. Miss Burden grew up learning from her mother and her grandfather, who are both teachers and former administrators at the school, and she always dreamed of one day joining the teaching profession.
Three Sisters of Mercy of the Americas - Sisters Teresa Cusack, Mary Chabanel Finnegan, and Mary Zoe Keller who together represent 215 years of service to and with God’s people—celebrated their entrance into Religious Life during a celebration on Sept. 7 at Corpus Christi Parish in Mobile. The liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Tommy Conway of the Diocese of Biloxi.
